Camden, New Jersey

• Dogs and cats over the age of 6 months must be spayed or neutered.
• Animals with extreme medical conditions are excepted from the ordinance.
• Guardians of animals kept unaltered for any purpose must meet certain animal-care requirements and must obtain an annual permit from the city for $100.
• The law does not apply to animals kept in Camden for fewer than 30 days in a one-year period. § 210-39. Spaying or neutering required. [Amended 8-5-1999 by Ord. No. MC-3502]

It shall be unlawful to own, possess or keep in the City any dog or cat over the age of six months that has not been spayed or neutered, except as provided in § 210-40 of this article.

§ 210-40. Exceptions; permit to keep unspayed or unneutered pet.

The above prohibition shall not apply in the following situations:

A. Statement of veterinarian. If a licensed veterinarian states, in writing, that an animal is unfit to undergo the required surgical procedure because of an extreme health condition of the animal. Such extreme health conditions shall include, but not be limited to; severe cardiovascular comprise, bleeding disorder, respiratory disease and hepatic disease. The old age of an animal shall not, of itself, constitute an extreme health condition for purposes of this section.

B. If an animal is kept intact for any purpose, the owner of the animal shall be required to annually obtain a permit from the City to possess an animal that is not spayed or neutered. The permit shall be obtained for $100 and shall be issued or renewed only if the City determines that the following conditions have been met: [Amended 8-5-1999 by Ord. No. MC-3502; 3-22-2001 by Ord. No. MC-3643]

(1) The animal is examined regularly by a licensed veterinarian.
(2) The animal is vaccinated annually for rabies and other common diseases.
(3) The animal is housed properly.
(4) The owner has not been in violation of other animal-related ordinance or state laws in the past 24 months.

C. If an animal is temporarily in the City to participate in a show or event sponsored by a nonprofit, sanctioned animal organization.

D. If an animal is owned, possessed or kept in the City for fewer than 30 days in a one-year period. However, the owner must show proof of ownership and residency in a town other than the City with a valid, up-to-date dog or cat (if applicable) license and other.