Puyallup, WA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- 2nd+ unaltered impound in 12 months
- Deposit
- $75.00, refundable
- Refund condition
- Vet proof of alteration
- Exception
- Vet statement alteration would be harmful
- General ownership
- No mandate absent repeat impound
Summary
Puyallup does not require every pet to be spayed or neutered, but an unaltered dog or cat impounded more than once in a 12-month period can't be redeemed until the owner posts a $75.00 refundable deposit tied to proof of alteration.
No unaltered dog or cat that is impounded more than once in any 12-month period may be redeemed by any person until the sum of $75.00 is paid to the animal control authority as a refundable deposit. This deposit shall be held by the animal shelter to ensure that the spay/neuter and microchip procedures are performed. ... Refund. The deposit shall be refunded upon a showing of proof of alteration and microchipping from a licensed veterinarian. If there is no proof of alteration or microchipping, the animal control shelter will retain the deposit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4985225; v6 updated 2026-07-21; through 07-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
130 is a conditional, impoundment-triggered rule rather than a blanket spay/neuter mandate. 00 refundable deposit to the animal control authority, held by the shelter to ensure the spay/neuter (and microchip) procedures actually get done. 00. 020(3)(b), where an owner gets a lower license fee for an altered animal by furnishing veterinary proof of alteration, or a vet's written statement that alteration would be harmful. 130(3). Because the trigger is repeat impoundment, not ownership itself, a Puyallup resident whose dog or cat never gets loose faces no alteration requirement at all under this chapter.
Violations & Fines
Redeeming a qualifying unaltered animal without paying the $75.00 deposit is not permitted; the animal control authority holds it pending proof of alteration. Underlying impoundment offenses (at-large, unlicensed) are separately enforceable as Class 1 civil infractions under PMC § 8.04.200, subject to the habitual-violator escalation in PMC § 8.04.260 after two violations in five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Puyallup require me to spay or neuter my dog or cat?
How do I get the $75.00 deposit back?
Is there an exception to the spay/neuter deposit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Puyallup
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