Washington County, UT Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Vaccination required
- Every cat over 4 months old
- Revaccination interval
- Every 12 months for cats
- Public place rule
- Unvaccinated cat barred, §5-3B-7
- Cat licensing
- None separate from rabies tag
- Impound fee
- Same process as dogs, §5-3D-2
- Penalty
- Infraction under §5-3B-11
Summary
Washington County requires every cat over four months old to be vaccinated against rabies every twelve months, and it's unlawful under § 5-3B-7 for an owner to let an unvaccinated cat onto a sidewalk, street, alley or public place. There is no separate cat-licensing scheme, but impounded cats are redeemed under the same fee and record process as dogs.
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog or cat to suffer, allow or permit such animal to be or go upon any sidewalk, street, alley or public place within the limits of the County, exclusive of the incorporated areas, without first having had such animal vaccinated against rabies. Every dog shall be vaccinated every two (2) years against rabies and every cat shall be vaccinated every twelve (12) months with a modified rabies virus vaccine. It shall also be unlawful for any such animal to be without a tag thereon showing that such animal has been vaccinated.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-17: Code current through: Ord. 2026-1329-O, passed 8-18-2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 5-3B-6 requires the owner of any dog or cat over four months old in the unincorporated county to have the animal vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, obtain a certificate, and attach a tag to the animal's collar or harness showing the vaccination; the county commission may instead let owners buy serum and vaccinate their own animals by resolution. Section 5-3B-7 then makes it 'unlawful for the owner of any dog or cat to suffer, allow or permit such animal to be or go upon any sidewalk, street, alley or public place' in the unincorporated county without first having the animal vaccinated, and requires every cat to be revaccinated every twelve months (dogs every two years) and to wear a tag proving it.
Unlike dogs, cats are not defined as 'unlicensed' animals anywhere in article B, so there is no cat license fee or tag-registration requirement distinct from the rabies tag; the article's 'UNLICENSED DOG' definition in §5-3B-1 applies only to dogs. ' The chapter does not address feral cat colonies, trap-neuter-return programs, or a cat-specific at-large prohibition.
Violations & Fines
Failing to vaccinate a cat, or letting an unvaccinated cat onto a public sidewalk, street or place, violates §5-3B-7. Unless a specific section says otherwise, Article B violations are infractions under § 5-3B-11, not misdemeanors. An impounded cat cannot be redeemed until the owner produces proof that the required license and vaccination fees have been paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Washington County require cats to be licensed like dogs?
Can my cat be outside without a rabies vaccination?
What happens if animal control impounds my cat?
Does the county have a feral cat or trap-neuter-return program?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington County
Compare Washington County to another location·View the Utah animal ordinances overview
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