Honolulu County, HI Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

In addition to the fees specified in subsection (a), an unsterilized dog, while being a stray, that is impounded by the animal control contractor at least three times within a 12 month period, must be spayed or neutered by the animal control contractor before the owner may redeem the dog, unless a licensed veterinarian certifies that the medical condition of the dog disqualifies the dog from being spayed or neutered.

(c)   In addition to the fees specified in subsection (a), a sterilized dog that is impounded by the animal control contractor for being a stray at least three times within a 12 month period, may be redeemed by its owner upon payment of a $30 fee.

(d)   If an impounded dog is redeemed by its owner within 24 hours of physical possession of the dog by the animal control contractor, the animal control contractor will waive any impoundment fees.

(e)   A special officer of the animal control contractor shall be authorized to enforce this article if deputized by the chief of police to do so.

(f)   The animal control contractor shall spay or neuter any impounded dog before the dog is adopted, unless a licensed veterinarian certifies that the medical condition of the dog disqualifies the dog from being spayed or neutered, or that being spayed or neutered would otherwise be detrimental to the health of the dog (Sec. 13-23.3, R.O. 1978 (1983 Ed.)) (1990 Code, Ch. 7, Art. 4, § 7-4.3) (Am. Ords. 00-68, 07-33, 20-1)