Lassen County Animal Shelter Halts Adoptions of Unaltered Animals
Animal control officials enacted the policy to comply with state sterilization requirements.
The shelter will no longer adopt out animals that have not been spayed or neutered.
JOHNSTONVILLE — The Lassen County Animal Shelter no longer adopts out non-altered animals directly to members of the public. Shelter staff transfer unaltered puppies and kittens to approved rescue partners, which perform spay or neuter procedures, along with other medical care, before placement in permanent homes. Officials announced the immediate change in a release issued at the end of March.
The Lassen County Animal Control Department operates the shelter at 472-000 Johnstonville Road in Susanville. The department, part of the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, manages stray animal impounds, owner surrenders, and adoptions. Staff handles daily operations at the facility, which remains open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM. For adoption inquiries, contact (530) 257-9200.
California law requires public animal shelters to spay or neuter dogs and cats before release to new owners. Shelters are prohibited from selling or giving away unaltered animals, except for when veterinary certification is required. In those cases, adopters pay a refundable deposit between forty dollars and seventy-five dollars and must provide proof of the procedure within set time frames or forfeit the funds.
The shelter previously allowed unaltered adoptions with signed contracts and deposits that required proof of spaying or neutering within 60 days for animals over 4 months old or within 6 months for younger animals. In 2025, twenty-six animals left the facility unaltered, and half of those adopters never submitted the required proof. Shelter representatives reminded the public of those obligations in a March statement from Kennel Technician Jamie Proia.
Shelter officials cited ongoing difficulties securing timely and affordable spay or neuter appointments with local veterinarians as a primary factor in the decision. The release stated, “After reviewing community feedback, shelter data, and ongoing challenges with access to timely and affordable spay/neuter services in our area, Lassen County Animal Shelter has made the decision to update our adoption policy.” Officials added, “This decision was not made lightly. It reflects our responsibility to operate within California law and to reduce the risk of contributing to pet overpopulation in our community.”
The policy applies fully to puppies and kittens while officials continue efforts to arrange alterations for adult dogs whenever local appointments become available. Shelter management plans to revisit the policy as veterinary resources and community needs evolve. For more details on current adoptable animals, residents should call the shelter directly.