Hammond, IN Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 91.075, STERILIZATION
- Scope
- Unclaimed animals released for adoption only
- Alternative to sterilization
- Signed written sterilization agreement
- Dog/puppy adoption fee
- $40, includes shots
- Cat/kitten adoption fee
- $30, includes shots
Summary
In the City of Hammond, Indiana, sterilization is mandatory only for unclaimed dogs and cats adopted out of the city shelter: § 91.075 bars Hammond Animal Control from releasing one for adoption unless it is already sterilized or the adopter signs a written agreement guaranteeing sterilization. There is no citywide mandate for pets already owned.
§ 91.075 STERILIZATION. No unclaimed dog or cat shall be released for adoption without being sterilized, or without a written agreement from the adopter agreeing and guaranteeing that the animal will be sterilized.
Full Breakdown
" The rule is adoption-scoped: it governs the point at which Hammond Animal Control transfers an unclaimed, impounded animal to a new owner, and it does not independently require an existing pet owner who never surrenders or adopts through the shelter to sterilize an animal already in their possession. 075 of the Hammond Municipal Code," tying the sterilization guarantee directly to the adoption paperwork rather than to ownership generally. 074(C) further requires every adopter to sign the city's Animal Control Adoption Agreement, and failure to comply with that agreement's terms, which includes the sterilization commitment, is itself a violation that can lead Hammond Animal Control to require the animal be surrendered back to the city.
Read together, Hammond's ordinance targets the shelter pipeline specifically, ensuring animals leaving the city's own impound do not go on to breed, rather than imposing a blanket sterilization mandate on every dog or cat owner in the city.
Violations & Fines
An adopter who fails to sterilize an animal as guaranteed in the written agreement under § 91.075 is in violation of the Animal Control Adoption Agreement under § 91.074(C), and Hammond Animal Control may, at its discretion, require the animal be surrendered back to the city; general chapter violations are otherwise fined up to $500 under § 91.999(A).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hammond require every dog or cat to be spayed or neutered?
Can I adopt an unsterilized cat from Hammond Animal Control?
What happens if I don't sterilize an adopted dog as agreed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hammond
Compare Hammond to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.