Fargo, ND Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Every person having the custody or control of any dog or cat shall prevent said animal from leaving the property limits of its owner or keeper without being effectively restrained by a chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length, or, within a vehicle being driven or parked on the street. In the event any such dog or cat is found at large, the owner, custodian or keeper of such animal shall be guilty of a violation of this section.

B. Every person having custody or control of a leashed animal on property other than his own shall be equipped to, and collect said animal's solid waste when eliminated.

C. Intentionally left blank.

D. Every female dog or cat in heat shall be kept confined in a building or secure enclosure or in a veterinary hospital or boarding kennel in such manner that such dog or cat cannot come in contact with another dog or cat except for breeding purposes.

E. Animal Habitually at Large:

1. "Habitually at large" is defined as 3 or more convictions of Fargo Municipal Code section 12-0105 (A) or an equivalent offense of another jurisdiction for the specific animal, within 2 years.

2. Whenever there is reasonable cause to believe an animal is habitually at large, an application may be presented to the Fargo Municipal Court for a finding that the animal is habitually at large.

3. After receiving evidence at a hearing on the matter, the Municipal Court shall enter