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

All animals adopted from the animal shelter must be spayed or neutered by a veterinarian no later than six (6) months after the day the animal is adopted, unless the veterinarian certifies that to spay or neuter the animal would not be in the best medical interest of the animal.(2)The administrator shall issue a title of ownership to the adopting person which shall vest in the adopter upon the timely spay or neuter of the animal.(3)The time for redemption shall not begin to run until the animal is placed within the animal shelter and this event posted as part of the permanent record.(4)If any impounded animal is not redeemed or adopted, the animal may continue to be held for subsequent adoption or destroyed in a humane manner.(f)All proceeds derived under the provisions of this section, with the exception of fees collected for rabies vaccination and city tag licensing, shall remain in the budget and possession of the administrator. (Ord. No. O-484-93, § 1, 8-31-93; Ord. No. O-171-2023, § 1, 12-12-23)