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Bakersfield, CA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter: BMC Ch. 6.07 (Ord. 5148, 2023)
Mandatory age: Dogs over 6 months
Exemption path: Annual unaltered animal certification
Litter limit (unaltered females): 1 litter/year without breeding permit
First-offense penalty: Correction notice, 30 days to fix

Summary

Bakersfield requires every dog over six months old to be spayed or neutered unless the owner holds an annual unaltered animal certification under Municipal Code § 6.07.030. Certification requires vet exams, proper housing and a clean violation record.

A. No person shall keep a dog over the age of six months which has not been spayed or neutered unless such person holds an unaltered animal certification for the animal issued pursuant to Section 6.07.040. B. Any person intentionally providing care or sustenance for a dog shall be deemed the owner of such dog and shall comply with this section.

Source: Bakersfield Animal Care CenterView official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 5221, passed July 15, 2026).

Full Breakdown

07, adopted by Ord. 5148 in 2023, imposes citywide mandatory spay/neuter. 030(B)). 030(C)). 09, a ban on selling offspring without that permit, an eight-week minimum age before puppies can be transferred, and records of every litter's disposition. 40, which can mean an infraction, misdemeanor or administrative citation.

Violations & Fines

A first violation of the mandatory spay/neuter rule brings a correction notice with thirty days to comply (§ 6.07.050(A)(1)). A second or later violation is punished under Chapter 1.40's general penalty scheme, which can reach a misdemeanor fine of up to $1,000 or up to six months in county jail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bakersfield require dogs to be spayed or neutered?

Yes. Municipal Code § 6.07.030(A) makes it unlawful to keep a dog over six months old that hasn't been spayed or neutered, unless the owner holds an annual unaltered animal certification issued under § 6.07.040.

How does a Bakersfield owner keep an intact dog legally?

By obtaining a certification from the director of animal control under § 6.07.040, which requires an annual vet exam, no more than two Title 6 violations in the prior 24 months, and proper housing, food and containment of the animal on the owner's property.

Is a visiting dog owner exempt from Bakersfield's spay/neuter law?

Yes. Section 6.07.030(C)(3) exempts dogs owned by people who don't reside in Bakersfield but are temporarily visiting or traveling through the city, along with certified law-enforcement dogs and dogs a veterinarian certifies can't be altered for health reasons.

Sources & Official References

[1]Bakersfield Municipal Code § 6.07.030

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