HB 4819

relating to a refundable adoption fee for the sterilization of dogs
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 828.002, Health and Safety Code, is
Sec. 828.002.  REQUIREMENTS FOR ADOPTION.  (a)  Except as
provided by Section 828.013, a releasing agency may not release a
dog or cat for adoption unless:
(1)  the animal has been sterilized; or
(2)  the release is made to a new owner who signs an
agreement to have the animal sterilized and pays a refundable $75
(b)  The releasing agency shall:
(1)  collect the fee required under Subsection (a)(2)
from each new owner who adopts a dog or cat that is not sterilized;
(2)  refund the amount of the collected fee to an owner
who provides to the agency the letter required by Section 828.005
confirming the adopted dog or cat has been sterilized within the
(c)  Each releasing agency shall remit to the comptroller all
fees not refunded under Subsection (b)(2) in accordance with the
times and methods prescribed by the comptroller.  The comptroller
shall deposit the fees to the credit of the account created by the
comptroller in the manner provided by Section 504.6012(b),
Transportation Code.  Money deposited to that account may be used
only by the Department of State Health Services to award grants to
eligible organizations for the purpose of providing sterilization
services in accordance with Section 828.014.
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.