Get Your Pet-Friendly License Plate
Arizona's Spay and Neuter of Animals Fund
Legislative History
In Arizona, it takes more than metal and paint to create a “specialty” license plate. New plates must be requested by an organization, sponsored by a lawmaker in the form of a bill, passed by the state legislature and then signed into law by the governor.
Such a bill came before the Second Regular Session of the Forty-sixth Legislature in 2004.
State Rep. Marian A. McClure (R-Tucson) introduced House Bill 2323 to create a specialty plate that would show support for companion animals and raise revenue to pay for spay and neuter services for dogs and cats statewide. McClure introduced the bill at the request of the Arizona Humane Society, which lobbied strongly on its behalf, with assistance from the Animal Defense League of Arizona. After months of consideration, legislators passed the bill as the session came to a close. Governor Janet Napolitano signed the bill into law in June 2004 – and again during a ceremonial event on August 20, 2004. The law took effect five days later. In sum, HB2323 had the effect of:
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Implementing a companion-animal license plate for an annual fee of $25; of that amount, $8 is collected by the Arizona Department of Transportation for administrative purposes and $17 is deposited in the Spay and Neuter Fund;
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Creating a governor-appointed Arizona Companion Animal Spay and Neuter Committee to oversee the distribution of the Spay and Neuter Fund; and
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Outlining the process by which qualifying organizations can apply for funds to make surgical sterilization services for dogs and cats available statewide.
With the passage of HB 2323, Arizona became the 28th state to pass legislation aimed at creating this type of “specialty” license plate for motorists. The “Pet Friendly” plate is Arizona’s 56th specialty plate. Get your plate, today!
April 2017, House Bill 2523 (A.R.S. 43-619) passed the Legislature and was signed by Governor Doug Ducey, allowing Arizona residents to make a voluntary contribution through their personal income tax returns - tax check-off program.
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A taxpayer may designate an amount of their refund as a voluntary contribution (gift) to the spaying and neutering of animals fund established by section 28-2422.02. The taxpayer may also donate any additional amount to the fund, in lieu of or in addition to the designated portion of the tax refund, by an appropriate indication of the return and by including that amount with the return.
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The Voluntary gift section is located on page 2, line item 74, of the AZ Resident Personal Income Tax Return -
Form 140.