Columbia, MO Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

Intact dogs and cats impounded for the third time shall be spayed or neutered before being released, with the following exceptions:(1)Dogs being used by law enforcement agencies for law enforcement activities or such dogs designated as breeding stock by an appropriate agency or organization approved by the director;(2)Dogs that have been appropriately trained and are being used as service dogs such as a guide dog, hearing dog, assistance dog, seizure alert dog or social/therapy dog or such dogs designated as breeding stock by an appropriate agency or organization approved by the director;(3)Dogs that have been appropriately trained and are being used by search and rescue agencies for search and rescue activities or such dogs designated as breeding stock by an appropriate agency or organization approved by the director;(4)Dogs or cats certified by a licensed veterinarian as having a health reason for not being spayed or neutered;(5)Dogs that have been appropriately trained and are being used for herding of other animals or as livestock guardian dogs, or such dogs designated as breeding stock by an appropriate agency or organization approved by the director;(6)Dogs or cats boarded in a licensed kennel or licensed business which boards such animals for professional training or resale. The owner shall pay a spay or neuter fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) before the dog or cat is released.