Denton, TX Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

An owner, or their designee, who redeems an animal, six (6) months of age or older, for a second or subsequent impound shall provide proof that the animal has been sterilized prior to the release of the animal. If the owner cannot provide proof that the animal is sterilized, the owner shall pay the animal services center a fee for the sterilization of the animal, as established by the city council and kept on file in the office of the city secretary. The animal will be sterilized prior to release to the owner. If circumstances prevent the sterilization of the animal prior to release, the animal shall be sterilized at the owner's expense by a veterinary clinic within fourteen (14) days. The owner must provide proof of sterilization to the animal services center within fourteen (14) days from release of the animal.(d)It shall be unlawful for a person redeeming an animal under this section to:(1)Fail to provide proof of rabies vaccination within seven (7) days of the release of the animal; or(2)Fail to provide proof that the animal was sterilized within fourteen (14) days of the release of the animal. (Ord. No. 24-730, § 1, 5-7-24)