Eastvale, CA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Spay/neuter mandate
- Dogs & cats over 4 months
- Unaltered dog opt-out
- Buy unaltered-dog license instead
- Cat opt-out
- None, must sterilize or certify
- Appointment fee
- $25.00, credited to procedure
- Senior-pet exemption
- Females 10+, males 12+ yrs
- Dog deferral deposit
- $75.00 before shelter release
Summary
Eastvale bars anyone from owning an unaltered, unspayed dog or cat over four months old unless the owner obtains a sterility certificate or, for dogs, buys an unaltered-dog license. Age, health and breeder exemptions apply, and animal services runs spay/neuter appointments at Riverside, San Jacinto and Blythe shelters for a $25.00 booking fee.
(a)Mandatory spaying and neutering.(1)Requirement. No person may own keep, or harbor an unaltered and unspayed dog or cat in violation of this section. An owner or custodian of an unaltered dog must have the dog spayed or neutered, or provide a certificate of sterility, or obtain an unaltered dog license in accordance with this chapter. An owner or custodian of an unaltered cat must have the animal spayed or neutered, or provide a certificate of sterility. ... (3)Exemptions. This section shall not apply to any of the following:a.A dog with a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily harm or death if spayed or neutered, due to age or infirmity... f.Females over the age of ten and males over the age of 12 are exempt from the spay and neuter requirement due to the biological improbability of reproduction, however, they will be required to purchase an unaltered license.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 16 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 120 makes it unlawful to own, keep or harbor an unaltered and unspayed dog or cat within Eastvale. An owner of an unaltered dog can comply by spaying or neutering the animal, providing a veterinarian's certificate of sterility, or buying an unaltered-dog license instead; an owner of an unaltered cat must sterilize the animal or provide a certificate of sterility, with no cat license alternative. 00 appointment fee credited toward the procedure's cost if the owner keeps the appointment or cancels at least 24 hours ahead.
00); recognized dog or cat breeders under animal services policy; and females over ten years old and males over twelve, who must still buy an unaltered license. An unaltered-dog license can be denied or revoked for noncompliance, verified neglect complaints, prior citations, or a dangerous-dog adjudication, with a right to a hearing requested in writing within ten days of notice. Anyone selling, trading, or adopting out an unaltered dog or cat must disclose the unaltered license and microchip numbers on the transfer document and notify the department of the new owner within ten days.
Violations & Fines
A citation for failing to spay or neuter only issues when the owner is concurrently cited for another violation, such as a dog or cat at large, an expired license, a leash-law violation, or a rabies-vaccination lapse; a standalone violation of Sec. 18.08.120 does not itself trigger a citation. Where the concurrent violation is proven, the owner must have the animal altered. Impounded unaltered animals cannot be released until sterilized or a signed compliance statement and deposit are on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to spay or neuter my dog in Eastvale?
What if my vet says my pet is too old or sick for surgery?
Will I get a ticket just for owning an unaltered pet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Eastvale
California rules heatmap·Compare Eastvale to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Mandatory Spay/Neuter in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle mandatory spay/neuter.