Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Individual cat license
- Optional
- Rabies vaccination for cats over 6 mo.
- Required
- Cattery license threshold
- 5+ cats, one location
- Unmicrochipped license term
- 3 years
- Microchipped license term
- Lifetime, no expiration
- Rabies-immunization fine
- $100
- Unlicensed cattery fine
- $150
Summary
Cat licensing is optional under Matanuska-Susitna Borough Code § 24.10.010(A), but rabies vaccination is not: every cat over six months must carry a current rabies vaccination, and anyone keeping five or more cats needs a cattery license. Unlicensed, unmicrochipped cats' licenses expire every three years; microchipped cats never need to relicense.
Optional license. Within the borough, it is optional to license each dog or cat. A separate kennel or cattery license is required for each species type of five or more animals over the age of six months. ... Immunization required. Within the borough, all dogs and cats over the age of six months must be vaccinated with a state of Alaska approved rabies vaccine by a licensed veterinarian, or by a state of Alaska lay rabies vaccinator, and the period of immunization has not expired.
Full Breakdown
010(C) requires every dog and cat over six months old to carry a current rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian or state-approved lay vaccinator, with a completed rabies certificate as proof; violating that immunization duty is an infraction. 020(A), even if they already hold a dog kennel license, since dual licensing is available for one combined fee. 040. Cattery facilities must provide shelter from weather, keep cats physically restrained or confined on the premises, stay free of parasites and filth, and supply adequate food and water; the cattery must also sit on property where the owner or custodian actually lives. 020(J). 010(D)(1); a microchipped or tattooed cat's license never expires once fees are paid.
Violations & Fines
Failing to immunize a cat for rabies under § 24.10.010(C) is an infraction fined $100 under the borough's schedule at § 24.40.050, the same amount charged under the parallel rabies duty at § 24.20.020(A). Operating an unlicensed cattery draws a $150 fine under § 24.10.020(A), and failing to keep cattery registration information current under § 24.10.030 draws $75. A cattery license can be revoked outright for a cruelty-to-animals conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to license my cat in Mat-Su?
How many cats can I keep before I need a cattery license?
Does my cat's license ever expire?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Compare Matanuska-Susitna Borough to another location·View the Alaska animal ordinances overview
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