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Lubbock, TX Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Vaccination age
Required at four months
Registration
Lubbock Animal Services tag
TNR exception
Ear-tipped colony cats
Authority
LMC Chapter 4

Summary

Lubbock requires cats over four months to be vaccinated against rabies and registered with the city. Owners must keep cats from running at large or causing nuisance, though feral colony management is allowed under approved trap-neuter-return programs.

Sec. 826.014. COUNTIES MAY ADOPT ORDINANCES AND RULES. (a) The commissioners court of a county may adopt ordinances or rules that establish a local rabies control program in the county and set local standards that are compatible with and equal to or more stringent than the program established by this chapter and the department rules adopted under this chapter.(b) County ordinances or rules adopted under this section supersede this chapter and the department rules adopted under this chapter within that county so that dual enforcement will not occur. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.Amended by: Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1610, eff. April 2, 2015.

Sec. 826.015. MUNICIPALITIES MAY ADOPT ORDINA

Source: Lubbock Animal ServicesView official code

Full Breakdown

Under LMC Chapter 4, every cat over four months must hold a current rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian and be registered with Lubbock Animal Services. Owners are responsible for preventing cats from creating nuisances on neighboring property, including repeated trespass, soiling, or fighting. Cats found at large may be impounded; reclaim requires proof of vaccination and payment of impound fees. Lubbock supports community-cat trap-neuter-return programs run by approved partners, which exempts ear-tipped feral cats from at-large impoundment when colony caretakers are registered.

Violations & Fines

Impoundment fees, reclaim charges, citation for failure to vaccinate or register, and escalating penalties for repeat nuisance violations through municipal court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are indoor-only cats required to have a Lubbock city license?
Yes, all cats over four months must be registered with Animal Services, even strictly indoor cats; rabies vaccination certificates are required at registration.
Can I feed neighborhood feral cats in Lubbock?
Yes if you participate in an approved trap-neuter-return program; otherwise feeding can trigger nuisance complaints and ownership presumption under LMC Chapter 4.

Sources & Official References

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All Lubbock rules

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