Hamilton County, IN Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

Section 15-2.1-1-23 of the county's Animal Control chapter sets a default sterilization mandate: any dog or cat older than six months kept anywhere in Hamilton County must be spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian. The section then lists the only ways around that default. An owner can secure a free breeder's permit from the Hamilton County Division of Animal Control or the Sheriff's Office. An owner can show the pet already receives adequate care, shelter, and veterinary care as the chapter defines those terms. A veterinarian can certify that the animal's health or a medical condition makes surgery risky. An owner can qualify as an approved breeder or hold a special use permit from the Hamilton County Zoning Board. Or the owner can show the animal has never been surrendered to the county humane society and has never run at large.

Anyone who intentionally breeds, or even accidentally allows the breeding of, a dog or cat they own must obtain the free breeder's permit. The permit lasts twelve months, or the pet's lifetime with a veterinarian's letter on medical risk, and requires the holder to report every litter's birth to the division of animal control for a registration number. Permit holders must pass along that litter number to buyers, vaccinate animals sold or given away against core contagious diseases, never sell a puppy or kitten under eight weeks old, and provide a written health warranty of at least one week.

Breeder's permits are issued annually at no cost. Holders who fail to register an additional litter with animal control are in violation of the section and face a fine of not less than $100.00 and not more than $2,500.00.