Shelter Regulations and Inspections
Animal shelters in Texas must meet minimum standards for housing and sanitation set by the Texas Board of Health (Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 169, Rabies Control and Eradication, Rabies Control Act, Chapter 826). Shelters are inspected annually by a licensed veterinarian. The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners wants to increase regulations on shelters, employees, and veterinarians by overturning the “owner exemption.” Two bills address this. The other overturns the “owner exemption,” imposing regulations and costs on shelters.
Reporting and Volunteer Information
How do I report an animal shelter in Texas?
Who inspects animal shelters in Texas? A veterinarian inspects each animal shelter in Texas once a year to determine compliance with health and safety regulations. The veterinarian files inspection reports with the shelter operator and state health department.
Some ways to volunteer at local animal shelters or rescues include searching online opportunities or following their volunteer application processes.
Animal Abuse and Shelter Definitions
There are four types of animal abuse: neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. Neglect, depriving an animal of necessities, is the most common form.
Texas law defines an animal shelter as a facility that keeps or legally impounds stray, homeless, abandoned, or unwanted animals. The Texas Board of Health oversees shelter standards. The Commissioner of Health leads the Texas Department of Health.
Shelter Operations and Euthanasia
Texas law requires public animal shelters to comply with state shelter standards, even if located in low population counties. Shelters must:
- Separate animals by species, sex, and size
- Not confine healthy animals with sick, injured or diseased animals
- Employ a veterinarian annually to inspect the facility
Only a licensed veterinarian or properly trained person can euthanize a shelter animal, and only after confirming death by examination. Euthanasia training covers proper techniques, solutions, storage, accountability, stress management, restraint methods, carbon monoxide administration, confirming death, and body disposal.
Nonprofit Rescue Operations and Adoption Efforts
Most states allow nonprofit animal rescue veterinarians to provide care to owned pets in limited circumstances. Texas explicitly forbids shelters and rescues from treating owned pets, even while shelters face crisis intakes and lack of veterinary care remains a top reason owners relinquish pets.
The SPCA of Texas operates managed intake shelters, does not euthanize for lack of space, and takes in animals as space allows. In 2011, 2.6 million shelter animals were euthanized, declining to 1.4 million by 2019.
Arlo, a 1.5 year old neutered and vaccinated dog available for adoption, is sweet and seeks a home through the Animal Rescue Foundation of Texas. Follow the foundation’s Facebook page for adoptable pet updates, no account required. Redemption Paws, founded in 2017 to save Houston shelter dogs, operates via public donations and volunteers.
The main reasons animals enter shelters: owners relinquish them or they are found as strays. In 2021, approximately 390,000 shelter dogs and 530,000 cats were euthanized. Lack of space and adoptive homes lead shelters to euthanize.
With annual intake exceeding 700,000 animals, D.E.L.T.A. Rescue is now the largest animal sanctuary in America. As North Texas shelters work to clear crowded kennels this weekend by waiving adoption fees, community support saves lives. Advocates can join the Texas grassroots action team to create change for pets locally.
Legislative Concerns
One bill confirms the status quo, allowing shelters to provide necessary care. The other imposes regulations and costs on shelters, discouraging care provision. It would also ban shelters from providing any treatment, even pain relief, to injured animals during statutory hold periods.
The SPCA of Texas, leading North Texas animal welfare for owned and shelter pets, offers various programs bringing people and animals together. Receiving no government funds, it depends on public support to give animals a voice.