A. In addition to the registration provisions set forth in WMC Chapter 7.16, no dog or cat shall be adopted from the shelter unless the prospective owner agrees to have the animal spayed or neutered.

B. The mayor, or an agency authorized by contract with the city, shall set animal adoption fees and costs to be charged by the animal care and regulation office or shelter.

C. A dog or cat which is at least six months old and is not spayed or neutered when it is adopted shall be spayed or neutered within 30 calendar days of the date of adoption. Dogs and cats which are under six months of age at the time of adoption shall be spayed or neutered within seven months of the date of birth of the dog or cat. The owner of a dog or cat adopted from the shelter shall provide to the city written proof of having the dog or cat spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian within 30 calendar days of the last date the dog or cat is required by this section to be spayed or neutered.

D. An animal may not be adopted from impoundment that shows symptoms of infectious or contagious disease or shows signs of aggression toward humans or other animals. The chief animal care and regulation officer or designee may approve the rescue of an animal or unclaimed animal that would otherwise be euthanized if the rescue group or individual agrees to provide the necessary medical care for the animal; except for animals classified as a Level 5.

E. Records of adoptions shall be maintained by the animal care and regulation office.

F. The chief animal care and regulation officer may, in the officer’s discretion, establish an adoption plan and fee schedule for animals other than dogs or cats.

G. An animal classified as Level 3, 4, or 5 may not be adopted from impoundment.

H. Adoption of any impounded animal is at the discretion of the city.

I. Adoption policies consistent with the provisions of this section may be established by the chief animal care and regulation officer.

J. Failure to have a dog or cat spayed or neutered as set forth in subsection (C) of this section, or to provide written proof of the spay or neuter, is an infraction. (Ord. 09-69(AM) § 9, 2009; prior code § 12.15.050)