Buncombe County, NC Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

Sec. 6-63 makes it unlawful to "own or harbor any dog or cat over the age of six months that has not been spayed or neutered" unless the owner holds an unaltered animal permit issued by the department of animal services. Four exceptions apply: service dogs and police work dogs; non-residents staying in the county 30 days or less; animal shelters and veterinary hospitals; and any dog or cat a licensed veterinarian certifies would be endangered by the surgery. Owners who choose not to alter a pet must obtain the permit under Sec.

00 fee, and the animal must wear a tag identifying it as unaltered at all times. The rule's effective date was February 1, 2004: for the first 60 days, violators received only a warning citation, but after April 1, 2004, owners without a permit began receiving citations outright, and a citation is waived if the animal is altered within 30 days of it. Failure to spay/neuter or hold the permit is a Level III offense on the Sec. 6-115(c) civil penalty schedule: $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second within 24 months, and $500 for a third or later offense, on top of possible Class 3 misdemeanor prosecution under Sec. 6-116 (up to $500 and 30 days). Owners may contest a citation with the sheriff within three business days under Sec. 6-118(a).