Bill > HB471

This bill requires animal shelters and releasing agencies in Texas to maintain detailed, standardized records about the animals in their custody, creating a comprehensive documentation system for animal intake and disposition. Specifically, shelters and agencies must now track and report the total number of live animals by species and age, the reason for animal intake (such as owner surrender, stray impoundment, or transfer), the monthly animal population, and the disposition of each animal (including adoption, reclamation, euthanasia, transfer, or death). The records must categorize animals as dogs, cats, or other, and classify their age as either up to five months or adult. Shelters and agencies must prepare these monthly records, maintain them for at least three years, and make them publicly accessible either through their website or by allowing in-person inspection. The bill also modifies existing law by changing the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission's role from having the option to requiring shelters and agencies to keep these records. The new requirements will apply to animals placed in or disposed of by shelters and releasing agencies on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, with some exemptions for smaller counties, veterinary clinics, and livestock commission facilities.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB471