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Hillsboro, OR Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

At-large rule
cats specifically exempt
Ownership cap
3 cats per property
Kitten exception
under 4 months, resident female
City cat licensing
none found in Municipal Code

Summary

Hillsboro exempts cats from its at-large prohibition, so they may roam freely, but caps ownership at 3 cats per property unless extras are kittens under 4 months from a resident female, per HMC 6.20.010 and 6.20.030.

A. Running at large. No keeper may allow an animal, other than a cat, to run at large upon any street, sidewalk, public place not designated for that use or private property that is not under the control of the keeper. ... Except as provided in HMC 6.20.040, no person may keep more than: ... B. Three cats on any property unless the cats are under 4 months of age and are offspring of a resident female cat.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 1 | Community Development Code: Supplement 1).

Full Breakdown

Hillsboro Municipal Code § 6.20.010(A) singles cats out from the City's general at-large prohibition: unlike dogs and other keepers' animals, cats may roam streets, sidewalks, and public places without violating the ordinance. Ownership itself is still capped, § 6.20.030(B) limits any property to three cats unless the extras are kittens under 4 months old born to a resident female cat already living there. There is no separate City cat-licensing scheme in the Municipal Code; the dog-specific licensing section (§ 6.20.050) consents only to Washington County's dog code and does not extend to cats.

Violations & Fines

Keeping more than 3 cats without qualifying kittens violates HMC 6.20.030(B); cats otherwise sit outside the at-large enforcement HMC 6.20.010 applies to dogs and other keepers' animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal for my cat to roam in Hillsboro?
No. HMC 6.20.010(A) specifically exempts cats from the at-large prohibition that applies to other animals.
How many cats am I allowed to own?
Up to three per property, unless the extras are kittens under 4 months born to a resident female cat you already own (HMC 6.20.030(B)).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hillsboro

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsHeavy RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All Hillsboro rules

Compare Hillsboro to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview

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Cat Rules in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Washington County handle cat rules.

Beaverton, OR
Few Restrictions