Columbia Licensing of domestic dogs and cats—Required ordinance (§ 5-63)
Chapter 5: Animals and Fowl · Article III. Dogs, Cats and Other Animals
In short: Dogs and cats older than three months must be licensed. You may not own, keep or harbor an unlicensed one, or let one stay on or about your premises.
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 over three (3) months of age which has not been licensed.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 5-63
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.