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Columbia Same—License fee levied ordinance (§ 5-65)

Chapter 5: Animals and Fowl · Article III. Dogs, Cats and Other Animals

In short: Dog and cat licenses cost $5 for up to one year, $10 for up to two and $15 for up to three if the pet is neutered (verified in writing) or 3 to 12 months old. Intact pets over 12 months cost $15, $30 and $45. Certified assistance dogs and police dogs are exempt.

Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.

(a) There is hereby levied for each domestic cat or dog between the ages of three (3) months and twelve (12) months, and for each neutered domestic cat or dog of any age kept, harbored or owned within the city a license fee of five dollars ($5.00) for any period of time not to exceed one (1) year; and ten dollars ($10.00) for any period greater than one (1) year, but not exceeding two (2) years; and fifteen dollars ($15.00) for any period greater than two (2) years but not exceeding three (3) years. "Neutered" shall include both male and female animals irreversibly rendered incapable of reproduction by surgical or chemical procedure when such is verified in writing by the animal owner.

(b) There is hereby levied for each intact domestic cat or dog over the age of twelve (12) months kept, harbored or owned within the city a license fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) for any period of time not to exceed one (1) year; and thirty dollars ($30.00) for any period greater than one (1) year, but not exceeding two (2) years; and forty-five dollars ($45.00) for any period greater than two (2) years but not exceeding three (3) years. "Intact" shall include all dogs or cats not certified in writing by the owner to have been irreversibly chemically or surgically rendered incapable of reproduction.

(c) The licensing fees of this section shall not apply to any certified working dog trained to assist handicapped individuals.

(d) The licensing fees of this section shall not apply to any trained dog maintained and utilized by the Columbia Police Department so long as it is maintained and utilized as a police dog.

Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 5-65

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.