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.

APPROVED by Governor March 12, 2024

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