Stockton, CA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Breeding permit required
- annual, from Animal Services Supervisor
- First-offense fine
- $250 (§ 6.04.220(A))
- Second-offense fine
- $500, then misdemeanor
- Spay/neuter deadline
- 15 days after penalty notice
- Permit denied to
- animal cruelty convicts
- Age window
- 12 months to 7 years only
Summary
Stockton does not sterilize every pet by default, but § 6.04.210 makes it unlawful for a female dog or cat to breed "without first obtaining a litter permit," and if a cited owner does not get that permit, § 6.04.220(B) forces them to spay or neuter the animal instead.
No person shall cause or allow any female dog or cat owned, harbored, or kept within the jurisdiction of the City to breed without first obtaining a litter permit. A litter permit is written authorization, issued annually by the Animal Services Supervisor or authorized designee, giving its lawful holder permission to breed a dog or cat. The litter permit shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance and may be renewed annually prior to the expiration date. Each applicant for a litter permit shall pay an annual fee as prescribed by the City Council and set forth in the annual fee schedule. Under no circumstances shall a litter permit be issued to a person who has been convicted of animal cruelty or neglect.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4970744; v11 updated 2026-07-07).
Full Breakdown
The Animal Services Supervisor issues litter permits annually for a fee set in the City's fee schedule, and will not issue one to anyone convicted of animal cruelty or neglect, or for a dog or cat under 12 months or over seven years old. Permit holders must display the permit number in any ad, give the number to buyers, keep three years of buyer records, and have any litter microchipped and registered with the City. 220: an owner found breeding without a permit gets 30 days to obtain one; if they don't, Animal Services imposes a $250 fine for a first occurrence and $500 for a second, with a misdemeanor charge for each occurrence after that.
If the fine goes unpaid and the owner still has not spayed or neutered the animal or obtained the permit within 15 days of the penalty notice, the continuing violation becomes an additional infraction. 44 within 10 days of the certified mailing.
Violations & Fines
Breeding without a permit draws a $250 fine on first occurrence and $500 on a second, escalating to a misdemeanor for each further occurrence under § 6.04.220(A); failing to spay/neuter or obtain the permit within 15 days of that notice adds a separate infraction, and a revoked permit likewise compels sterilization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is spaying or neutering mandatory in Stockton?
How much does an unpermitted litter violation cost?
Who can get a litter permit in Stockton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stockton
California rules heatmap·Compare Stockton to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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