Santa Clara County Code Title C requires rabies vaccination for cats over four months and sets nuisance standards. SCC Animal Services and city partners support trap-neuter-return for managed feral colonies; outdoor cat owners remain liable for damage and wildlife harm.
In unincorporated SCC and contract cities, County Code Title C requires rabies vaccination for cats over four months when a USDA-licensed feline rabies vaccine is in use, mirroring statewide veterinary practice. There is no leash law for cats, but owners are still liable for nuisance, property damage, and wildlife predation. SCC Animal Services and city shelters support trap-neuter-return: feral cats are trapped, sterilized, vaccinated, ear-tipped, and returned to managed colonies. Indiscriminate feeding that draws coyotes, raccoons, or rats may be cited under Title C wildlife-feeding language and Vector Control nuisance rules.
Citations issue for unvaccinated cats over four months, abandoning cats, or nuisance feeding that creates rodent or predator attractants. Fines start near one hundred dollars and escalate; chronic offenders face abatement orders and potential misdemeanor referrals.
See how Santa Clara's cat rules rules stack up against other locations.
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