St. George, UT Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Sterilization window
- 30 days after signing or turning 6 months
- First violation penalty
- at least $250
- Repeat violation penalty
- at least $500
- Redemption trigger
- second impound within 12 months
- Deposit basis
- animal's gender and weight (Schedule A)
Summary
St. George's animal shelter cannot transfer a cat or dog for adoption unless it is sterilized or the recipient signs a sterilization agreement and pays a deposit, and owners redeeming an animal on its second impound in 12 months must prove sterilization or post a deposit.
The animal shelter may not transfer an animal that has not been sterilized, except as provided below. ... Recipient signs the animal shelter's written agreement which states that the animal is not sterilized and the recipient agrees to be responsible for ensuring the animal is sterilized: Within thirty (30) days after the agreement is signed, if the animal is six (6) months of age or older...
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-062, passed August 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code section 5-2-11, the St. George animal shelter may not transfer an unsterilized animal except under a signed written agreement requiring the recipient to have it sterilized within 30 days of signing (or within 30 days after it turns six months old, if younger). The recipient must also post a sterilization deposit, sized to the animal's gender and weight per Schedule A, refundable only on proof of sterilization. Owners reclaiming an animal on its second impound within 12 months face the same proof-or-deposit requirement before release.
Violations & Fines
Falsifying sterilization proof, giving false ownership or fee information, or writing a bad check for a sterilization deposit draws a civil penalty of at least $250 for a first offense and $500 for repeat offenses, imposed by the shelter supervisor and appealable to the city's administrative law judge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does St. George require every pet owner to spay or neuter their animal?
What happens if an adopter misses the 30-day sterilization deadline?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. George
Compare St. George to another location·View the Utah animal ordinances overview
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