Nevada County, California

Section 8.01.190 – Adoption of Animals.

Animals subject to disposition by the County may be adopted, provided such adoption is not contrary to law or to the public interest.

Dogs or cats may not be sold or adopted for purposes other than keeping as pets.

Dogs or cats may not be adopted without first having been spayed or neutered or a fee thereof having been deposited.

Dogs over four (4) months of age may not be adopted without first having been licensed or a fee thereof having been deposited.

Cats may not be adopted without first having been spayed or neutered or a fee thereof having been deposited.

Section 8.01.210 – Deposit fees.

A. Deposit Fees—Adopted Animals.

1. Deposit fees for the spaying or neutering of dogs and cats six (6) months of age or older at the time of adoption shall be forfeited if the animal is not spayed or neutered within thirty (30) days of the date of adoption.

2. Deposit fees for the spaying or neutering of dogs or cats under six (6) months of age shall be forfeited if the animal is not spayed or neutered within six (6) months of the date of adoption.

3. Deposit fees for dog licenses shall be forfeited if a valid rabies certificate is not presented within ten (10) days of the date of deposit.

B. Refund of Deposit Fees. A refund of the deposit fees may be obtained by submitting a request for the refund along with adequate proof of spaying or neutering or a valid rabies certificate, whichever is applicable.

C. Deposit Fees—Permitted Uses.

1. Spaying or neutering deposit fees that are not refunded shall be deposited by the Chief of Animal Control with the County Treasurer for use by the County for the following purposes, as permitted by Cal. Food & Agric. Code § 30521:

a. A program to spay or neuter dogs or cats;

b. A public education program to reduce and prevent overpopulation of dogs and cats, and the related costs to local government;

c. A follow-up program to ensure that dogs and cats transferred by the public Animal Control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group are spayed or neutered in accordance with any agreement executed under Cal. Food & Agric. Code § 30520(d).

d. Any additional costs incurred by the public Animal Control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animal shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group in the administration of this Chapter.

D. Rescue and Adoption Organizations. In addition to any spay or neuter deposit fee, the animal shelter may assess a fee, not to exceed the standard adoption fee, for animals released to nonprofit animal rescue or adoption organizations.