Smyrna, GA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Cat rules sit in Chapter 14, not in a cat-specific section. Section 14-96(b) requires all dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated by four months of age and revaccinated as recommended by the current compendium of animal rabies or a licensed veterinarian, depending on the vaccine type and duration. Section 14-96(e) makes it unlawful to keep or harbor any dog or cat over four months of age without a collar that has a valid vaccination tag attached. Cats that cannot be vaccinated for health reasons at a veterinarian's direction, and those under the suggested age, wear a collar with identification tags when off the owner's property.

The tag rule has exemptions. Cats and dogs over four months of age on the owner's property need not wear the tag if the animal is properly vaccinated and the veterinarian or caretaker has the tag or proof of vaccination available on demand of CCAC. Animals at licensed kennels, shelters or veterinary clinics are exempt on the same proof condition. Under Section 14-96(f), a cat entering the city for a temporary stay not exceeding 14 days is exempt from the tag provision but not from the rest of the chapter.

Control is covered by Section 14-11(a)(1): it is unlawful for the owner of any animal to permit it to be out of immediate control and restraint, or left unattended off the owner's premises, or on another person's property without permission. Voice control does not count as control, and off the owner's premises an animal must be on a chain, leash or tie not exceeding six feet in length, in the hands of a person able to restrain it. Section 14-11(a)(5) requires every female cat in heat to be confined so that it cannot contact an intact male of the same species, except for planned breeding.

An animal found running at large is taken and impounded at the animal shelter under Section 14-66(a). If it carries identification, CCAC must telephone the owner within 24 hours of receipt and then send certified mail if the call fails. Under Section 14-72, adopters must have adopted animals sterilized within 30 days for animals over six months, or within the first six months of age for sexually immature animals. CCAC means the Cobb County Animal Control Unit and Shelter. The code text contains no feral colony section and no separate cat license.