Texarkana, TX Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Deadline
- 30 days after impoundment release or adoption
- Exemptions
- Under 6 months, or vet-certified unsafe
- Opt-out
- City-issued unaltered-animal permit, fee required
- Penalty
- Class C misdemeanor for noncompliance
- Citation
- Texarkana Code of Ordinances Sec. 8-21
Summary
Texarkana requires owners to sterilize animals reclaimed from impoundment or adopted from the city shelter within 30 days, unless the pet is under six months, a vet certifies it's unsafe, or the owner buys an unaltered-pet permit.
Within 30 days of the return of an impounded animal to its owner, the owner shall cause the animal to be sterilized by a licensed veterinarian unless (i) the animal is less than six months of age, (ii) documentation from a licensed veterinarian is provided to the city that sterilizing the animal is detrimental to the health of said animal, or (iii) the owner has obtained a city-issued unaltered permit specific to the animal and has paid all applicable fees.(b)Adoption. Within 30 days of adoption of an animal from the city, the owner shall cause the animal to be sterilized by a licensed veterinarian unless (i) the director of animal control deems sterilization of the animal unwarranted or (ii) documentation from a licensed veterinarian is provided to the city that sterilizing the animal is detrimental to the health of said animal.(c)The owner of an animal shall be responsible for providing to the city proof of sterilization as required by this section.(d)Any person who does not provide to the city proof of sterilization as required by this section shall be deemed guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. (Ord. No. 2022-131, § 1, 12-12-2022)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 27).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 8-21 of the Texarkana Code of Ordinances, any dog or cat returned to its owner after impoundment, or adopted from the city, must be sterilized by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days. The city exempts animals under six months old and animals a vet certifies would be harmed by the surgery. Owners who want to keep an intact pet can instead obtain a city-issued unaltered-animal permit and pay the required fee. Owners must submit proof of sterilization to the city; failing to do so is a Class C misdemeanor, the same penalty tier as most other animal-code violations in Texarkana.
Violations & Fines
Failing to provide proof of sterilization within the 30-day window is a Class C misdemeanor, fined under the city's general animal-code penalty in Sec. 8-20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Texarkana require all pet owners to spay or neuter their animals?
Can I keep an unaltered animal in Texarkana?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Texarkana
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Texarkana to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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