St. George, UT Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- At-large rule
- Cats exempt, unlike dogs
- City license
- Not required for cats
- Rabies vaccination
- Required by 4 months old
- Revaccination interval
- Every 12 months for cats
- Enforcement
- Division of Animal Control
Summary
St. George's at-large ordinance exempts domestic cats entirely: only dogs and other animals must be confined or leashed. Cats need no city license, but rabies vaccination is still required starting at four months old.
It shall be unlawful for the owner or custodian of any animal, other than domestic cats, to allow such animals at any time to run at large. The owner or person charged with responsibility for an animal found running at large shall be strictly liable for a violation of this subsection regardless of the precautions taken to prevent the escape of the animal and regardless of whether or not he knows that the animal is running at large.
C. Animals On Unenclosed Premises: It shall be unlawful for any person to chain, stake out or tether any animal on any unenclosed premises in such a manner that the animal may go beyond the property line unless such person has permission of the owner of the affected property.
D. Female Dogs In Heat: It shall be unlawful for the custodian of any female dog in heat to fail to confine such dog in a secure enclosure so as to prevent it from coming into contact with other dogs and creating a nuisance, except for planned breeding.
E. Places Prohibited To Animals: It shall be unlawful for any person to take or permit any animal in or about any establishment or place or business where food or food products are sold or displayed, regardless of how the animal may be restrained, except for seeing eye dogs, hearing dogs and dogs assisting governmental officials.
F. Attacking Dogs:
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-062, passed August 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 5-2-7B bars owners from letting animals run at large, but carves out "domestic cats" by name: cats can roam without violating this section, unlike dogs. Chapter 5-2-4's licensing scheme is titled "dog licensing" and never reaches cats, so no cat license or tag exists in St. George. Cats aren't off the hook entirely: § 5-2-6B requires rabies vaccination by four months of age and revaccination every twelve months, enforced by the Division of Animal Control.
Violations & Fines
Running at large isn't a violation for cats. An unvaccinated cat may be impounded under § 5-2-10A(5); other chapter violations are infractions under § 5-2-12, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does St. George require a cat license?
Can my cat roam the neighborhood in St. George?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. George
Compare St. George to another location·View the Utah animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.