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

Section 8-3-3 bars anyone from owning, harboring, or keeping a dog or cat within the city that hasn't been spayed or neutered, but it built in nine specific defenses: the animal is under six months old; a vet has certified within the past year that surgery would be unsafe or the animal is already infertile; the animal is held for adoption by Animal Services or a registered 501(c)(3) rescue; the dog is a documented, currently working (or designated breeding-stock) public-safety, service, or herding/livestock-guardian/hunting dog approved by the director of animal services; the animal is registered with an approved purebred club that enforces a genetic-defect breeding code; the owner shows proof of sterilization performed by the time of the summons or within 30 days after; or the owner holds a valid fertile permit under Section 8-3-4.

That permit, purchased in person from Animal Services under the current fee schedule, is issued per animal, authorizes only one litter per female per 12 months (and only one litter per household per year), requires current rabies vaccination and mandatory microchipping to qualify, and can be revoked for noncompliance, for letting offspring go before eight weeks old and vaccinated, or for a false statement on the application. Animals impounded under the chapter aren't eligible to buy a fertile permit at redemption and must be altered before leaving the shelter unless another exemption applies.