Forsyth County, GA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

Section 14-77(b) directs that the county will spay or neuter all dogs and cats at, or immediately prior to, the time of adoption from the county animal services division or its designated shelter, once the animal is approximately eight weeks of age and weighs at least two pounds, unless a licensed veterinarian recommends otherwise. This mandatory-sterilization rule attaches specifically to the adoption transaction rather than to pet ownership generally: subsection (c) makes clear it does not apply if the original owner of the dog or cat reclaims the animal and presents evidence of ownership, since that animal is being returned to its owner rather than adopted out.

Before any animal reaches the point of adoption, section 14-77(a) also requires anyone adopting from the county to certify in writing whether they have any animal cruelty or neglect convictions, and bars adoption to anyone convicted of such an offense within the preceding ten years. The adopting party or organization must pay the county for the rabies inoculation, necessary medical treatment including the sterilization procedure, and any other administrative fees the county sets. Forsyth County has no separate ordinance mandating spay or neuter of dogs or cats that are not going through the shelter's adoption process; owner-retained pets are instead subject only to the county's general rabies vaccination and registration requirements under article IV of chapter 14.