(a) Any public or private animal shelter, animal control agency operated by a political subdivision of this state, or humane society shall make provisions for the sterilization of all dogs or cats acquired from a shelter, agency, or humane society by providing for all of the following:
(1) Sterilization by a licensed veterinarian before relinquishing custody of the animal.
(2) Entering into a written agreement with the person acquiring the animal guaranteeing that sterilization will be performed by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days after acquisition of the animal, or within 30 days of the sexual maturity of an animal.
(b) The requirements of this chapter shall not apply to any privately owned animal in possession of a shelter, agency, or humane society if the owner of the animal claims or presents evidence that the animal is the property of that person.
(c) All costs of sterilization pursuant to this chapter shall be the responsibility of the person acquiring the animal, and if sterilization is performed prior to acquisition, may be included in any fees charged by the shelter, agency, or humane society for an animal.
(d) Any person acquiring an animal from a public or private animal shelter, animal control agency operated by a political subdivision of this state, or humane society from which an animal is not sterile at the time of acquisition, shall submit to the animal shelter, animal control agency, humane society, or public or private animal shelter a signed statement from the licensed veterinarian attesting that a sterilization procedure has been performed by the veterinarian within seven days after the sterilization.
Last modified: May 3, 2021