Washington DC does not require cat licensing but mandates rabies vaccination at four months and discourages free-roaming. Community cats are managed through trap-neuter-return coordinated with the Humane Rescue Alliance.
DC Code 8-1804 requires every cat over four months old to be vaccinated against rabies, with proof on demand. Unlike dogs, cats need no city license tag. Free-roaming cats are not banned, but owners can be cited under DC Code 8-1808 nuisance provisions if their cat damages property or creates sanitation issues. The Humane Rescue Alliance runs a citywide TNR program for feral colonies, ear-tipping sterilized cats and returning them. Indoor housing is encouraged; outdoor cats must still be vaccinated.
Failure to vaccinate: 100 dollars per cat; nuisance citations under DC Code 8-1808 escalate with repeat complaints; impoundment fees apply for stray captures.
Washington, DC
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Washington, DC
DC requires all dogs to be on a leash in public areas under DC Code 8-1808, with designated off-leash dog parks as the exception. All dogs over 4 months must...
See how Washington's cat rules rules stack up against other locations.
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