Leander, TX Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Leander treats cats more permissively than dogs. According to the city's Animal Services guidance and Chapter 2 code, cats are not required to be on a leash, but they must wear their rabies tag unless they are part of a feral cat organization and have been ear-tipped. The at-large prohibition does not apply to a domestic cat that has been vaccinated as required and is wearing the required vaccination tag, or to a feral cat that has been ear-tipped by a feral cat organization. The code provides an affirmative defense to prosecution for the cat identification requirements if the cat is shown to be feral, properly ear-tipped to indicate participation in a trap, neuter, and release (TNR) program, and vaccinated against rabies in accordance with law; the city's Animal Services unit must have access to vaccination certificates when needed. It is also city policy that feral cat organizations intending to release feral cats within Leander furnish in writing to the Animal Services unit the number of feral cats released after processing. Cats are still counted toward the household pet limit and are subject to rabies-control and bite-quarantine requirements under both the city code and Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 826.