Boise, ID Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger age
- 4 months or older
- Rule
- Unaltered cats can't run at large
- Penalty
- $100 infraction fine, up to $300
- Enforced by
- Code Compliance & Humane Officers
- Citation
- Boise City Code § 5-1-8(B)
Summary
Boise makes it illegal to let a cat four months or older roam the streets or alleys unless it has been spayed or neutered: unaltered cats must stay confined to the owner's property.
It shall be unlawful for any owner of a cat that is four
(4) months of age or older and has not been spayed or neutered to permit such animal to run at large upon the streets, alleys or other public places of the City; or regardless of age or being spayed or neutered to permit such feline upon private property without the consent of the owner or person in possession of such property.
C. Dogs At Large: Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, dogs at large are governed by the provisions set forth in section
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Boise City Code makes it an infraction for a cat owner to let an unaltered cat four months or older run loose on city streets, alleys, or public places: the cat must be spayed or neutered to legally roam. The same section separately bars any cat, altered or not, from entering private property without the possessor's consent. Code Compliance Officers and Humane Officers enforce the rule under Title 5, Chapter 1; violations are cited as infractions under BCC § 1-4-2, with a default $100 fine (max $300) plus court costs unless the fee schedule sets a different amount.
Violations & Fines
Letting an unaltered cat age 4+ months run at large is an infraction: default $100 fine, up to $300 plus court costs, under BCC § 1-4-2; the cat may also be impounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Boise require all pet cats to be spayed or neutered?
What happens if my unaltered cat is caught roaming in Boise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
Compare Boise to another location·View the Idaho animal ordinances overview
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