Arlington Animal Services requires sterilization of all dogs and cats adopted from the shelter or reclaimed after a second impoundment. The policy aims to curb overpopulation in Tarrant County and reduce repeat intake at the East Division facility.
Arlington follows Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 828 and city code provisions requiring sterilization of all animals released from the municipal shelter. Adopters sign a sterilization agreement and the procedure is performed before release whenever feasible. Owners reclaiming a pet that has been impounded twice within twelve months must show proof of spay or neuter or schedule it through Animal Services within thirty days. Low-cost vouchers are offered through partner clinics. Intact-animal permits are available for licensed breeders meeting kennel zoning standards but require additional fees and inspections by Animal Services staff.
Failure to comply with a signed sterilization agreement is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to 500 dollars and possible loss of pet ownership privileges.
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See how other cities in Tarrant County handle mandatory spay/neuter.
See how Arlington's mandatory spay/neuter rules stack up against other locations.
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