Los Angeles County, CA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- License deadline
- 30 days after acquiring or moving in
- Age threshold
- Cats over four months old
- First violation fine
- Up to $100
- Repeat violation fine
- Up to $500 each
- Leash law
- Applies to dogs only, not cats
Summary
In unincorporated Los Angeles County, every cat over four months old must be individually licensed within 30 days of acquisition or moving in, and keeping an unlicensed cat is prohibited under Title 10.
Except as provided in Sections 10.20.040 and 10.20.050, an animal owner or custodian residing in the Department's jurisdiction must obtain an individual license for each dog and cat older than four months on or before the latest of the following dates: 1. 30 days after first acquiring the dog or cat; or 2. 30 days after bringing the dog or cat into the Department's jurisdiction.
Full Breakdown
Los Angeles County Code § 10.20.030 requires an individual license and tag for every dog and cat over four months old within 30 days of acquiring it or moving it into the Department of Animal Care and Control's jurisdiction: the unincorporated area (and contract cities for Title 10 purposes). Section 10.20.190 separately makes it unlawful to harbor or keep an unlicensed cat. Unlike dogs, cats are not required to be leashed or confined outdoors: the county's at-large restriction at § 10.32.010 applies only to dogs, and the code has no feral-colony or trap-neuter-release provision.
Violations & Fines
Unlicensed cats draw an administrative citation from the Department of Animal Care and Control: up to $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second within 12 months, and $500 for each violation after that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to license my cat in unincorporated LA County?
What happens if my cat isn't licensed?
Must I keep my cat on a leash in unincorporated LA County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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