Kings County, CA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies at
- 4 months old
- Alternative for dogs
- unaltered dog license (§4-38)
- Cats
- no license alternative
- Vet exemption
- written proof of medical inability
Summary
Kings County requires every dog and cat over four months to be spayed or neutered, with the only owner alternative being an annual unaltered dog license limited to competition, service, or medically exempt dogs.
No person may own or harbor a dog or cat over the age of four months in violation of this section. All unaltered dogs or cats must be spayed or neutered or, in the case of an unaltered dog, be licensed in accordance with section 4-38.
Any person who owns or harbors a dog or cat which is unable to be spayed or neutered without a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily harm or death due to age, infirmity, or a medical condition, must obtain written verification of the inability from a licensed veterinarian. The writing must state whether the inability is permanent or temporary and, if temporary, when the dog or cat may be spayed or neutered in the future.
(Ord. No. 672, § 2, 6-30-15)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
Section 4-20 of the Animal Control Ordinance bars any person from owning or harboring an unaltered dog or cat over four months old. The only way around mandatory spay/neuter is the annual unaltered dog license under Sec. 4-38, available solely for competition dogs, public-service/military dogs, service dogs, or dogs a licensed veterinarian certifies cannot safely be altered. Cats have no such alternative: every cat over four months must be spayed or neutered. A veterinarian's written statement is required to document any medical exemption, noting whether the inability is permanent or temporary.
Violations & Fines
Violating Sec. 4-20 is an infraction under Sec. 4-10; cats get no unaltered-license alternative and must be spayed or neutered unless a vet certifies medical inability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an unaltered dog in Kings County?
Do cats get any exemption from spay/neuter?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kings County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kings County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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