Fremont, CA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- License required at
- 4 months of age or older
- Nonresident exemption
- 30 days or fewer per year
- Unlicensed cat status
- Presumed stray, subject to impound
- Tag alternative
- Microchip in lieu of metal tag
- Reduced fee
- Spayed/neutered cats, seniors 60+
Summary
Every cat four months or older living in Fremont must carry a city license under Municipal Code Section 6.20.030, on top of current rabies vaccination. Unlicensed cats are presumed stray and can be impounded by animal services.
It is unlawful for any person to own, maintain, or board any dog or cat four months or older that has not been licensed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, except that a license is not required for a dog or cat owned, maintained by or under the control of a nonresident of the city which is kept in the city for 30 or fewer days in any 12-month period. ... Any dog or cat that is not properly licensed in accordance with this chapter is rebuttably presumed to be an unvaccinated, stray animal and may be subject to the seizure and impoundment procedures set forth in Chapter 6.30.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 02-2026, passed May 5, 2026).
Full Breakdown
20, except for a nonresident's cat kept in the city 30 days or fewer in a 12-month period. 30. Subsection (c) exempts animal hospitals, shelters, rescuers, commercial kennels, and pet shops from licensing each cat on the premises unless that cat belongs to a staff member. 040 requires the animal services manager to receive that certificate plus the license fee before issuing a license. 070(b) lets a cat wear a microchip instead of the metal tag other pets must display, so long as the microchip carries all the same identifying information and the owner covers its cost.
050, with a reduced fee for spayed or neutered cats, a waived fee for qualifying low-income owners, and a reduced rate for seniors over 60.
Violations & Fines
An unlicensed cat four months or older is a code violation and is presumed stray under Section 6.20.030(b), making it subject to seizure and impoundment by an animal control officer under Chapter 6.30. Redeeming an impounded cat requires bringing the licensing current under Section 6.30.050(a) and paying impound and boarding costs set by council resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my cat need to be licensed in Fremont?
What happens if my cat isn't licensed and gets loose?
Can my cat wear a microchip instead of a tag?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fremont
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Cat Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle cat rules.