Polk County, FL Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Polk County treats free-roaming unaltered cats like at-large dogs: County Code Section 4-25(c) bars redemption of any at-large, unaltered dog or cat impounded more than twice in an 18-month period until the animal is sterilized. Owners pay veterinary fees and provide a licensed vet's sterilization certificate; the procedure can be done at the shelter or by the owner's vet. A narrow exception (Section 4-25(e)) applies if a vet certifies that sterilization would harm the animal. Separately, every dog and cat four months and older must be vaccinated against rabies and wear a current rabies tag. Altered, tagged cats are subject to the general at-large and nuisance rules but not the mandatory sterilization trigger.