Garland, TX Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Core ban
- Unsterilized cat/dog over 6 months, unless exempted (§22.19(A)(1))
- Listed defenses
- 7, incl. retail sale, shows, medical fitness, breeder permit
- Medical exemption window
- 30 days to sterilize once condition clears (§22.19(B)(3))
- Impounded-animal deadline
- 30 days after reclaiming to prove sterilization (§22.05(N))
- Sterilization refund
- $75 if proof filed within 30 days (§22.06(A)(2))
Summary
Garland bans keeping an unaltered cat or dog past six months old citywide. Section 22.19(A)(1) makes it "unlawful to keep, harbor, sell, transfer, convey or release" an unsterilized cat or dog over six months, but Subsection (B) carves out seven specific defenses, from retail pet stores to registered show animals to a documented medical exemption.
(A) It shall be unlawful to keep, harbor, sell, transfer, convey or release any of the following: (1) An unsterilized cat or dog over the age of six months, except as provided in this section... (B) It shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section if the owner of an animal prohibited by subsection (A)(1) of this section establishes one of the following: ... (3) Medical fitness. A veterinarian licensed in the State certifies in writing that a cat or dog is medically unfit to undergo the required spay or neuter procedure because of a medical condition. As soon as the medical condition ceased to exist, it shall be the duty of the owner to have it spayed or neutered within 30 days.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4862189; v40 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
13 breeder permit. Outside those seven, ownership of an intact adult cat or dog is a straight violation. 05(N) separately requires the owner of an impounded unsterilized dog or cat to "provide proof of sterilization of the impounded animal within thirty (30) days of the date the animal is reclaimed," and failing that is its own offense. 06(A)(2) backstops that deadline with a financial incentive, waiving the first impoundment fee if the animal already carries both a microchip and sterilization at intake, and refunding the owner seventy-five dollars if surgical-sterilization proof is filed within thirty days of reclaiming.
Violations & Fines
Keeping, harboring or transferring an unsterilized cat or dog over six months without a Section 22.19(B) defense is a citable Animal Services offense enforced by an Animal Service Officer under Section 22.02(A). Separately, an owner who reclaims an impounded unsterilized dog or cat and misses the 30-day sterilization-proof deadline "commits an offense" under Section 22.05(N), independent of any citation on the original keeping violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I legally own an unaltered dog or cat in Garland?
What if my vet says my pet cannot be sterilized right now?
What happens if my impounded pet is not already fixed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Garland
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