Hendricks County, IN Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 91.04(B)
- Cure window
- 10 days to spay/neuter
- Proof required
- Licensed veterinarian verification
- Health exception
- Written vet exemption within 10 days
- Max fine if not cured
- $500 per day (§ 91.99)
Summary
Hendricks County does not require owners to spay or neuter pets outright, but an owner whose non-neutered dog or cat runs at large can be summoned to court, with the case dismissible if the animal is fixed within ten days and a vet confirms it.
(B) Any owner that allows a non-neutered dog or cat to run at large can be issued a summons into court for a chapter violation.
(1) If the animal is neutered or spayed within ten days of the violation, and verification is obtained from a licensed veterinarian, the summons can be dismissed. This burden of proof is the owner's responsibility and must be verified by Animal Control.
(2) An animal may be exempt from this section when the surgical procedures may be detrimental to the animal's health when a licensed veterinarian confirms this in writing, and is given to the County Animal Control/Shelter within the ten days.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-3: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2024-50, passed 12-10-2024; and State law current through Indiana Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
04(B) of the Hendricks County Code, adopted under Ordinance 2000-30, ties spay/neuter status to at-large enforcement rather than imposing a blanket mandate on every pet owner. Any owner who allows a non-neutered dog or cat to run at large can be issued a summons into court for a chapter violation. Division (B)(1) then gives the owner an out: if the animal is neutered or spayed within ten days of the violation and the owner obtains verification from a licensed veterinarian, the summons can be dismissed, though the code places the burden of proof on the owner and requires Animal Control to verify the paperwork.
Division (B)(2) carves out a health exception: an animal is exempt from the section when a licensed veterinarian confirms in writing, delivered to the County Animal Control/Shelter within the same ten days, that surgery would be detrimental to the animal's health. 99. Both provisions apply only to unincorporated Hendricks County.
Violations & Fines
Allowing a non-neutered dog or cat to run at large is a chapter violation under 91.04(B), punishable under 91.99 by a fine not exceeding $500 and each continuing day treated as a separate offense, unless the owner has the animal sterilized within ten days and files veterinary proof, or obtains a written veterinary health exemption within the same window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hendricks County require every pet to be spayed or neutered?
Can I avoid a fine if my loose pet isn't fixed yet?
What if my vet says surgery is unsafe for my pet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hendricks County
Compare Hendricks County to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview
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