Riverside County, CA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Governs
- unaltered dogs and cats
- Compliance options
- spay/neuter, sterility certificate, or license
- Enforcing agency
- Riverside County Dept. of Animal Services
- Senior exemption
- females over 10, males over 12
- Applies in
- unincorporated county only
Summary
Riverside County requires owners of unaltered dogs and cats to spay or neuter the animal, get a veterinarian-signed certificate of sterility, or (for dogs) buy an unaltered dog license, enforced countywide by Animal Services in unincorporated areas.
No person may own, keep, or harbor an unaltered dog or cat in violation of this section. An owner or custodian of an unaltered dog must have the dog spayed or neutered, or provide a certificate of sterility, or obtain an unaltered dog license in accordance with this chapter. An owner or custodian of an unaltered cat must have the animal spayed or neutered or provide a certificate of sterility.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 84 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 6.08.120 bars owning or harboring an unaltered dog or cat without complying: spay/neuter, a vet certificate of sterility, or an unaltered dog license (cats have no license option, sterility or a certificate only). Any impounded unaltered animal must be altered before release unless exempted. Exemptions cover animals too old or infirm to safely alter (with vet documentation), registered breeders' animals, and females over 10 or males over 12 years old (who still need an unaltered license).
Violations & Fines
Citation/infraction/misdemeanor penalties for a Section 6.08.120 violation apply only when the owner is concurrently cited for another animal-control offense, such as running at large, no license, or a leash violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to spay or neuter my pet in unincorporated Riverside County?
Can I be fined just for owning an unaltered pet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside County
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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