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Adams County, CO Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Cat license
Not required
Rabies vaccine
Required for all cats
Tag off-property
Must wear rabies tag
New-cat deadline
Vaccinate within 30 days
No-vaccine fine
$50 to $150

Summary

Adams County does not require cat licensing, but every cat must be vaccinated against rabies. Off the owner's property, a cat must wear its current rabies tag, and cats causing damage or running at large may be impounded.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Adams County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The owner or custodian of any dog or cat shall have such dog or cat vaccinated against rabies by a licensed state veterinarian... It shall be unlawful for a dog or cat to be off of the property of its caretaker without wearing its current rabies vaccination tag, which shall be affixed to the dog by means of a collar or harness.

Full Breakdown

Under the Animal Control Code, cat owners must have each cat vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, on or before the vaccine's anniversary date, unless a veterinarian certifies vaccination would harm the cat. A newly acquired cat must be vaccinated within 30 days of acquisition or of reaching six months, whichever is later. It is unlawful to possess an unvaccinated cat, and a cat off its caretaker's property must wear its current rabies vaccination tag. Cat licensing is not required (unlike dogs). Cats that cause property damage or are found at large may be humanely restrained by a property owner and reported to Animal Management.

Violations & Fines

Failure to vaccinate a cat against rabies is a petty offense: $50 (1st), $100 (2nd), $150 (3rd+). Any Code violation may reach $300 and/or 10 days jail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to license my cat in Adams County?
No. The county requires dog licensing, not cat licensing. But every cat must be vaccinated against rabies and wear its rabies tag when off your property.
Are cats required to stay indoors or leashed?
There is no cat leash mandate, but an off-property cat must display its rabies tag, and cats causing damage or found at large may be restrained and reported to Animal Management.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Adams County

All Adams County rules

Compare Adams County to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview

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