Temple, TX Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Deadline
- 14 days post-adoption or age 6 months
- Proof required
- Written confirmation within 7 days
- Governing section
- Sec. 6-34, Temple Code
- Consequence
- Animal reclaimed, no fee refund
Summary
Temple requires every dog or cat adopted from Animal Services to be spayed or neutered within 14 days of adoption or by 6 months of age.
Before an unsterilized dog or cat may be released from Animal Services for adoption, the adopter must sign a sterilization agreement with Animal Services... agreeing to: (1) have the dog or cat spayed or neutered within fourteen (14) days of the date of adoption or by the date the animal attains six (6) months of age, whichever is later.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Reformat).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 6-34 of the Temple Code of Ordinances, an adopter of an unsterilized dog or cat from Animal Services must sign a sterilization agreement before the animal is released. The adopter must have the animal spayed or neutered within 14 days of adoption or by the date it turns six months old, whichever is later, and must submit written proof of sterilization to Animal Services within 7 days after the procedure. Failing to sterilize the animal or furnish proof is a criminal offense, and Animal Services can reclaim the animal with no refund of the adoption fee.
Violations & Fines
Failing to sterilize or report sterilization is an offense; Animal Services may reclaim the animal with no adoption-fee refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Temple require all pets to be spayed or neutered?
What proof does Temple require after sterilization?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Temple
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Temple to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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Mandatory Spay/Neuter in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bell County handle mandatory spay/neuter.