Given our community’s ongoing animal overpopulation issue, City leaders unanimously approved sweeping changes to the collection of local animal laws known as Chapter 5. The ordinance, which was approved in December 2007, institutes a permitting and licensing process for variety of animal related concerns beyond general pet licensing. One of the most important areas relates to the licensing of intact or unsterilized dog. These permits will go into effect January 1^st, 2009.

Effective January 1, 2009, any owner or keeper of a dog that is not spayed or neutered must obtain an annual intact dog permit. There are exemptions for dogs that qualify for certified medical exceptions (from a licensed veterinarian) or dogs less than six (6) months old.

The new law does not apply to:
1) A dog or cat owner who is a nonresident of this City and is keeping the subject pet in the City for fewer than sixty (60) days; or

2) Dog or cat owners who have been a resident of this City for fewer than thirty (30) days.

Permit applications and instructions can be found on this page of the ACS website. Please see the below link for an application.

All fees are payable to the City of San Antonio. Non-compliance with City Ordinance can result in citations and mandatory court appearances. The complete Chapter 5 ordinance and Animal Care Services fee structure (including permit fees) can be viewed at: www.sanantonio.gov/animalcare/chapter5.asp.

Application and Permit Filing Requirements:

-- Filing Requirements for Animal Permits

-- Intact Dog Permit Application

-- Intact Dog Permit Flyer