Lexington County, SC Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Deadline
- 30 days after redemption
- Applies to
- impounded dogs, nuisance cats
- Medical exemption
- vet waiver accepted
- Show-dog exemption
- 3 AKC/UKC events in 12 months
- Enforcement
- Lexington County Animal Services
Summary
Dogs impounded for running loose or nuisance cats must be sterilized within 30 days of redemption, with limited exemptions.
Any owner wishing to redeem their dog that has been impounded due to a violation of restraint and confinement or an owner or caretaker of a nuisance cat, must agree in to provide written proof of the pet being sterilized within 30 days of redemption, unless one of the following: (1) Any owner or caretaker of a pet who can furnish a statement by a licensed veterinarian that for medical reasons the spay or neuter procedure is not appropriate at this time.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
Lexington County Animal Services requires sterilization as a condition of getting an impounded pet back. If your dog is impounded for a restraint or confinement violation, or you're redeeming a nuisance cat, you must provide written proof the pet has been sterilized within 30 days of redemption. Exemptions exist for pets with a veterinarian's medical waiver, purebred pets shown in at least three AKC/UKC-recognized events in the past 12 months, certified service dogs, and certified hunting dogs (hunting dogs lose the exemption on a second impoundment). Any outdoor-kept dog covered by the county's tethering/confinement article must also be sterilized under the same exemption scheme.
Violations & Fines
Failure to provide proof of sterilization within 30 days of redemption; enforced by Lexington County Animal Services and animal control officers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every pet in Lexington County have to be spayed or neutered?
Can I avoid the sterilization requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lexington County
Compare Lexington County to another location·View the South Carolina animal ordinances overview
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