Perris, CA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (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;
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?
Is there an unaltered-cat license option like for dogs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Perris
California rules heatmap·Compare Perris to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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