Chattanooga, TN Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

No person shall adopt a dog or cat from a releasing agency, including the Animal Center or private organization operating a shelter from which animals are adopted or reclaimed, unless the dog or cat has first been spayed or neutered.(b)The releasing agency may require the new owner to pay a fee for the spaying or neutering of the animal. The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons selling or giving away animals from a residence, business or retail pet facility.(c)Except for dogs and cats for which the owner can provide proof of inoculation, all dogs and cats redeemed from the Animal Center shall be inoculated against rabies prior to redemption, provided that if the dog or cat is less than three (3) months old, a deposit of not less than ten dollars ($10.00) shall be collected from the person redeeming the animal, which shall be refunded upon presentation of proof of rabies inoculation within fifteen (15) days of the animal reaching four (4) months of age. In the alternative, a person adopting a dog or cat may prepay the cost of such inoculation at the Animal Center; such person must obtain the inoculation within fifteen (15) days of the adoption of such dog or cat if the animal is over three (3) months of age or within fifteen (15) days of the dog or cat reaching three (3) months of age. (Ord. No. 12880, § 1, 11-18-14)

State Law reference— T.C.A. § 44-17-502.