Fort Worth, TX Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Registration age
- Cats over four months
- Rabies shot
- Required by licensed vet
- Code chapter
- Fort Worth Code Ch. 6
- TNR program
- Recognized by Animal Care
- Stray hold
- About 72 hours untagged
Summary
Fort Worth City Code Chapter 6 requires cats over four months old to be registered with Animal Care and Control and vaccinated against rabies. Owners must keep proof of current vaccination, and feral colony caretakers may participate in trap-neuter-return programs.
Sec. 826.001. SHORT TITLE. This chapter may be cited as the Rabies Control Act of 1981. Sec. 826.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "Animal" means a warm-blooded animal. ... (3) "Cat" means Felis catus. ... (5) "Department" means the Department of State Health Services.(6) "Dog" means Canis familiaris.(7) "Epizootic" means the occurrence in a given geographic area or population of cases of a disease clearly in excess of the expected frequency.
Full Breakdown
Fort Worth treats cats and dogs similarly under Chapter 6. Owners must register each cat older than four months, pay an annual fee, and renew yearly. A current rabies vaccination administered by a Texas-licensed veterinarian is required before registration; certificates must be retained. Fort Worth Animal Care and Control supports community cat programs and recognizes registered TNR caretakers, who ear-tip sterilized colony cats. Indoor-only cats still need rabies vaccination; enforcement focuses on cats found at large. Lost cats impounded without identification face shorter hold periods than tagged or microchipped animals before rehoming or transfer to rescue partners.
Violations & Fines
Failure to register or vaccinate carries fines starting around fifty dollars and increasing for repeat offenses. Impoundment fees, board, and required vaccination must be paid before reclaim. Untagged stray cats are typically held seventy-two hours before transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my indoor-only cat need rabies vaccination?
Are community cats handled differently?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Fort Worth to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Cat Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle cat rules.