Yuma, AZ Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

City Code § 130-085(A), part of the Impoundment subchapter of Chapter 130, states plainly that a dog or cat shall not be released for adoption from a pound or from an animal shelter unless the dog or cat has been first surgically spayed or neutered. The requirement applies to every dog or cat leaving city impoundment through adoption, regardless of breed or age, and sits alongside § 130-085(B), which lets the original owner reclaim an already-impounded animal at the end of the impoundment period by paying all costs, charges and fees and complying with the chapter's licensing and vaccination rules; an owner reclaiming their own pet is not separately required to alter it under this section.

The mandate is enforced by the city enforcement agent, who administers impoundment under §§ 130-080 through 130-087. A stray or unlicensed animal held under § 130-084 is kept a minimum of three business days before adoption eligibility, and a licensed animal not reclaimed within six days under § 130-083 can then be placed for adoption, triggering the spay-or-neuter requirement, or humanely destroyed. Costs, charges and fees connected with impoundment and adoption are recommended by the City Administrator, approved by the City Council, and posted at the city enforcement agent's office under § 130-086.