Noblesville, IN Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Sterilization age
- Required by 6 months unless exempted
- Permit issuer
- Noblesville Police Department, free, annual
- Litter registration
- Required with division of animal control
- Sale minimum age
- 8 weeks old for puppies/kittens
- Penalty
- Class A Infraction, $100-$500 per occurrence
Summary
Noblesville requires every dog and cat over six months old to be spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian under Code § 90.20, unless the owner holds an individual breeder's permit, the animal has a medical exemption, or the owner is an approved breeder with a special use permit from the Zoning Board.
(A) Each dog and cat over the age of six (6) months which is kept in the city shall be sterilized and rendered incapable of reproducing by a licensed veterinarian, with the following exceptions as long as the requirements noted herein are met: (1) A individual breeder's permit has been secured according to the process noted in this section; (2) Current pets are receiving adequate care, shelter, and veterinary care as defined in this chapter; (3) The animal's health or a special medical condition puts them at risk for complications due to surgery according to an authorized veterinarian; (4) Owner is considered an approved breeder as defined in this chapter or has obtained the appropriate special use permit from the City of Noblesville Zoning Board; or (5) Owner has not surrendered an animal(s) to the Humane Society for Hamilton County or allowed an animal to run at large.
Full Breakdown
Section 90.20 makes sterilization the default rule for pets kept in the city: any dog or cat over six months old must be sterilized by a licensed veterinarian unless the owner qualifies for one of five listed exceptions, including holding an individual breeder's permit, a veterinarian-certified medical risk from surgery, or being an approved breeder with a special use permit from the City of Noblesville Zoning Board. Anyone who intentionally breeds, or whose unsterilized dog or cat over six months old accidentally breeds, must obtain an individual breeder's permit from the Noblesville Police Department at no cost, issued annually.
That permit allows nonsterilization for a 12-month period, or for the pet's life if a veterinarian certifies a medical risk, but requires the holder to report each litter's birth to the division of animal control, which assigns a letter number to the litter. Permit holders must pass that litter number and their permit number to each buyer, immunize puppies and kittens offered for sale or giveaway against common contagious diseases (canine distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus for dogs; feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia for cats), never offer an animal under eight weeks old, and provide a written health warrant valid for at least one week recommending veterinary examination.
Additional litters must be separately registered with the Noblesville Police Department, and failing to register a litter is itself a violation. Breaking § 90.20 is a Class A Infraction under § 90.99(A)(1), fined $100 to $500 per occurrence.
Violations & Fines
Keeping an unsterilized dog or cat over six months old without a valid breeder's permit, medical exemption, or zoning special use permit is a Class A Infraction under § 90.99(A)(1), fined $100 to $500. Failing to register each additional litter with the Noblesville Police Department, or selling a puppy or kitten under eight weeks old, is also a chargeable violation of the section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to spay or neuter my dog in Noblesville?
How do I get a breeder's permit?
What are breeders required to do when they sell a puppy or kitten?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Noblesville
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