July 1 Deadline for Mandatory Cat and Dog Spaying and Neutering Fast Approaching

Dog and cat owners in Pasadena may have to pay more for the annual license fees for their pets starting on July 1, the same day that new rules for spaying or neutering pets will take effect.

That is the day by which all dogs and cats in Pasadena that are at least six months old must have been spayed or neutered, or have received an exemption.

The proposed increased fee amounts are pending approval by the City Council as part of the budget process. If the hiked rates are approved, residents who apply for their annual dog license will have to pay $16.16 for spayed/neutered dogs, and $76.16 for unaltered dogs. Currently, the annual fees are $16.15 and $76.16, respectively.

The Council is set to make its decision about June 22.

By law, every dog must wear a current license tag at all times. The Pasadena Humane Society issues dog licenses for Pasadena, Arcadia, Bradbury, La Cañada/Flintridge, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, and South Pasadena.

Dog licenses may be obtained at any time of year, and are good for one year from date of issue. Dogs must be four months or older, and owners must provide a current rabies certificate when they apply for a license. License tags on the pets are permanent.

Beginning July 1, the city’s new spaying and neutering municipal codes go into full force and effect. Among the possible exemptions are those for service dogs which assist the disabled, or pets in danger of suffering serious injury or death when spayed or neutered due to age or infirmity.

Any cat or dog used to show, to compete or to breed may also be exempted from the spaying/neutering requirement, with certain conditions. A show dog or cat, for one, must have competed in at least one cat or dog show or sporting competition approved by the Pasadena Humane Society or sanctioned by a national registry.

Breeding animals must be of a breed recognized by and registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA), Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA), The International Cat Association (TICA), American Cat Fancier’s Association (ACFA), or other approved cat or dog breed registries.

Exempted dogs will not be subject to the unaltered dogs fee, a city spokesperson said.

For the actual spaying/neutering surgery, qwners must take their pets to a veterinarian, animal clinic, or to the Pasadena Humane Society at 361 S. Raymond Avenue, where pet licensing applications may also be entertained. PHS has also set up othe licensing locations for Arcadia, Bradbury, La Cañada/Flintridge, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, and South Pasadena pet owners.

Surgery is free for pit bulls, pit mixes, and Chihuahuas or Chihuahua mixes under 15 pounds.

Anyone looking for information about surgery and licensing may call the Humane Society at (626) 792-7151, or visit the PHS website, www.pasadenahumane.org.