Long Beach, CA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

A makes it unlawful for a person responsible for a cat over four months old or a dog over six months old to allow the animal to remain unaltered, except under the exceptions in Subsection B. Those exceptions cover animals a veterinarian certifies as incapable of breeding or medically unsuited for the procedure; law-enforcement, search-and-rescue, service, and therapy dogs actively used or retired from those roles; animals adopted from shelters or rescue organizations that already require spay/neuter; dogs registered with a national or international breed registry that tracks parentage and breeder records; and dogs trained or used for herding or as livestock guardians.

Subsection C requires a licensed veterinarian's written certification for the breeding-incapacity and medical-unsuitability exceptions, specifying whether the exemption is temporary or permanent. Owners must submit proof to the Director's satisfaction with every new or renewal license application. The ordinance took effect October 1, 2015, and any unaltered dog or cat holding a valid Animal Care Services Bureau license at that time was not subject to the requirement until the license lapsed or that date passed, whichever came later. 08.