Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
PMC § 8.02.100
Age trigger
Over 12 months, unaltered
Dog alternative
Unaltered dog license
Key exemptions
Vet-certified, breeders, show/service dogs

Summary

Perris bars owning an unaltered dog or cat over 12 months old unless the animal is spayed/neutered, has a sterility certificate, or, for dogs, the owner holds an unaltered dog license.

No person may own, keep, or harbor an unaltered or unspayed dog or cat over the age of 12 months 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.

Exemptions. This section shall not apply to any of the following:

A dog with a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily harm or death if spayed or neutered, due to age or infirmity. The owner or custodian must obtain written confirmation of this fact from a California Licensed Veterinarian. If the dog is able to be safely spayed or neutered at a later date, that date must be stated in the written confirmation; should this date be later than 30 days, the owner or custodian must apply for an unaltered dog license;

A cat with a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily harm or death if spayed or neutered, due to age or infirmity. The owner or custodian must obtain written confirmation of this fact from a California Licensed Veterinarian. If the cat is able to be safely spayed or neutered at a later date, that date must be stated in the written confirmation;

Animals owned by recognized dog or cat breeders, as defined by animal control division policy;

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).

Full Breakdown

Perris Municipal Code § 8.02.100 prohibits owning, keeping, or harboring an unaltered dog or cat over 12 months of age unless the owner has it spayed or neutered, provides a veterinary certificate of sterility, or, for dogs only, obtains an unaltered dog license under Chapter 8.02. Exemptions cover animals a licensed veterinarian certifies are unsafe to alter due to age or infirmity, recognized breeders, animals actively shown or competed under AKC/UKC or similar registries, and search-and-rescue, military, or police dogs.

Violations & Fines

An administrative citation or infraction for failing to spay/neuter applies only when the owner is concurrently cited for another animal-code or state-law violation (e.g., at-large, unlicensed, unvaccinated); the owner must then have the animal altered per PMC § 8.02.150.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must I spay or neuter my dog in Perris?
Yes by 12 months old, unless you get a veterinary sterility certificate, qualify for an exemption, or hold an unaltered dog license under Chapter 8.02.
Is there an unaltered-cat license option like for dogs?
No. PMC § 8.02.100 lets unaltered cats be exempted only by spay/neuter, a sterility certificate, or a listed exemption, not by a license.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Perris

All Perris rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Perris to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview

Get notified when Mandatory Spay/Neuter in Perris, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

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 Riverside County handle mandatory spay/neuter.

Jurupa Valley, CA
Some Restrictions
Moreno Valley, CA
Some Restrictions
Menifee, CA
Some Restrictions
Riverside, CA
Heavy Restrictions
Temecula, CA
Heavy Restrictions