1. (a) A companion animal may be exempted from the requirements of section 3 of this chapter if a veterinarian (as defined in IC 15-17-2-102 ) determines, following an examination, that the companion animal:

   1. (1) has a permanent health condition that precludes safe administration of a spay-neuter procedure;

   2. (2) has a health condition that precludes safe administration of a spay-neuter procedure, but:

      1. (A) the veterinarian determines that the health condition is not permanent and can be treated to allow for safe administration of a spay-neuter procedure not more than one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of the examination; and
      2. (B) a deposit of seventy-five dollars ($75) is made to the animal care facility before adoption; or

   3. (3) is less than six (6) months of age on the date of the examination and:

      1. (A) the veterinarian determines that the companion animal cannot be safely spayed or neutered due to the age of the animal; and
      2. (B) a deposit of seventy-five dollars ($75) is made to the animal care facility before adoption.

2. (b) In addition, a companion animal may be exempted from the requirements of section 3 of this chapter if:

   1. (1) the companion animal is less than six (6) months of age, but is at an age as determined by the animal care facility in consultation with a veterinarian (as defined in IC 15-17-2-102 ) at which the companion animal can be safely spayed or neutered; and
   2. (2) a deposit of seventy-five dollars ($75) is made to the animal care facility before adoption.

As added by P.L.201-2016, SEC.3.