Indianapolis Code Chapter 531 requires dogs and cats over six months old to be spayed or neutered unless the owner buys an annual unaltered animal permit, with strict standards for breeders.
Indianapolis-Marion County Code Chapter 531 (Article V) requires every dog or cat older than six months to be sterilized unless the owner holds a current Indianapolis Animal Care Services unaltered-animal permit. Permit fees are higher than the basic license, applicants must show veterinary or breeder credentials, and limit-breeder rules cap the number of intact animals on a property. Animals impounded by ACS as strays cannot be reclaimed without sterilization or a valid intact permit. The rule supports the no-kill goal of the Office of Public Health and Safety. Hobby breeders must also follow Indiana Board of Animal Health (IC 15-17-18) kennel inspection requirements.
Failure-to-license citation, increased reclaim fees at the shelter, mandatory sterilization before release, and cumulative ordinance fines per Chapter 103.
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis requires dogs to be leashed or confined. IC §15-20-1 imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites regardless of prior knowledge.
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis Animal Care Services microchips every dog and cat that passes through its custody and recommends microchipping for licensed pets, with state law...
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis Code Chapter 531 caps companion animals per household and requires kennel licensing when an owner exceeds the standard limit, with stricter caps...
See how Indianapolis's mandatory spay/neuter rules stack up against other locations.
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