Auburn, WA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- ACC 6.04.050
- Alteration required by age
- 6 months
- Exempt animals
- Guide-dog puppies in training, police service dogs
- Compliance option
- Unaltered animal license (ACC 6.04.070)
- Shelter adoptions
- Must be altered before transfer
Summary
Auburn bans owning an unaltered dog or cat over six months old unless the owner holds a city unaltered-animal license, per ACC 6.04.050. Guide-dog puppies in training and police service dogs are exempt, and any shelter dog or cat over six months must be altered before adoption.
A. No person shall own or harbor any cat or dog over the age of six months that has not been spayed or neutered unless: 1. The person holds an unaltered animal license from the city for the animal; 2. Guide dog puppies in training and police service dogs are exempted from the provisions of this section. B. Any dog or cat over the age of six months adopted from an animal shelter shall be spayed or neutered before transfer to the owner.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 7023, passed July 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
050(A) makes it unlawful to own or harbor a cat or dog over six months old that has not been spayed or neutered, unless the owner holds an unaltered animal license from the city for that specific animal; guide dog puppies in training and police service dogs are exempted outright. 050(B) applies the mandate to adoptions directly: any dog or cat over six months adopted from an animal shelter must be spayed or neutered before transfer to the new owner, closing off the option of adopting out an intact adult pet.
110 regardless of prior impound history. 070, which is issued annually alongside standard animal licenses through the city or approved veterinarians, pet shops, catteries and kennels.
Violations & Fines
Owning an unaltered dog or cat over six months without the required unaltered animal license is enforced as an infraction under the ACC 6.01.210(B) penalty schedule tied to Chapter 6.04's licensing violations, and the animal remains subject to seizure and impoundment under the title's general enforcement authority. An unaltered pet adopted from the shelter that is later found not spayed or neutered before transfer exposes the shelter's transfer to noncompliance with ACC 6.04.050(B).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own an unaltered dog or cat in Auburn?
Does Auburn's animal shelter adopt out unaltered pets?
What age triggers Auburn's spay/neuter requirement?
Are any animals exempt from Auburn's spay/neuter rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
Compare Auburn to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Mandatory Spay/Neuter in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle mandatory spay/neuter.