Columbia Vaccination of domestic dogs and cats—Required ordinance (§ 5-61)
Chapter 5: Animals and Fowl · Article III. Dogs, Cats and Other Animals
In short: Dogs and cats older than three months must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, using a vaccine listed in the current rabies compendium that the director believes will be effective for the full term of the animal's license. Owners may not keep an unvaccinated one.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
No person shall own, keep, harbor or permit to be or remain on or about such person's premises any dog or cat which, if over three (3) months of age, has not been vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian with a vaccine approved and listed in the current rabies compendium which will, in the opinion of the director, be effective during the full term for which such license is issued.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 5-61
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.