Idaho Falls, ID Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Idaho Falls City Code Title 5, Chapter 6 covers cats alongside dogs. Section 5-6-2(A) makes it unlawful to keep or harbor any cat within the City without paying a license fee, but altered cats that have a current registered microchip need not be licensed. Section 5-6-2(B) requires all cats over four (4) months old to be vaccinated for rabies, with the vaccination certificate presented at licensing. Licenses run one year and expire December 31 (5-6-3). Section 5-6-11 governs cat behavior: cat nuisances include excessive noise, soiling public property or others' private property, and noxious odors or unsanitary conditions. Owners must prevent habitual howling that disturbs the neighborhood and must prevent their cats from depositing feces on public property or others' property and from spraying or depositing urine that damages lawns and landscaping. Animal Services investigates each complaint, issues a warning letter on the first offense, and may issue a citation on later offenses (5-6-11(D)). Notably, Section 5-5-6 (Animals at Large) exempts the domestic cat - cats are not subject to the general at-large prohibition that applies to other animals. Impounded unlicensed cats are held at least three business days; licensed or microchipped cats at least five days after owner notice (5-6-11). No cat is released from the shelter unless microchipped (5-6-11(J)).