Broome County, NY Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Article VIII, Feline Rabies Control, was added by Local Law No. 6-1991. Section 305-42 defines a 'cat' as any domesticated feline three months of age or older, and an 'owner' as anyone who keeps, harbors or cares for one. Section 305-43(A) requires the owner of every cat three months or older to have it vaccinated against rabies, with the vaccine's duration of immunity matching its own specifications. Proof must be a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian, original given to the owner and a copy kept by whoever administered it, listing the cat's description, age, sex and breed, the owner's name and address, the vaccine's manufacturer, type and lot number, and the date it's due for revaccination (A(1)-(3)).

Section 305-43(B) exempts cats owned by a nonresident passing through the county for up to 15 days, cats confined to shelters for lost or homeless animals, cats confined to animal hospitals for treatment, and cats confined to college or research-institution premises for research. Section 305-44 limits when enforcement actually bites: as long as terrestrial rabies isn't significantly reported in the county, an owner faces a notice of violation and penalty only if the unvaccinated cat has bitten a person, bitten or been bitten by another warm-blooded domestic or wild animal, or been impounded by an animal control official and redeemed. If rabies is significantly reported in the county, an unvaccinated cat can be cited at any time.