Macon-Bibb County, GA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Under Section 5-10(a), anyone who owns, keeps, harbors, or has custody of a cat six months old or older within county limits for more than 120 days in a 12-month period must register it with the Macon-Bibb County Animal Welfare Department and obtain a registration license tag. At first registration the owner produces proof of current rabies vaccination, then forwards each renewal to the department. If the records lapse, the annual registration is invalid. A licensed veterinarian must vaccinate the cat before a license issues, unless that veterinarian certifies that the vaccine would be detrimental to the animal.

Licenses run for one year and renew annually. Kittens get their first rabies shot within 16 weeks after birth, and the shot is renewed each year on or within thirty days before the issue date. The license tag and rabies tag can be combined in one metallic tag handed out by the veterinarian at vaccination. A cat vaccinated outside the county can receive a separate license tag. Yearly license, duplicate tag, and transfer fees are set by Animal Welfare Department regulations, and up to fifty percent of the fees can fund a low cost spay/neuter program. Under Section 5-11(b), cat and dog owners must show proof of their licenses on request by animal welfare officers and the Office of the Sheriff. Section 5-12(c) requires every female cat in heat to be kept segregated from males, except for intentional breeding by the owner.

Article IV adds the sterilization layer. Section 5-42 bars anyone from keeping a cat six months of age or older that is not spayed or neutered unless the owner holds an unaltered animal permit for that cat or an exemption applies. An annual permit and tag costs $10.00 and lasts 12 months. A lifetime permit and tag costs $100.00 and lasts for the life of the cat. The owner must show proof of identification micro-chipping before the permit issues, and the tag must stay securely fastened to the collar or harness at all times. Under Section 5-45 the owner has thirty days from the cat reaching six months, or thirty days from acquiring an older cat, to sterilize it or obtain the permit. Section 5-46 requires written notice to the department of a change of address or ownership within thirty calendar days.