Question
We adopted a puppy on 11/07/2025 when we adopted him, he wasn’t neutered because his testicles hadn’t dropped. Our dog Wrigley has had a lot of health problems so with that said we never brought him back to be neutered. They reached out a few times, and we were out of town but then the other times he had a lot of health issues, and we did explain this to them. Now they have reached out saying we must have him neutered or they will have their lawyers contact us. The contract I signed doesn’t say anything about neutering. What can I do about this?
Answer
Neutering helps to control the overpopulation of dogs and can provide health benefits. So what can you do about your situation? You can have your dog neutered when your veterinarian says the dog is healthy enough to undergo the procedure.
Illinois law states, in part:
An animal shelter or animal control facility shall not adopt out any dog or adopt out or return to field any cat unless it has been sterilized and microchipped. However, an animal shelter or animal control facility may adopt out a dog or cat that has not been sterilized and microchipped if the adopting owner has executed a written agreement to have sterilizing and microchipping procedures performed within 14 days after a licensed veterinarian certifies the dog or cat is healthy enough for sterilizing and microchipping procedures and a licensed veterinarian has certified that the dog or cat is too sick or injured to be sterilized or it would be detrimental to the health of the dog or cat to be sterilized or microchipped at the time of the adoption.
Animal shelter is defined broadly under Illinois law to include 501 (c) (3) designated non-profit humane organizations.
Under the law stated above, the shelter should have had you sign an agreement to have the dog sterilized when the dog is healthy enough for the procedure. Rights are unclear when there is no executed agreement as required by law. I cannot predict how a court would decide the case.
Why wait to be sued? As noted above, neutering helps to control the overpopulation of dogs and can provide health benefits.
Illinois, USA
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