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

020, which track California Food and Agriculture Code Sections 31602 and 31603. Subsection F requires the dog to be spayed or neutered at the owner or custodian's expense before the dog is released from impound; if the dog was never impounded, the owner must provide proof of the procedure within 30 calendar days after the potentially-dangerous determination is served. That spay/neuter mandate is one of eleven conditions in the same section: the dog must also be licensed, microchipped and vaccinated before release (A); confined indoors or in a secure, inspected enclosure (B); muzzled and leashed to six feet whenever off the property and never left unattended (C); the authority must be notified in writing at least 10 days before any move or ownership transfer (D); the owner must complete a 10-hour obedience course within 60 days (E); the general manager may require a liability bond or insurance (G); the owner must indemnify the city and the Coastal Animal Services Authority (H); and all impound fees and fines must be paid before release (I). A judicial officer may also impose a fine of up to $500 for each separate basis supporting a dangerous-dog finding (J).