Columbus, GA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Registration is separate from, and in addition to, the rabies vaccination Columbus requires for every dog and cat four months of age or older (§ 5-8). Under § 5-9(A), a cat can't be registered until a valid rabies certificate is on file, though a licensed veterinarian can certify a temporary medical exemption for a sick, injured or pregnant cat, with the deferred vaccination due within ten days of the exemption's expiration. Registration runs on a one-year or three-year cycle tied to the rabies vaccination term.

00 for three. Service animals for people with disabilities register free. New residents whose rabies certificate has six months or less remaining get half off and must register within 30 days of establishing residency; newly acquired cats must be registered within 15 days. Unlike dogs, whose tags must be worn on a collar or harness at all times, § 5-9(E)(2) leaves tag-wearing for cats to the owner's discretion, so long as proof is produced when an animal services officer asks for it. 00 at the Animal Services Division's main office, and any change of ownership must be reported there within ten days.

Registration can also be handled through participating veterinary clinics under the 'one-stop rabies vaccination-pet registration' program, or by mail. Since November 2021 (Ord. No. 21-061), day-to-day animal control operations, including registration, have been delegated to a private nonprofit vendor operating as the 'animal services division,' with the consolidated government's internal auditor serving as contract administrator.