Bradford County, Florida

Sec. 10-44. – Adoption of animals.

(b) All persons adopting a dog or cat from animal control shall leave a deposit guaranteeing vaccination and sterilization, as required by F.S. § 823.15. The amount of deposit shall be established by resolution of the board of county commissioners. The person shall also license the domestic animal with the appropriate municipality, if applicable.

(c) To be eligible for the return of the adoption deposit, the adopter shall:

(1) Employ a veterinarian to sterilize and vaccinate the animal on or before the thirtieth day from the date of adoption or sale, or prior to the animal’s sexual maturity; and

(2) Present written documentation from the veterinarian who performed the sterilization and vaccination to animal control on or before the thirtieth day from date of sterilization; and

(3) Present written documentation of any disposition of the dog or cat prior to sterilization and vaccination, to animal control on or before the thirtieth day from the date of disposition.

(d) If an adopter fails to comply with this section within the time specified, then the adopter shall forfeit the deposit and animal control may issue 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 attorneys’ fees and costs of the county in enforcing the provisions of this section.