Caddo Parish, LA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

Section 8-37.1 of the Code of Ordinances makes it unlawful to own, keep, reside with or harbor a dog or cat in the parish that is not spayed or neutered. Five exemptions apply: puppies and kittens 26 weeks old or younger; dogs or cats registered with a recognized kennel or cat fanciers organization that participate in its sanctioned shows, on presentation of proof; sporting breeds used for hunting that are current on vaccinations and wear tracking collars; animals with a veterinarian-documented chronic or debilitating condition that makes sterilization medically inappropriate; and animal establishment owners as defined in section 8-2, along with owners who obtain an annual intact or breeding permit for a microchipped pet that expires each December 31.

The section defines a dog as any member of the Canis lupus familiaris family and a cat as any member of the Felidae family. Enforcement runs through Caddo Parish Animal Services: the primary penalty is a citation not to exceed $250.00 plus the cost of microchipping the animal. If, after a follow-up 30 days later, the owner still lacks a documented spay/neuter appointment, a second citation not to exceed $500.00 may issue. Any further penalty follows the general schedule in section 1-8. This ordinance was added by Ordinance No. 6148 on December 9, 2021 and amended by Ordinance No. 6437 on August 8, 2024.