Union County, NC Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Section 6-73 of the Union County Code of Ordinances makes it unlawful for any dog or cat owner to permit a female dog or cat to remain unconfined during the erotic stage of copulation such that she is in contact with other dogs or cats or attracts other animals, though the section does not stop intentional breeding within an enclosed area on the owner's premises. Cats get one exception dogs don't: under Section 6-100(c), cats are exempted from the requirement to wear a rabies vaccination tag at all times, but a cat owner must still demonstrate proof of vaccination if an animal control officer asks.

Every cat and dog four months or older must otherwise be immunized against rabies with an approved vaccine from a licensed veterinarian under Section 6-100(c). If an unconfined female cat in heat is found off the owner's property, Section 6-133(a)(1) authorizes an animal control officer to seize and impound her, the same way officers seize dangerous dogs or nuisance animals under other parts of Chapter 6. Once impounded, Section 6-135 gives the owner 72 hours to redeem the cat by paying redemption and boarding fees before the animal shelter can offer her for adoption or euthanasia.

The rabies control provisions in Article IV of Chapter 6 apply equally to cats and dogs and are enforced by the sheriff's animal control officers under Section 6-33.