Modifications to Sterilization Requirements for Cats & Dogs

The "Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act" prohibits any animal shelter or pet animal rescue (facility) from releasing a dog or cat to a prospective owner unless the animal has been sterilized, except in cases in which sterilization would jeopardize the life or health of the dog or cat. A facility in an area with limited access to licensed veterinarians may be granted an exemption from the sterilization requirement by the commissioner of agriculture (commissioner). The act:

• Only allows an exemption from the sterilization requirement due to the health of an animal for animals born in Colorado;
• Allows a licensed veterinarian to delay a sterilization procedure if the licensed veterinarian declares in writing that a sterilization procedure is likely to cause a secondary illness, injury, impairment, or physical condition that involves inpatient care or ongoing outpatient treatment;
• Requires a licensed veterinarian to base a determination of unfitness for sterilization on specific details regarding the specific animal for which an exemption is requested;
• Prohibits a licensed veterinarian from including multiple animal exemption requests in one determination of unfitness for sterilization;
• Requires each facility to provide the department of agriculture with information regarding animals exempted from the sterilization requirement at the time of the facility's license renewal; and
• Prohibits facilities that import unsterilized dogs or cats into the state of Colorado from receiving an exemption from the commissioner.

EFFECTIVE August 7, 2024
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)