Harford County, MD Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Shelter required for
- cats kept outside or unheated
- Shelter floor
- raised at least 4 inches off ground
- Bedding exemption
- May through September only
- First civil penalty
- $50, rising to $150 then $500
- Criminal penalty
- $25-$1,000 fine and/or up to 90 days
Summary
Harford County requires anyone who keeps a cat outside or in an unheated enclosure to provide a moisture-proof shelter, insulating bedding, and daily food and water under Section 64-24. The Sheriff's Office enforces this Animal Care chapter alongside the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits.
A. Any dog or cat which is kept outside or in an unheated enclosure shall be provided with: (1) A moisture-proof structure, made of durable building material with no metal interior surface, which shall be suitable in size to accommodate the dog or cat and to allow for the retention of body heat, shall include a solid floor raised at least 4 inches off the ground, shall have an entrance covered by a suitable covering or be designed in such a way as to prevent the elements from blowing directly into the shelter. ( ... 2) A sufficient quantity of bedding material suitable to provide insulation and protection against cold and dampness and to promote the retention of body heat. (3) A sufficient supply of food and potable water for daily consumption. B. The provisions of Subsection A(2) shall be suspended during the months of May through September.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4988582; v46 updated 2026-06-09; through 06-09-2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 64-24A requires a dog or cat kept outside or in an unheated enclosure to have a moisture-proof structure of durable material with no metal interior, sized to hold body heat, with a solid floor raised at least 4 inches off the ground and an entrance shielded from the elements. The same subsection requires sufficient bedding to insulate against cold and dampness, plus a sufficient daily supply of food and potable water. Section 64-24B suspends only the bedding requirement from May through September, so the shelter, food and water duties run year-round. The provision sits in Article IV, Animal Care; Abuse; Cruelty, alongside the county's general animal cruelty and tethering rules; Section 64-25 separately requires any tether to be at least 15 feet long with a swivel at both ends, which reaches tethered cats as well as dogs.
Violations & Fines
Section 64-29 requires the Sheriff or a designee to serve a $50 civil penalty notice for a first Article IV violation, rising to $150 for a second offense and $500 for a third or later offense, payable within 10 days. Section 64-28 makes an Article IV violation a misdemeanor as well, carrying a fine of $25 to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Harford County require a shelter for an outdoor cat?
Is bedding required for an outdoor cat shelter in Harford County all year?
What is the penalty for violating Harford County's outdoor cat care rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harford County
Compare Harford County to another location·View the Maryland animal ordinances overview
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