Detroit does not require cat licenses but mandates rabies vaccination under Michigan law, prohibits abandonment, and authorizes Animal Care and Control to impound stray or aggressive cats running at large.
Unlike dogs, cats are not subject to a Detroit license tag, but Michigan Public Health Code requires rabies vaccination for cats over four months. DACC operates a trap-neuter-return-friendly approach with rescue partners for community cats; intentional abandonment violates MCL §750.50. Owners are responsible for nuisance behavior such as repeated property damage or unsanitary feeding stations attracting rodents, which BSEED can cite as blight. Indoor confinement is encouraged but not mandated. Lost cats found by DACC are held a minimum stray period before adoption or rescue transfer.
Abandonment is misdemeanor up to 93 days jail; nuisance citations begin around $100 and rise with repeats; impound and boarding fees apply on reclaim.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Detroit, MI
Detroit's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict the number, size, or style of residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays. Re...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no specific ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays (giant snowmen, pumpkins, Santas). Restrictions, if any, come from priva...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no citywide ordinance restricting the time of year, brightness, or duration of residential holiday lights. Restrictions arise mainly from Local H...
Detroit, MI
A built-in outdoor kitchen in Detroit requires separate trade permits from BSEED for any gas line, electrical, or plumbing work, plus a building permit if it...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no ordinance specifically regulating residential offset smokers or pellet grills. The City's nuisance and air-quality provisions (Detroit Code Ch...
Detroit, MI
Detroit follows the International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted by Michigan. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame and charcoal cooking on combustible balcon...
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