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Fort Wayne, IN Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Adoption requirement
Spay/neuter and microchip before release
2nd+ redemption
Mandatory sterilization, owner's expense
Penalty
$50-$2,500 per offense
Enforcing agency
Dept. of Animal Care and Control

Summary

Fort Wayne requires every dog and cat released for adoption through Animal Care and Control to be spayed or neutered and microchipped before leaving the shelter.

To provide that all dogs and/or cats released for adoption shall be spayed or neutered, implanted with an electronic microchip, and to provide for a program to monitor said spay/neuter and microchip program.

(14)   Any violations of the Department's animal adoption contract or foster to adopt contract shall result in impoundment of the animal(s). Return of the animal(s) to the adopting party will be at the discretion of the Department. (Ord. G-23-18, passed 9-25-18)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-60: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. G-19-26, passed 7-14-26, and Res. 83-19, passed 12-17-19 State legislation current through Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).

Full Breakdown

The Department of Animal Care and Control requires all dogs and cats it releases for adoption to be spayed or neutered and implanted with a microchip before adoption, under a monitored spay/neuter and microchip program. Separately, an owner redeeming a stray or unrestrained animal from the Department for a second or subsequent time must have it surgically sterilized by a state-licensed veterinarian at the owner's expense, with an appointment required at redemption; failure to schedule brings enforcement action mandating the sterilization under Fort Wayne Code of Ordinances § 91.107(E).

Violations & Fines

Fines run $50 to $2,500 per offense under § 91.999, with each day of noncompliance a separate violation; skipping the required redemption sterilization triggers enforcement action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fort Wayne require all pets to be spayed or neutered?
No citywide mandate covers every pet. The requirement applies to dogs and cats adopted from Animal Care and Control and to animals redeemed a second or subsequent time after being impounded as strays.
What happens if I don't get my redeemed pet sterilized?
The Department schedules the surgery at redemption; if you skip the appointment, it can issue enforcement action requiring the sterilization under § 91.107(E).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fort Wayne

Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSignificant RestrictionsMicrochippingLight RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsFire Regulations: Propane StorageSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: CompostingLight RestrictionsSoliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor PermitsSignificant Restrictions

All Fort Wayne rules

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