Pet Regulations for Long Beach Residents

We closed our clinic for several hours today to attend a Long Beach Animal Care Services (ACS) meeting. We left the meeting not only with more insights on pet overpopulation but also with a renewed sense of optimism. As some of the proposed ideas take shape, we hope to share them with you and invite you to join in these efforts. After all, pet overpopulation is neither an ACS nor a veterinary problem. Pet overpopulation and responsible pet ownership are community issues and should be addressed as such to ensure effective lasting solutions.

During the course of the meeting, we were reminded that there are pet regulations for Long Beach residents that may be unknown (or forgotten) to many of us.

Most people know about dog licensing. Some may know that cats are not licensed in Long Beach. But did you know that it is illegal to own intact (unaltered) cats over 4 months of age? Delay or exemption from the surgery is granted with a licensed veterinarian's recommendation.

Did you know that a permit is required to breed dogs and cats in Long Beach? That means if you want your dog to "experience" a litter of puppies by breeding her to your neighbor's male dog, you and your neighbor have to apply for a permit.

And I wonder how many people are aware of the dog and cat transfer permit? Anyone in the business of selling, transferring or even adopting dogs and cats in the City of Long Beach must register and renew this permit each year. The permit fee is waived for nonprofit 501(c)(3) registered organizations (i.e. non-profit rescue & adoption groups).

For more key pet regulations, visit the ACS municipal code page.