King, California

§ 9.04.040 License fees—Term.

(b) Spayed/Unspayed Female and/or Neutered/Unneutered Male. Every person owning or having charge, care or control over a spayed female or neutered male dog of the age of four months or over shall pay an annual license fee in an amount to be determined from time to time by resolution of the city council, to be paid each calendar year, inclusive, of each year, or within thirty days after the owner of the dog establishes residence in the city, or within thirty days after the dog reaches the age of four months.

§ 9.12.024 Requirements for animal adoption.

After the holding period the animal services officer is authorized to make any adoptable animal available for adoption. Animals adopted after the legal holding period will not be returned to the original owner. Fees for adoption shall be set by the city council and posted at the shelter. All adoptable animals located in the kennel facility will be indicated on the kennel card with “I am Adoptable” printed in large letters. Adoptable animals have shown no signs of aggression towards humans and appear healthy. Adoption is contingent upon meeting all guidelines required for an adoption and payment of all applicable fees. City staff will make necessary measures to inform the community of the animals available for adoption as well as working with animal adoption organizations. All potential adopters must be eighteen years of age and able to have pets in their current housing situation. Interested parties must first complete the adoption application. Adoption application process is to be done in the police department during regular business hours.

All animals brought in with no known owner identification are held for a minimum of three business days. This time period is called the “stray period.” After the stray period is over and the owner does not reclaim the animal they become available for adoption after they have been evaluated by staff on their health and temperament. A person must first complete an application and visit with the animal. Once the application is completed and approved and adoption fees have been paid for then the animal shall be scheduled for spay/neuter surgery (if not already done). California state law requires that all animals adopted from animal shelters and public agencies be spayed or neutered so as not to further perpetuate the pet overpopulation problem. The surgery must be done before the animal goes into its new home. Adoption fees may vary, depending on the animal and may change within time by city council resolution.