Bay County, Florida

Sec. 4-94. – Adoption.

(b) Any dog or cat adopted from animal services shall be sterilized and vaccinated prior to release to the new owner. If the sterilization of the animal cannot be done at the time of adoption because of health reasons, then the person shall pay a deposit guaranteeing sterilization, as required by F.S. § 823.15.

(c) To be eligible for a refund of the sterilization deposit, the adopter shall: 1) on or before the thirtieth day after the date of adoption, or prior to the date of sexual maturity, employ a veterinarian to sterilize the adopted animal; and 2) on or before the thirtieth day after the date of adoption, or prior to the date of sexual maturity, present the animal control division with written documentation from the veterinarian that the sterilization was performed. If these requirements are not met, the adopter shall forfeit the deposit and the animal control division may issue the adopter a citation. Pursuant to F.S. § 823.15(2), an adopter who fails to comply with the provisions of this section shall be liable for legal fees and court costs to enforce the provisions of this section.

(d) The animal control division shall extend the time limit within which an animal must be sterilized for a valid reason documented in a written request by a licensed veterinarian.