Pittsburgh, PA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- ID collar/tag required if roaming
- Citation
- Pittsburgh Code § 633.03
- Cat license
- not required, unlike dogs (§ 633.02)
- First-offense fine
- $100 plus costs (§ 633.19(c))
- Enforcer
- Bureau of Animal Care and Control
Summary
Pittsburgh doesn't license cats, but any cat allowed to roam freely must wear a collar or tag with the owner's name, address and phone number under City Code § 633.03.
No person shall keep, harbor or maintain a cat that roams freely unless the owner identifies the cat or cats with an identification collar or tag that shall clearly and legibly state the cat owner's name, address and telephone.
Full Breakdown
Under Pittsburgh Code § 633.03, any cat that "roams freely" must wear an identification collar or tag stating the owner's name, address and telephone number: this is the city's substitute for licensing, since only dogs are required to carry a license under § 633.02. Enforcement falls to the Bureau of Animal Care and Control, which also handles bite investigations and impounding of at-large animals under Chapter 633. The city separately bans declawing (§ 633.25) except for therapeutic reasons, and caps households at five dogs and cats combined (§ 633.12) unless a kennel/cattery permit is on file.
Violations & Fines
Failing to collar or tag a free-roaming cat with owner ID violates § 633.03; the Chapter 633 catch-all penalty in § 633.19(c) is $100 plus costs for a first offense, $500 for repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to license my cat in Pittsburgh?
What happens if my free-roaming cat has no ID tag?
Is declawing cats legal in Pittsburgh?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Cat Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Allegheny County handle cat rules.