Daly City, CA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Universal mandate
- None; sterilization not required for all pets
- First impound (unaltered)
- $100 spay/neuter fee, refundable if altered within 30 days
- Second impound in 3 years
- Mandatory spay/neuter before redemption
- Dangerous animals
- Must be altered within 45 days of permit issuance
- License fee difference
- Unaltered dog $55/yr vs altered $25/yr
Summary
Daly City does not require all pets to be sterilized, but Municipal Code Section 6.04.280 charges a refundable $100 spay/neuter fee to redeem any impounded unaltered animal and makes sterilization mandatory after a second impound within three years. Unaltered dogs and cats over six months also need a county breeding permit.
6.04.280 - Redemption and Spay/Neuter Fee. (a) Upon redemption of any impounded unaltered animal, the Person responsible for the care, custody or control of any animal will be required to pay a spay or neuter fee in the amount of $100.00 in addition to the impound fees imposed under Section 6.04.350 of this Chapter. Such fee shall be refundable upon proof of spay and neuter of the animal within thirty (30) calendar days following the date of redemption. (b) Any unaltered animal impounded twice or more within a three-year period shall be altered at a cost to be paid by the Owner/Caretaker or person responsible for the care, custody, or control of said animal prior to redemption. At the option of the Owner/Caretaker or Person responsible for the care, custody, or control of said animal, required spaying or neutering may be performed by a private veterinarian within thirty (30) calendar days.
Full Breakdown
280 (adopted by Ordinance No. 00 spay or neuter fee on top of impound fees; the fee is refunded if the owner proves the animal was altered within 30 calendar days. Any unaltered animal impounded twice or more within a three-year period must be spayed or neutered at the owner's expense before redemption, with an appeal available through the administrative hearing process. 350(d)) for any unaltered dog or cat over six months. 00 for cats. 020(a)(13) to provide or make available low-cost spay/neuter surgeries for dogs, cats, and rabbits.
Violations & Fines
An unaltered animal impounded a second time within three years cannot be redeemed until it is sterilized at the owner's cost. Failure to hold a required breeding permit or comply with permit conditions can result in administrative citations of $100, $200, then $500 under Sections 6.04.200 and 6.04.230, plus infraction fines under Section 6.10.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it mandatory to spay or neuter my dog or cat in Daly City?
Is low-cost spay/neuter available in Daly City?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Daly City
California rules heatmap·Compare Daly City to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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