Odessa, TX Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Age threshold
- Over six months old
- Escape valve
- Current breeder's permit only
- Adopted
- Ordinance 2023-26, Oct. 10, 2023
- Max fine
- $500 per offense, per day
- Enforced by
- Odessa Animal Services
Summary
Odessa requires every dog and cat over six months old to be spayed or neutered unless the owner holds a current breeder's permit, with narrow health and working-animal exceptions.
All unaltered dogs and cats over six months of age kept, harbored, or maintained within the city limits must be spayed/neutered or their owner shall obtain a breeder's permit under this chapter.
Full Breakdown
Odessa's Code of Ordinances § 2-3-5 makes sterilization the default status for pets: any dog or cat over six months old kept in the city must be spayed or neutered unless its owner obtains a breeder's permit and provides a veterinarian's health and vaccination statement plus a microchip number. Licensed vets can certify a health-based exemption or permanent infertility, and the rule also carves out documented competition, show, law-enforcement, rescue, and certified disability service animals. The city adopted this mandate as Ordinance 2023-26 on October 10, 2023, later amended by Ordinance 2024-10, replacing the former animal control chapter entirely.
Violations & Fines
Violating the spay/neuter mandate is punishable by a fine up to $500 per offense under § 2-1-1(c), and each day the animal stays unaltered without a valid permit is a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog have to be spayed or neutered in Odessa?
Are there exceptions to Odessa's spay/neuter rule?
What's the penalty for not complying?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Odessa
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