Austin, TX Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- License age
- Cats over four months
- Rabies law
- TX H&S Code Chapter 826
- Tag display
- Recommended when outdoors
- TNR program
- Recognized by Austin AS
- Severity
- Moderate civil penalties
Summary
Austin City Code Chapter 3-2 requires cats over four months old to be licensed and currently vaccinated against rabies under Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 826. Austin Animal Services supports community cat trap-neuter-return programs alongside its No-Kill mission.
Sec. 826.021. VACCINATION OF DOGS AND CATS REQUIRED. (a) Except as otherwise provided by department rule, the owner of a dog or cat shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies by the time the animal is four months of age and at regular intervals thereafter as prescribed by department rule. (b) A veterinarian who vaccinates a dog or cat against rabies shall issue to the animal's owner a vaccination certificate in a form that meets the minimum standards approved by the executive commissioner. (c) A county or municipality may not register or license an animal that has not been vaccinated in accordance with this section.
Full Breakdown
Austin treats cats and dogs similarly under Title 3. Owners must license each cat older than four months with Austin Animal Services. A current rabies vaccination administered by a Texas-licensed veterinarian is required statewide under Health & Safety Code Chapter 826 before licensing; certificates must be retained. Licensed cats receive a tag that should be displayed on a collar when outdoors. Austin formally supports community cat programs and recognizes registered TNR caretakers, who ear-tip sterilized colony cats. Indoor-only cats still need rabies vaccination but enforcement focuses on cats found at large. Lost cats impounded without identification face shorter hold periods than tagged animals before transfer to rescue partners.
Violations & Fines
Failure to license or vaccinate carries fines starting at fifty dollars and rising for repeat offenses. Impoundment fees, board, and vaccination must be paid before reclaim. Untagged cats may be held briefly before rescue transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my indoor-only cat need rabies vaccination?
Are community cats handled differently?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Austin
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Austin to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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