Huntington, NY Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- Town Code § 78-20, Rabies vaccination required
- Minimum age triggering duty
- 4 months old
- Compliance window
- 10 days after officer's request
- Rabies violation fine
- $100-$250, plus $500 if cat bit someone
- Cat licensing
- Not required in Huntington
- Surrender-for-euthanasia fee
- $50 ($45 with senior discount)
Summary
Huntington requires every cat four months or older to be vaccinated against rabies, with narrow exceptions for short-term visiting cats and shelter or hospital cats. The Town does not license cats the way it licenses dogs, but a resident can surrender a cat to Animal Control for euthanasia for a fee.
Any person owning, possessing or harboring a cat four (4) months of age or over in the Town of Huntington shall be required to have the cat vaccinated to prevent the spread of rabies, except that a rabies vaccine is not required as follows: (1) To a cat brought into the Town for a period not to exceed fifteen (15) days; cats in the custody of an incorporated society devoted to the care of lost, stray or homeless animals; cats confined to public or private hospitals devoted to the treatment of sick animals; and cats confined to educational or research institutions for the purpose of research.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4940543; v75 updated 2026-06-09; through 06-09-2026).
Full Breakdown
Town Code § 78-20(A), in Article III of Chapter 78, requires anyone owning, possessing or harboring a cat four months of age or older to have it vaccinated against rabies. Exceptions apply to a cat brought into the Town for no more than 15 days, cats in the custody of an incorporated society caring for lost, stray or homeless animals, cats confined to public or private animal hospitals, cats confined to educational or research institutions, and cats whose health would be endangered by vaccination if a licensed veterinarian certifies that in writing to the Animal Control Officer or Town Clerk.
Section 78-20(B) makes it a violation to fail or refuse to submit the cat for vaccination within 10 days of a request from an Animal Control Officer, peace officer, police officer or health officer. Unlike dogs under Article II, Article III contains no license requirement for cats. Section 78-19 lets a Town resident surrender an owned cat to the Animal Control Officer for immediate euthanasia at the officer's discretion, for a $50 fee, with a $5 discount for qualifying senior citizens, plus a $25 cremation fee, or $25 if cremation alone is requested. Section 78-22 shields the Town and its Animal Control Officer from liability for destroying or adopting out an animal under this article.
Violations & Fines
Town Code § 78-23(A) sets a general Article III fine of $100 to $500 for a first offense, $250 to $1,000 for a second offense within five years, and $750 to $2,500 for a third or later offense. Section 78-23(B) specifically punishes a rabies-vaccination violation with a fine of $100 to $250, plus up to $500 more if the cat is reported to have bitten a person or another domestic warm-blooded animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Huntington require a cat license like it does for dogs?
By what age must my cat be vaccinated for rabies?
What happens if I ignore a vaccination request from Animal Control?
Can I have the Town euthanize my cat?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Huntington
New York rules heatmap·Compare Huntington to another location·View the New York animal ordinances overview
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