Saturday, February 7, 2026

LA County Law Requires Pet Owners to Spay and Neuter — and February Clinics Can Help

[photo credit: County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control]

Altadena residents served by the county’s animal care agency face fines for noncompliance with Title 10

Pet owners in Altadena and other unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County are required by law to have their dogs and cats spayed or neutered, and this month the county is offering low-cost clinics to help them comply.

The requirement falls under LA County Code Title 10, which mandates spaying and neutering for all dogs and cats in the county’s jurisdiction. Failure to comply can result in citations and fines, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control, the agency that provides animal services for Altadena and other unincorporated areas. DACC is promoting the clinics as part of National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, which falls each February ahead of the spring and summer months when shelters see a surge in animal intake.

“February is the perfect time for pet owners to take action and have their pets spayed and neutered,” said Marcia Mayeda, director of DACC. “By doing so, we can help prevent unwanted litters and ensure that our animal care centers are not overwhelmed during the warmer months when the number of animals typically increases.”

DACC operates seven animal care centers across Los Angeles County and serves more than three million residents, according to the agency. Unlike Pasadena, which contracts with Pasadena Humane to provide animal services, Altadena relies on DACC as its primary provider for animal care and control.

The agency says spaying and neutering also carries health benefits for pets. Spaying eliminates the risk of uterine infections and reduces the risk of mammary tumors in female pets, while neutering prevents testicular cancer and decreases the likelihood of prostate issues in males, according to DACC. The procedures can also reduce roaming behavior, making pets less likely to wander from home and risk injury.

Pet owners can find information about DACC’s low-cost spay/neuter clinics and schedule appointments at animalcare.lacounty.gov/spay-and-neuter.

The campaign carries particular relevance in the Altadena area, where the Eaton Fire in January 2025 disrupted neighborhoods and strained local services. DACC’s seven centers continue to serve as the primary animal care provider for the county’s unincorporated communities.

Mayeda said the agency’s goal is to reduce animal intake before it spikes.