Bellingham, WA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Cat licensing
- not required (dogs only)
- At-large impound fee
- $25 to $100
- Unsterilized/no-ID surcharge
- $20 each
- Nuisance cats
- trappable on owner complaint
Summary
Bellingham doesn't license cats like dogs, but loose cats found more than 50 feet from a dwelling without the property owner's consent can be impounded, with unsterilized or unidentified cats charged an extra $20 to redeem.
An animal shall be deemed at large whenever found upon any highway or public place and not being lawfully driven or led in transit over the same; whenever found or staked or tethered within 50 feet of the dwelling, building, or structure of another, or without the consent of the owner or lessee thereof upon the property of another; or whenever kept, found, staked, or tethered in violation of any law, ordinance, or health regulation.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Bellingham licenses dogs but not cats, BMC 7.08.010's license requirement applies only to dogs. Cats fall under Chapter 7.12's general "animals at large" rules: BMC 7.12.010 deems an animal at large when found on public property, tethered within 50 feet of another's dwelling without consent, or on another's property without permission. BMC 7.12.050(A)(1) sets cat-specific impound fees, $25 to $100 depending on repeat impoundments in 12 months, plus a $20 surcharge each for an unsterilized cat and one impounded without identification. BMC 7.12.120 also lets a property owner who reports property damage have animal control humanely trap a trespassing cat.
Violations & Fines
Letting a cat run at large exposes it to impoundment under BMC 7.12.030, plus escalating impound fees ($25 to $100) and $20 surcharges for lacking sterilization or ID under BMC 7.12.050.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to license my cat in Bellingham?
What happens if my cat gets loose and is impounded?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
Compare Bellingham to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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