Lancaster County, SC Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

" Section 6-9(f) lists exceptions: the owner is not required to sterilize the animal if a licensed veterinarian certifies the pet cannot withstand surgery for health reasons, if the pet is a registered purebred with proof of participation in recognized conformation or performance events, if the dog is a currently used, properly registered hunting dog with a valid state hunting license, or if the animal assists a handicapped owner with seeing, hearing or similar tasks. Separately, § 6-8(f) lets an owner elect to have a reclaimed dog or cat spayed or neutered at pickup, in exchange for a fee waiver of one-half the impoundment, boarding, microchip and vaccination costs; the animal stays at the shelter until the next surgery day and must be picked up within forty-eight hours after surgery.

For adoptions, § 6-10(b) bars adopting out any unsterilized pet impounded by animal services unless the new owner agrees to have it sterilized within forty-five days, or, for puppies and kittens too young for surgery, before the animal reaches six months of age, unless a veterinarian certifies the surgery would threaten the animal's life.