Houston Chapter 6 treats cats as companion animals subject to rabies vaccination, BARC licensing, and humane care. Free-roaming cats may be impounded; community cat caretakers should follow trap-neuter-return protocols.
Under Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 6 and Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 826, every cat over four months must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian and wear current proof of vaccination. BARC registers cats and operates impoundment for cats running at large or showing signs of illness. Cats are not subject to formal leash laws, but owners must prevent nuisance behavior, fighting, and unsanitary conditions. BARC supports trap-neuter-return for community cats through partner clinics. Sick, injured, or stray cats can be reported to 311 for BARC pickup. Multiple cat households remain subject to Houston pet limits.
Failure to vaccinate, allowing nuisance conditions, or abandoning cats can result in citations, impoundment fees, mandatory vaccination, and Class C misdemeanor charges under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 826.
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