Knoxville treats cats more leniently than dogs, but Chapter 5 still requires rabies vaccination, prohibits nuisance behavior, and authorizes Young-Williams Animal Center to impound stray, injured, or neglected cats found roaming on public or private property.
Knoxville City Code Chapter 5 does not impose a strict citywide leash mandate on cats, but it requires current rabies vaccination, ID, and prohibits letting a cat become a nuisance to neighbors. Young-Williams Animal Center, contracted by both the city and Knox County, runs trap-neuter-return programs for community cats and accepts surrenders. Owners who let cats damage neighboring property, defecate repeatedly in yards, or roam unvaccinated may receive citations. Tennessee state rabies law also applies and is enforced by Knox County Health Department alongside city animal services.
Citations for unvaccinated cats, nuisance roaming, or repeated complaints can bring fines and impoundment. Rabies-law violations are a state offense enforceable by health authorities.
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville does not require pets to be microchipped, but Young-Williams Animal Center microchips all adopted dogs and cats and uses chip scans to reunite stra...
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville requires dogs to be on a leash or under restraint when off the owner's property. Dogs running at large may be impounded by animal control.
See how Knoxville's cat rules rules stack up against other locations.
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