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

Section 11.44.120 sets conditions for everyone who uses a city dog park in Cathedral City. Subsection A requires every dog to be spayed or neutered, or the owner must provide a certificate of sterility from a California licensed veterinarian. Four exceptions are printed: a dog with a high likelihood of serious bodily harm or death if altered because of age or infirmity (the owner must obtain written confirmation from a California licensed veterinarian); animals recognized and registered with the American Kennel Club, the United Kennel Club or another national registry; dogs used by law enforcement or the military for law enforcement, military or rescue activities; and certified service dogs guiding blind or otherwise disabled persons. Section 11.44.100 defines a city dog park as a public park or recreation area designated by city signage as a dog park that lets owners run dogs off-leash.

The same section adds entry conditions beyond sterilization. Dogs must be at least four months of age, vaccinated for rabies and currently licensed by the County's animal control authority. A dog that is sick, in heat, injured or aggressive toward other dogs or humans is not permitted. The handler must be thirteen years or older, and a handler under thirteen must be accompanied by an adult eighteen years or older. Each owner is limited to two dogs, dogs must stay within fifty feet of the owner and under voice control if off leash, feces must be cleaned up immediately, holes must be restored, and no food or treats of any kind are permitted. The city council can amend the section by resolution.

Outside the dog parks, § 11.44.110 requires dogs in public parks and recreation areas to be led by a cord or chain not more than six feet long. A search of the full code text found spay and neuter language only in § 11.44.120, so the rule works as a dog park entry requirement rather than a citywide sterilization mandate.