Kingsport, TN Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Cat rules in the City of Kingsport sit inside Chapter 14, Animals, in three groups. First, section 14-5 makes it unlawful to suffer or permit any animal you own, or that is in your care, custody or control, to run at large. Section 14-1 defines running at large as an animal off the premises of the owner or keeper. Dogs are sent to their own rule in section 14-33, so section 14-5 is the at-large rule that reaches a cat.

Second, the rabies sections name cats directly. Section 14-59 makes it unlawful to own a dog or cat that does not have the rabies inoculation required by state law. Section 14-60 requires the owner, upon the inoculation, to procure a metal tag from the veterinarian showing the inoculation number and the year the inoculation is given, and to keep that tag attached to a collar that is kept on the cat at all times. Section 14-61 requires the owner to keep the current certificate of inoculation and to present it when requested by properly authorized officers.

Third, impoundment. Under section 14-81, animal control officers capture, confine or impound any animal in violation of the chapter and can call on the police department for assistance. If the officer can obtain the serial number from a valid rabies or license tag worn by the animal, the owner can be cited to appear in city court in lieu of impounding. Section 14-83 holds impounded animals for 72 hours, or five days if the animal wears a valid inoculation or license tag, and the animal control officer tries to notify the owner in that period. Under section 14-84 the owner reclaims the animal by agreeing to procure the required rabies inoculation and paying the applicable fees. Section 14-1 also defines a kennel as a commercial establishment where dogs or cats are bred, boarded, kept or maintained, and requires a city business license for anyone operating one.