Hernando County, Florida

Sec. 6-42. – Adoption and redemption of animals.

Any person who adopts or claims an animal from animal services must be eighteen (18) years of age, and is subject to the following conditions and/or requirements:

(1) Redemption; establishment of voucher program.

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d. An owner seeking to obtain possession of any unsterilized animal that is classified as chronically at large shall be required to pay animal services to spay/neuter the animal, or if such service is not available, purchase a spay/neuter voucher, which is redeemable for such service at participating veterinarians, and provide verification of such sterilization within thirty (30) days of redemption.

(2) Adoption.

a. As a prerequisite to adopting a dog, cat, or ferret from the animal shelter, the adopter shall pay the approved “pre-adoption veterinarian fee” for animals vaccinated and/or spay/neutered by animal services. Alternatively, the adopter may pay a deposit to animal services, in an amount to be determined by resolution of the board, that will be refundable upon the adopter providing written proof to animal services that the adopted animal has been sterilized and/or vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian. The owner of such adopted animal must provide verification of rabies vaccination as required by law, and register such animal with animal services within thirty (30) days of adoption. Verification of sterilization shall be provided within thirty (30) days of adoption. Sterilization and/or vaccination of an animal shall not be required if such procedures are deemed not to be in the best interest of the animal’s health by a veterinarian at the time of adoption.

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e. Recognized rescue organizations shall pay the approved “pull fee” for animals vaccinated and/or spay/neutered by animal services, or may be exempt from the purchase of vouchers required by this article for sterilization and/or rabies vaccination, provided, however, that proof of such vaccination and/or sterilization is provided within thirty (30) days.

f. The county veterinarian may, at his/her discretion, extend the time period for which an individual must provide verification of rabies vaccination, sterilization and/or registration, when such extension will not be injurious to the health, safety and welfare of the public. In no event shall the time of extension exceed sixty (60) days, unless the animal qualifies for an exemption as set forth in this article or as otherwise recognized by law.

g. Any person who fails to have an adopted animal sterilized within the time allotted by this section, unless such person was acting upon the contrary medical advice of a veterinarian regarding the adopted animal, shall be in violation of this article. The county shall have the right to repossess any adopted animal that is not sterilized pursuant to this section.