Wichita Falls, TX Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Dogs, cats, ferrets over 6 months
- Required before sale
- Sterilization, microchip, rabies shot
- Proof required
- Given to buyer at sale
- Key exemption
- Registered show/working/sporting animals
- Enforced by
- Wichita Falls Animal Services (ASC)
Summary
Wichita Falls bars selling, transferring, or advertising any dog, cat, or ferret over six months old unless it is sterilized, microchipped, and rabies-vaccinated.
No owner or person shall advertise, display, transfer ownership, or offer to transfer ownership of any dog, cat, or ferret over the age of six (6) months of age that is not sterilized, implanted with a microchip, and currently vaccinated against rabies.
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 14-275, private sellers cannot advertise, display, or transfer ownership of a dog, cat, or ferret over six months of age unless it has been sterilized, microchipped, and currently vaccinated against rabies. Sellers must hand over proof of sterilization and vaccination to the buyer at the time of sale. Narrow exemptions exist for registered show, sporting, working, or performance animals with an annual vet health certificate, and for professionally trained police or fire animals. Selling or giving away animals in parking lots, flea markets, or other places where the public gathers is separately prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Violating the sale/transfer sterilization requirement is a Class C misdemeanor citation issued by Animal Services, on top of separate at-large impoundment sterilization mandates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell an unaltered puppy in Wichita Falls?
Where can't I sell pets at all?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wichita Falls
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Wichita Falls to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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