Bexar County, TX Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- TX HSC Chapter 828
- Applies to
- Shelter-adopted pets only
- Sterilization deadline
- 30 days after maturity
- Voucher program
- BCAS SNAP available
- Privately owned pets
- No mandate
Summary
Bexar County does not impose mandatory spay-neuter on all pets, but Texas Health and Safety Code 828 requires sterilization of animals adopted from public shelters including Bexar County Animal Care Services, with enforcement through adoption contracts and veterinary follow-up.
Sec. 828.002. REQUIREMENTS FOR ADOPTION. Except as provided by Section 828.013, a releasing agency may not release a dog or cat for adoption unless the animal has been sterilized or the release is made to a new owner who signs an agreement to have the animal sterilized. Sec. 828.003. STERILIZATION AGREEMENT. (a) The sterilization agreement used by a releasing agency must contain: (1) the date of the agreement; (2) the names, addresses, and signatures of the releasing agency and the new owner; (3) a description of the animal to be adopted; (4) the sterilization completion date.
Full Breakdown
Under Texas HSC Chapter 828, every dog or cat released for adoption from a Texas releasing agency must be sterilized before release or, if too young, after the adopter executes an agreement to sterilize within 30 days of the animal reaching maturity. Bexar County Animal Care Services applies these rules and provides low-cost spay-neuter vouchers through the Spay-Neuter Assistance Program. The county does not mandate sterilization for privately-bred or owner-purchased pets in unincorporated areas. Violation of an adoption contract triggers civil action and can require return of the animal.
Violations & Fines
Breach of sterilization agreement under HSC 828.013: civil penalty up to $200, potential animal forfeiture; intact dog impoundment fees higher under BCAS schedule; deceptive trade practices liability for breeders selling unsterilized adopted animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must I spay or neuter my purebred dog?
Are low-cost spay-neuter services available?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bexar County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bexar County to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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