Los Angeles County, CA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger age
- 4 months or older
- Exemption path
- unaltered dog/cat license
- Medical exception
- vet letter, 30-day window
- First-offense fine
- up to $100
- Applies in
- unincorporated LAC + contract cities
Summary
In unincorporated LA County (and contract cities where Title 10 applies), dogs and cats four months or older must be spayed or neutered unless the owner holds an unaltered-animal license.
A person may not own, keep, or harbor a dog or cat four months or older in violation of this section. An owner or custodian of an unaltered dog or cat must have the dog or cat spayed or neutered or obtain an unaltered dog or cat license in accordance with Section 10.20.355 or Section 10.20.357.
Full Breakdown
County Code § 10.20.350 bars owning, keeping, or harboring an unaltered dog or cat four months or older without an unaltered dog or cat license under § 10.20.355 or § 10.20.357. Exceptions require a licensed veterinarian's written confirmation that surgery risks serious bodily harm or death; if the animal still can't be altered within 30 days, the owner must apply for the unaltered license instead. This applies in the unincorporated areas the County Code governs, plus contract cities per Title 10's own applicability note, not the City of Los Angeles or other independently-coded cities.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by the Department of Animal Care and Control; first violation up to $100, second within 12 months up to $250, third up to $500, and each further violation up to $500, per § 10.90 administrative citation schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside the City of Los Angeles?
Can I keep an unaltered dog legally?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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