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Carson, CA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

License required at
4 months of age
Tag fee
$1.00 (plus license fee)
Renewal
Annual, with late penalty
Code section
CMC § 3308 (10.20.030)

Summary

Carson requires every cat over four months old to be licensed and tagged, with fees set by the City and reduced rates for spayed/neutered animals, seniors, and service animals.

10.20.030 License – Required – Costs. Every person owning or having custody or control of any dog or cat over the age of four (4) months in the City of Carson shall obtain a license from the director for each of such dogs and cats and shall pay the fees for such licenses as set forth in Section 10.90.010.

Full Breakdown

Through CMC § 3308, Carson locally amended Parts 1 and 2 of Chapter 10.20 of the adopted L.A. County Animal Control Ordinance. Section 10.20.030 requires every person owning or having custody of a dog or cat over four months of age in Carson to obtain a license from the department director and pay the fee set in Section 10.90.010. Section 10.20.010 sets the $1.00 metallic tag fee, and the ordinance requires renewal annually with a delinquency charge for late payment. Unlicensed cats (other than those held by an approved research institution) are prohibited under Section 10.20.190, and counterfeit or transferred tags are separately barred.

Violations & Fines

Keeping or harboring a cat over four months old in Carson without a current license and tag, or possessing a counterfeit or improperly transferred license tag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do indoor-only cats in Carson need a license?
Yes. Section 10.20.030 applies to any cat over four months of age owned or kept in the City, regardless of whether it goes outdoors.
Is there a discount for spayed or neutered cats?
Yes, a related section (10.20.110) cuts the license tag fee by half or more with a veterinarian's certificate of spay or neuter.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Carson

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