Montgomery County, MD Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Yes, same as dogs
- Altered cats
- Exempt from at-large ban
- Unaltered cats
- Must not roam loose
- First-offense fine
- $100 (Class B civil)
- Enforcing agency
- Office of Animal Services
Summary
The County requires cat licenses on the same terms as dogs, but exempts altered (spayed/neutered) cats from the general at-large ban that covers every other animal in the county.
(a) Violation. An owner must not: (1) Allow an animal other than an altered cat to be at large. An animal that is participating in a qualified activity is not at large unless the animal leaves the activity.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Montgomery County Code § 5-401 requires the Office of Animal Services to license cats under the same rules as dogs, with the Executive allowed to set a separate fee for cats. Licensing ties to rabies proof under § 5-402. Under § 5-203(a)(1), an owner may not let "an animal other than an altered cat" run at large, meaning an unaltered (unspayed/unneutered) cat outside its owner's premises without a leash or voice control violates the Chapter, while a spayed or neutered cat may roam. There is no separate feral-colony ordinance; the County's Animal Services Advisory Committee includes a seat for the Montgomery County Cat Coalition to represent feral-cat interests.
Violations & Fines
Allowing an unaltered cat at large or failing to license a cat is a Class B civil violation: up to $100 for a first offense, $150 for a repeat, with each day a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Montgomery County require cat licenses?
Can my cat go outside off-leash?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Maryland animal ordinances overview
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