San Jose requires sterilization of dogs and cats under SJMC chapter 6.06. Owners who want to keep an intact animal must obtain an intact-animal permit with narrow exemptions for licensed breeders, working dogs, show animals, and verified medical reasons. Unaltered pets pay much higher license fees.
SJMC chapter 6.06 makes spay or neuter the default for dogs and cats once they reach the age threshold set by ordinance. To keep an intact animal, owners must apply for an intact-animal permit through Animal Care and Services and meet strict criteria: licensed breeder, registered show or working dog, guide or service animal, or veterinarian-certified medical exemption. License fees for unaltered pets are several times higher than for sterilized ones. First violations usually start with a written notice and a compliance window; repeat violators face fines, license revocation, and possible misdemeanor referral.
First violation typically brings a written notice and a compliance window to spay, neuter, or obtain an intact permit. Continued non-compliance triggers escalating fines, much higher license fees, and possible misdemeanor charges through the City Attorney.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
San Jose, CA
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San Jose, CA
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San Jose, CA
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San Jose, CA
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San Jose, CA
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San Jose, CA
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See how San Jose's mandatory spay/neuter rules stack up against other locations.
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