FAQs • Hamilton County, IN • CivicEngage

Do I have to get my pet "fixed"?: Hamilton County normally requires domestic pets be sterilized by age of 6 months. Under the provisions of the Hamilton County Ordinance: Any person owning or having custody of a dog or cat which is older than 6 months of age which has not been sterilized and for which the person owning or having custody of such an animal does not have a written certification from a licensed veterinarian stating that it is not in such animal's best medical interest to be sterilized, is in violation of the ordinance. If the animal is older than 9 months of age and is not spayed or neutered, a breeder's permit is required. For additional information, you may want to review Title 15, Article 2.1 of the Hamilton County Code of Ordinances.

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Animal Control - Pets

1. How many animals am I allowed to own?: This depends on your local zoning board. Animal laws currently state any more than 3 cats or 3 dogs constitutes a kennel or cattery and leaves the owner subject to inspections for cleanliness and disease control. Local zoning laws currently limit the number of animals to 3 and may require special permits if the number is exceeded. Residential homeowner or neighborhood associations may have additional restrictions.

2. Do I have to get my pet "fixed"?: Hamilton County normally requires domestic pets be sterilized by age of 6 months. Under the provisions of the Hamilton County Ordinance: Any person owning or having custody of a dog or cat which is older than 6 months of age which has not been sterilized and for which the person owning or having custody of such an animal does not have a written certification from a licensed veterinarian stating that it is not in such animal's best medical interest to be sterilized, is in violation of the ordinance. If the animal is older than 9 months of age and is not spayed or neutered, a breeder's permit is required. For additional information, you may want to review Title 15, Article 2.1 of the Hamilton County Code of Ordinances.

3. Do I need to get a dog tag, or pay a dog tax?: The dog tax was abolished by the State of Indiana in 2006. Under the revocation of this statute each county is allowed to adopt a County Option Dog Tax. Hamilton County has not adopted a County Option Dog Tax and therefore the tax is no longer. This same statute eliminated assessment for fees of Kennel Permits and Breeder Permits.

4. I'm thinking about getting an exotic pet. Where do I find information on if it is allowed?: Your first contact should be with Indiana Department of Natural Resources to determine if there are any special permits required or if the animal is endangered. Your second check should be with your local government to determine if it is allowed within their jurisdiction and your third check should be with your neighborhood or homeowner association to determine if it is allowed by their covenant. You may call the Hamilton County Animal Control at 317-776-4110.