Hampton, VA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Spay/neuter + Article IV license
- Impound hold
- 5+ days minimum
- Redemption fee
- $20 first day, $5/day after
- Feral colony exemption
- Free registration under Sec. 5-43
- Repeat violations
- Escalate Class 4 to Class 2 misdemeanor
Summary
Hampton cats must be spayed or neutered and licensed before running loose; unlicensed at-large cats can be impounded, and registered feral-colony caregivers are exempt from licensing under a separate program.
It shall be unlawful for any person to permit any cat owned or kept by him to run or go at large within the city unless the cat is spayed or neutered and properly licensed in accordance with Article IV, sections 5-51 through 5-60 of the Hampton City Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 5-38(b), it is unlawful to let a cat run at large unless it is spayed/neutered and licensed under Article IV (Secs. 5-51 to 5-60), and it is unlawful regardless of license status if the cat habitually damages property or creates a nuisance. Animal control impounds at-large cats for at least five days (Sec. 5-38(c)); owners redeem for $20 the first day plus $5/day. Registered feral-colony caregivers who file the Sec. 5-43 statement (free annual registration, trap-neuter-vaccinate duties) are exempt from the licensing requirement only.
Violations & Fines
First violation is a Class 4 misdemeanor, second on the same cat a Class 3, third and later a Class 2; three citations allow the city to have the cat impounded or spayed/neutered at the owner's expense (Sec. 5-38(b)(3)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Hampton Animal Control impound my at-large cat?
Do feral cat colony caregivers need a Hampton cat license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hampton
Compare Hampton to another location·View the Virginia animal ordinances overview
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