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Animal Overpopulation Ordinance

In an effort to reduce the numbers of unwanted animals killed each year in area shelters, a new Pet Overpopulation Spay/Neuter Ordinance has been enacted for all owned dogs and cats in Sacramento County.

The ordinance also contains requirements for rabies vaccinations and licensing, as well as restrictions on the sale and/or transfer of animals in newspapers and public places.

Ordinance Highlights

1) All owned dogs and cats over the age of 4 months must be licensed, spayed/neutered (altered) to avoid incurring a higher licensing fee, and rabies vaccinated. Related licensing fees will be:

    - Altered License: $15 per year *
    - Unaltered License $150 per year **
    - Reduced Unaltered License: $45 per year ***

* For license renewals: The new licensing requirement will apply when the current license expires.

** Animals certified in writing by a licensed veterinarian to be too young, too old, or generally not healthy enough for S/N surgery, may receive an exemption and will be assessed the altered license fee of $15. When/if the animal is deemed suitable for S/N surgery, the appropriate fee will be assessed.

*** The $45 reduced unaltered license fee is only available for AKC-registered animals (or other similar professional breed registrations) being actively shown or in competition at least 1x per year.

2) The sale or transfer of animals under the age of 8 weeks is prohibited.

3) Ads listing animals for sale 4 months of age or older must include the animal's license number, or the mother's license number for animals under 4 months. In all cases of sale or transfer, license numbers must be prominently displayed and included on receipts or applicable paperwork.

4) Animals cannot be sold or given away by individuals in front of commercial establishments, flea markets, carnivals, etc.

5) A minimum of 50% of all penalty fees and income from the sale of unaltered license fees will go into a "Sterilization Fund" to finance spay/neuter programs for low-income County residents.

Read the full ordinance

Thank you for being a responsible pet owner and helping us to save lives!

(Note: City of Sacramento has also enacted a similar ordinance, please see visit www.CityofSacramento.org for specific provisions of the City ordinance.)

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