Jurupa Valley, CA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- All dogs and cats
- Dog alternative
- Unaltered dog license available
- Medical exemption
- Requires written veterinary confirmation
- Breeder exemption
- Recognized breeders per county policy
- Shelter animals
- Sterilized before release
Summary
Dogs and cats in Jurupa Valley must be spayed or neutered unless the owner provides a certificate of sterility, qualifies for a medical or breeder exemption, or, for dogs, purchases an unaltered dog license.
MANDATORY SPAYING AND NEUTERING. Requirement. No person may own, keep, or harbor an unaltered dog or cat in violation of this Section. An owner or custodian of an unaltered dog must have the dog spayed or neutered, or provide a certificate of sterility, or obtain an unaltered dog license in accordance with this Ordinance. An owner or custodian of an unaltered cat must have the animal spayed or neutered or provide a certificate of sterility. ... Exemptions. This section shall not apply to any of the following: A. A dog with a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily harm or death if spayed or neutered, due to age or infirmity. The owner or custodian shall obtain written confirmation of this fact from a California licensed veterinarian. If the dog is able to be safely spayed or neutered at a later date, that date shall be stated in the written confirmation; should this date be later than thirty (30) days, the owner or custodian shall apply for an unaltered dog license. ... E. Animals owned by recognized dog or cat breeders, as defined by Department Policy.
Full Breakdown
Jurupa Valley Municipal Code section 10.08.120, adopted from Riverside County Ordinance No. 630 section 12, makes it unlawful to keep an unaltered dog or cat. Dog owners may instead obtain an unaltered dog license; cat owners must sterilize the animal absent a certificate of sterility. Exemptions cover animals likely to suffer serious bodily harm or death from surgery, confirmed in writing by a California licensed veterinarian, and animals owned by recognized breeders as defined by Riverside County Department of Animal Services policy. The department may deny or revoke an unaltered license after verified at-large complaints or prior animal-related citations. Impounded dogs and cats are spayed or neutered before release unless exempt.
Violations & Fines
Keeping an unaltered animal without an exemption or unaltered license is an infraction with fines of $50, $100, then $250, plus administrative citations and mandatory spay/neuter deposits at the shelter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is spaying or neutering my dog required in Jurupa Valley?
Does the spay/neuter mandate apply to cats?
Who enforces the requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jurupa Valley
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