Howard County, MD Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Cat license
- Required annually
- Rabies vaccine
- Required from 4 months
- At-large rule
- Off-property, uncontrolled
- Leash mandate
- None specific to cats
- Community cats
- TNR supported
Summary
Howard County requires cats, like dogs, to be licensed annually and kept currently vaccinated against rabies from four months of age. Cats must not run at large onto neighbors' property, but the county has no strict cat leash mandate.
Pet owners must continuously maintain a rabies vaccination for dogs, cats and ferrets that are four months of age and older.
Full Breakdown
Under Howard County's animal control law, cat owners must purchase an annual county license for each cat and must continuously maintain a rabies vaccination for dogs, cats and ferrets that are four months of age and older. A domesticated animal, including a cat, is "at large" when it is off the owner's property and not under a responsible person's control, and owners must keep animals from becoming a nuisance to neighbors. Howard County participates in trap-neuter-return efforts for community cats. There is no cat-specific leash requirement, but a cat causing damage or repeatedly trespassing can lead to complaints and impoundment by Animal Control.
Violations & Fines
Failure to license a cat or maintain its rabies vaccination is enforced by Howard County Animal Control with civil citations and fines. Cats found at large or creating a nuisance may be impounded, with reclaim fees owed by the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to license my cat in Howard County?
Can my cat roam the neighborhood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Howard County
Compare Howard County to another location·View the Maryland animal ordinances overview
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