Pocatello, ID Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

The mandatory-alteration rule sits inside the public nuisance animal chapter, not a standalone spay/neuter ordinance. Under Section 6.04.030(C)(1), running at large more than two times makes an animal a public nuisance, alongside other nuisance conduct like nonstop barking or fouling the air. Section 6.04.030(E) then converts a second at-large conviction into a mandatory sterilization order: after conviction for allowing the animal to become a nuisance through more than two running-at-large violations, the owner or custodian must have the animal neutered or spayed by a licensed veterinarian and provide proof of the alteration to the Animal Services Department within 30 days of sentencing.

This is a conviction-triggered mandate, not a blanket city rule applied to every dog or cat license. A related but separate mandatory-alteration trigger exists for animals adjudicated dangerous: Section 6.04.060(D) requires spay or neuter within 30 days of a dangerous-conduct conviction, on top of a mandatory microchip within five days. A court handling either a nuisance or dangerous-animal conviction can additionally order the owner, at their own expense, to complete a city-approved obedience program under Section 6.04.030(F). Failing to complete the court-ordered alteration and furnish proof to Animal Services within the 30-day window exposes the owner to further enforcement under the chapter's misdemeanor penalty provisions, since Section 6.04.220(B) makes chapter violations punishable under the city's general penalty section.