Hillsborough County, FL Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

(b) Any cat that is outdoors while not under direct control must be sterilized.

(c) Any dog or cat that is on private property without the consent of the property owner or resident may be captured in a humane trap or otherwise humanely confined. Persons capturing at large dogs or cats will be responsible for the humane care of the animal until the captured animal is turned over to the Department, other humane organization, or licensed wildlife trapper. A person shall not entice a dog or cat to become at large for the purpose of trapping or apprehending when that dog or cat would otherwise not be at large.

(d) In order for a dog or cat to be allowed on a public street, road, park or other public property, excluding public right-of-way on an owner's private property or unless otherwise specifically permitted, the dog or cat shall be under the direct control of the owner or keeper, except while hunting pursuant to permit or during a legitimate obedience demonstration, show, trial, training exercise, competition, show and/or match or educational program, so long as proper precautions are taken by the owner of the dog and/or sponsor of the event to ensure the safety and protection of both the public and other animals.

(e) Ear-tipped cats and ear-tipped cat caretakers shall be exempt from paragraphs (a) and (d).

(f) The Department and/or Animal Control Officers and/or any Animal Welfare Organiza-