Los Angeles, CA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Age threshold
- Dogs and cats over 4 months old
- Breeding permit fee
- $235 per animal per year
- Civil penalty (1st impound unaltered)
- $35
- Civil penalty (2nd impound)
- $70
- Civil penalty (3rd+ impound)
- $150
- 2nd impound rule
- Animal must be sterilized before release
Summary
Los Angeles requires all dogs and cats over 4 months of age to be spayed or neutered unless the owner has documented proof of an approved exemption such as show competition, service-animal status, or a veterinary medical reason.
No person, within the City of Los Angeles, shall own a dog or cat over the age of four months that has not been spayed or neutered, unless valid written documentation is provided to show proof that the animal is exempt from the requirement to be spayed or neutered by reason of one of the following, and is in compliance with Subdivisions (3) and (4) below:
A. The dog or cat is a breed approved by and registered with a national or international breed registry or association which, at a minimum, requires identification of the breed, date of birth, names of registered sire and dam, the name of the breeder and recordkeeping relating to breeding, transfer of ownership and death. In addition, the animal must actively show or compete...
C. The dog is being trained or has been appropriately trained and is actively used in a manner that meets the definition of guide, signal or service dog as set forth in Subdivisions (d), (e), and (f) of Section 365.5 of the Penal Code...
E. The owner of the dog or cat provides a letter to the Department from a California licensed veterinarian certifying that arrangements have been made to spay or neuter the dog or cat within 60 days after the animal reaches the age of four months; that the dog or cat is too sick or injured to be spayed or neutered...
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 53.15.2(b)(2) prohibits owning an unaltered dog or cat over 4 months in the City unless the owner holds written documentation showing the animal qualifies for one of the statutory exemptions: active show or competition registration with a recognized breed registry, guide/signal/service dog status, law enforcement or military use, a veterinarian's letter citing medical reasons or a 60-day sterilization plan, or a valid breeding permit. Unaltered dogs and cats impounded for the second or subsequent time must be spayed or neutered before release. Breeding permits cost $235/year per animal and are subject to a moratorium if City shelter dog populations exceed 75% of kennel capacity.
Violations & Fines
Owning an unaltered dog or cat without a documented exemption is a misdemeanor under LAMC § 53.15.2(d)(1). Civil penalties of $35 (first), $70 (second), and $150 (third+) apply per impounded unaltered animal under § 53.12.2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to spay or neuter my dog in LA?
How do I legally breed dogs in LA?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Mandatory Spay/Neuter in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle mandatory spay/neuter.