San Clemente does not require cats to be licensed. SCMC 6.10.130 makes cat licensing optional, though a licensed cat must have current rabies vaccination. Up to three cats may be kept per home before a private kennel permit is required.
Under SCMC 6.10.130 (Ord. 1797, eff. 11-4-2025), cats over four months may, but are not required to, be licensed with the Coastal Animal Services Authority (CASA) in the same manner as dogs; if licensed, the cat must have current rabies vaccination for the one-year registration period. There is no citywide cat leash or confinement mandate. SCMC 6.44.010 and 6.24.010 cap keeping at three cats and/or dogs before a private kennel permit is needed. Cats are 'domestic animals,' not specialty or exotic animals. Cat nuisances such as trespass or excreta on others' property are reachable under SCMC 6.24.020 and 6.24.050. The San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter, run by CASA with the Pet Project Foundation as rescue partner, handles stray cats.
There is no cat-license offense because licensing is optional (SCMC 6.10.130). Keeping four or more cats without a private kennel permit violates SCMC 6.44.010. Cat trespass or excreta nuisance is citable under SCMC 6.24.020 and 6.24.050 as an infraction.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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