Pocatello, ID Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Section 6.04.155(A) requires the owner or custodian of any cat that has reached three months of age to buy a cat license and renew it annually through the Animal Services Department or another duly authorized entity, running from June 1 to May 31 under subsection (C). The owner or manager of a commercial kennel or pet shop offering cats for sale may instead buy a single commercial animal establishment license under Section 6.04.160 covering every cat it offers for sale. Rather than a separate metal tag purchase, subsection (B) requires the owner to provide proof of a registered microchip, purchasable at Animal Services, veterinary clinics, or microchip clinics, which the department uses for the city tag.

The department keeps a record under subsection (D) of each license's owner name, address, phone number, and the animal's name, sex, breed, age and color. An unlicensed cat found within the city can draw a notice of violation and a fee per occurrence, set by the city council's annual fee resolution, under subsection (E), independent of any Idaho uniform citation. Beyond licensing, cats fall under the chapter's general at-large restraint rule: Section 6.04.040(C), Other Animals At Large, makes it unlawful for an owner or custodian to let any animal other than a dog run at large on city streets or public ways, or on private property without the owner's consent, unless controlled by a leash as required for dogs. Anyone keeping five or more cats at a single residence for noncommercial purposes must also obtain a multiple animal housing license under Section 6.04.170(A).