San Diego County, CA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Countywide cat license
- Not required (dogs only)
- Altering deposit
- Required to redeem unaltered stray cat
- Refund window
- 30 days (5 mo. if kitten)
- Missed deadline
- Deposit forfeited to County
- No ID on cat
- Microchip fee may also apply
Summary
San Diego County doesn't license cats, but if animal control impounds your unaltered cat found at large, County Code § 62.679(b) requires you to pay an altering deposit before redemption, refundable once you prove the cat is spayed or neutered.
If an animal owner redeems an unaltered dog or cat found at large that the Department justifiably impounded pursuant to this chapter, the owner shall pay an altering deposit in addition to other redemption fees the Board establishes.
(c) A person paying an altering deposit shall be entitled to a refund if the person provides proof that the animal has been altered by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of paying the deposit, unless the animal is under four months old at the time of payment. In that case, the person paying the deposit shall be entitled to a refund if the person provides proof that the animal has been altered by a licensed veterinarian by the time the animal is five months old. A person may also obtain a refund of the altering deposit if the owner submits, within the time period that the animal was required to be altered, a written certification from a licensed veterinarian stating that due to health considerations the animal should not be altered or that the animal has previously been altered. If the person paying the altering deposit does not provide the Department with either proof the animal was altered or the written certification from a licensed veterinarian that the animal should not be altered within the period the animal was required to be altered, the person shall forfeit the deposit to the County. All forfeited deposits shall be used to offset the costs of animal control services.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
Cats aren't licensed in unincorporated San Diego County, § 62.620 requires only a dog license. But when Animal Services impounds your unaltered cat found at large, § 62.679(b) requires an altering deposit on top of standard redemption fees. You get it back if a licensed veterinarian confirms the cat was altered within 30 days of paying (five months if under four months old at pickup), or certifies altering isn't advisable. Miss the deadline and the deposit is forfeited to the County under § 62.679(c). If the cat had no ID, § 62.679(d) lets the Department also charge a microchip fee at redemption.
Violations & Fines
Failing to submit proof of spay/neuter (or a vet's written exemption) within the 30-day window, five months for kittens under four months old, forfeits the altering deposit to the County; forfeited deposits fund animal control services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Diego County require a cat license?
What happens if Animal Services picks up my unaltered cat?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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