San Marcos, TX Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- second at-large impoundment
- Deadline
- 30 days from impoundment
- Verification
- documentation due within 10 days
- Penalty
- separate offense for missed deadline
Summary
San Marcos requires owners to sterilize a dog or cat within 30 days after it is impounded running at large for a second time, under Sec. 6.030(a)(6).
If an animal is impounded for running at large, for a second time, and the animal has not already been sterilized, the owner must complete and sign a sterilization agreement to have the animal sterilized within 30 days as a further requirement for return. A person who signs a sterilization agreement commits an offense if he or she fails to have the animal sterilized on or before the date required in the agreement.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 41).
Full Breakdown
Under City of San Marcos Code of Ordinances Sec. 6.030(a)(6), an animal impounded for running at large a second time must be sterilized within 30 days if it has not already been altered, and the owner must sign a sterilization agreement as a condition of getting the pet back. Owners must submit veterinary verification documentation to animal services within 10 days of the procedure. Failing to complete the agreed sterilization by the deadline is itself a separate criminal offense, distinct from the underlying at-large violation. The city does not require sterilization of pets that have never run at large twice.
Violations & Fines
Failing to sterilize the animal by the agreed deadline, or failing to submit verification within 10 days, is a separate offense subject to citation under Chapter 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Marcos require spay/neuter for all pets?
What happens if the sterilization deadline is missed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Marcos
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Marcos to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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