Bexar County does not impose mandatory spay-neuter on all pets, but Texas Health and Safety Code 828 requires sterilization of animals adopted from public shelters including Bexar County Animal Care Services, with enforcement through adoption contracts and veterinary follow-up.
Under Texas HSC Chapter 828, every dog or cat released for adoption from a Texas releasing agency must be sterilized before release or, if too young, after the adopter executes an agreement to sterilize within 30 days of the animal reaching maturity. Bexar County Animal Care Services applies these rules and provides low-cost spay-neuter vouchers through the Spay-Neuter Assistance Program. The county does not mandate sterilization for privately-bred or owner-purchased pets in unincorporated areas. Violation of an adoption contract triggers civil action and can require return of the animal.
Breach of sterilization agreement under HSC 828.013: civil penalty up to $200, potential animal forfeiture; intact dog impoundment fees higher under BCAS schedule; deceptive trade practices liability for breeders selling unsterilized adopted animals.
See how Converse's mandatory spay/neuter rules stack up against other locations.
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