Columbia Feral cat colony caretaker permit ordinance (§ 5-112)
Chapter 5: Animals and Fowl · Article VI. Feral Cats
In short: Anyone over 18 can apply to the city for a two-year feral cat colony caretaker permit by showing the cats are ear tipped, microchipped, neutered or spayed, and rabies-vaccinated (or are being trapped for it) and by providing written permission from the property owner. No permits are issued for colonies on public property.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) Any organization or individual over the age of eighteen (18) may submit an application to the department for a feral cat colony caretaker permit. The application shall be on a form provided by the department and shall provide the following information:
(1) A detailed description of the cats in the colony;
(2) Proof that the feral cats in the colony have been ear tipped and microchipped, neutered or spayed and vaccinated against rabies or are actively being trapped to perform the ear tipping, microchipping, neutering or spaying and vaccination against rabies;
(3) The address of the private property where the colony will be maintained;
(4) Written permission from the private property owner to maintain the colony at such address; and
(5) Contact information for the applicant and any other information that may be required by the department.
(b) Feral cat colony caretaker permits shall be issued for a period of two (2) years.
(c) An animal control officer may inspect the private property where the feral cat colony will be maintained.
(d) No feral cat colony caretaker permit shall be issued for a feral cat colony located on public property.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 5-112
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.