Marion County Unaltered Animal Registry.
Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 531-413
in effectSec. 531-413. - Marion County Unaltered Animal Registry.
(a) This section does not apply to:
(1) "Commercial breeder" or "commercial dog broker" as defined by IC 15-21-1-4.
(2) Municipal shelters, humane societies, rescue groups, or foster homes.
(3) Dogs for whom a licensed veterinarian has signed a document attesting to the contraindication of sterilization due to age or medical condition. Such dogs shall be treated, for the purpose of this section to be altered, provided, however, that if such a dog is female and becomes pregnant, the litter must be reported to IACS in accordance with the provisions therein.
(b) The owner or keeper of any unaltered dog older than six (6) months of age in Marion County shall register on the Marion County Unaltered Animal Registry. Registration shall be valid for one (1) year and must be updated annually.
(c) By registering, the owner or keeper of an unaltered dog agrees to the guidelines for responsible unaltered animal ownership, including:
(1) An annual veterinary exam: A licensed veterinarian shall, at least once per year, conduct an examination through direct supervision of each dog and upon detection of any affliction, provide expertise in diagnosing and treating such affliction. This shall include an oral exam and the administration of core vaccinations as recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association, including a current rabies vaccination for all dogs over three (3) months of age and vaccinations necessary to prevent common canine diseases such as Parvovirus.
(2) Keeping records for a period of two (2) years from the date of birth as to the birth of each litter of dogs and keep records for a period of two (2) years from the date of sale of the name, address and telephone number of each buyer or new owner/guardian of any dog sold or transferred.
(3) Reporting new litters to Indianapolis Animal Care Services prior to the birth of the puppies, or within two (2) weeks of the litter being born.
(4) A female dog shall not be bred if the dog has not maintained a normal body condition and been declared healthy enough for breeding by a veterinarian following a physical examination. No female dog shall birth more than one litter per eighteen-month period without the written determination of a veterinarian that the dog is healthy enough for breeding, and no more than six litters in her lifetime.
(5) Obtaining a unique "Litter ID Number" from IACS that must be included in:
(i) Any offer for the sale or transfer of the puppies, and
(ii) Provided to the purchaser or recipient of any puppies.
(6) Microchipping. All puppies shall be microchipped prior to being sold or transferred. New owners shall be responsible for updating the microchip information pursuant to section 531-202.
(d) Violations.
(1) An unregistered breeder commits a violation of this Code if they are the owner or keeper of any unaltered dog older than six (6) months of age in Marion County that is not registered on the Marion County Unaltered Animal Registry.
(2) By registering, the owner or keeper of an unaltered dog agrees to the requirements in this section.
(i) A first violation of this section in any twelve-month period shall be subject to education that will be provided by IACS/Animal Control to ensure:
A. Registration in the Marion County Unaltered Animal Registry (if determined to be eligible for the Registry pursuant to other provisions of this section),
B. The owner or keeper of unaltered animal is aware of low-cost spay neuter services in Marion County and the benefits of spay/neuter,
C. The owner is supported in complying with the requirements of the ordinance, including, but not limited to, providing information on government and non-profit resources that can assist with transportation, housing, finances, and animal care, and direct assistance specific to the care of animals when budget and resources allow, and
D. Discretionary recheck by an Animal Control Officer or other designee of IACS within thirty (30) days.
(ii) A second violation of this section in a twelve-month period shall be subject to all requirements in subsection above, and an admission of the violation and payment of the designated civil penalty, per animal, though the ordinance violations bureau in accordance with chapter 10-3 of the Code.
A. Fine is voidable if the owner or keeper schedules, within thirty (30) days, a spay/neuter procedure, and ensures the procedure occurs within three (3) months. Evidence of scheduled appointment and completed procedure must be provided to IACS.
(iii) A third violation in a twelve-month period shall be subject to the enforcement procedures and penalties provided in section 103-3 of the Code, and the fine imposed shall not be less than one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) per animal.
(e) Data collection. As part of the management and enforcement of this registry, Indianapolis Animal Care Services will collect and make available the following data points:
(1) Quantity of registrants,
(2) Quantity of litter IDs issued to registrants,
(3) Origin of inspection, including method of intake,
(4) Location of inspection, including street address and zip code,
(5) Inspection outcomes, including pending statuses, assessed penalties, and cases referred to the City Prosecutor, and
(6) Specific resources provided to and requested by owners/keepers during or after the inspection process.
(G.O. 26, 2024, § 3)
Source: Consolidated City of Indianapolis and Marion County, Revised Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/in/indianapolis_-_marion_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIIIPUHEWE_CH531AN_ARTIVCATR_S531-413MACOUNANREFetched: 10/27/2026