Riverside requires most dogs and cats over four months old to be spayed or neutered, with exceptions for licensed breeders, show animals, and medical waivers. The rule reduces shelter intake and is enforced through licensing.
Riverside County Ordinance 630 and RMC Chapter 6 require spay or neuter for dogs and cats over four months unless the owner holds a valid intact-animal permit, breeder license, or veterinary medical exemption. Riverside County Animal Services verifies sterilization at licensing renewal and during impound intake. Unaltered animals require higher license fees and trigger mandatory surgery before release from shelter. The policy supports California Hayden Act goals and reduces euthanasia. Breeders must register, maintain records, and pay annual fees per intact animal kept on the premises.
Failure to alter without exemption results in citations, higher license fees, and mandatory sterilization at owner expense before any impounded animal is released.
Riverside, CA
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Riverside, CA
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See how Riverside's mandatory spay/neuter rules stack up against other locations.
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