Maui County, HI Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Shelter adoptions only
- Governing section
- § 6.04.070
- If unneutered at adoption
- Written neuter agreement required
- Breach consequence
- Animal control reclaims the animal
- Dangerous dog neuter deadline
- 30 days, § 6.04.046(C)(4)(b)
Summary
Maui County doesn't require every owned pet to be sterilized, but no dog or cat can leave animal control on adoption unless it is already neutered or the adopter signs a written promise to have it done. Breaking that promise lets the county take the animal back.
An adoption fee as established in the annual budget ordinance of the County shall be assessed at the time of adoption. No dog or cat shall be released for adoption as a pet without being neutered or without a written agreement from the adopter guaranteeing that the dog or cat will be neutered. Animal control shall reclaim a dog or cat when the agreement has been violated by failure to neuter the animal. Licensing fees and veterinary costs may be assessed above and beyond the adoption fee.
Full Breakdown
070 of the Maui County Code governs adoptions out of the county's animal shelter system. It bars releasing any dog or cat for adoption as a pet unless the animal has already been neutered, or the new owner signs a written agreement guaranteeing that it will be neutered afterward. If the adopter later breaks that agreement by failing to have the animal neutered, animal control is authorized to reclaim the dog or cat outright. 020 and any veterinary costs the adopter still owes. 046(C)(4)(b), which requires that specific dog to be neutered at the owner's expense within thirty days of the designation, unless a veterinarian finds it medically contraindicated.
Outside of these two circumstances, an owner who obtains or already owns a dog through means other than a shelter adoption is not required by county ordinance to have the animal sterilized.
Violations & Fines
An adopter who violates the neuter agreement under section 6.04.070 does not face a criminal fine directly, but animal control can reclaim the dog or cat, and the adopter forfeits the animal along with any adoption fee paid. A dangerous dog owner who fails the separate thirty-day neuter requirement of section 6.04.046(C)(4)(b) is subject to the section 6.04.110(C) penalty of $200 to $1,000 and up to thirty days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maui County require all pet dogs to be spayed or neutered?
What happens if I adopt a Maui County shelter dog and don't get it neutered?
Is a dangerous dog required to be neutered in Maui County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maui County
Compare Maui County to another location·View the Hawaii animal ordinances overview
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