2010 Tennessee Code
Title 44 - Animals And Animal Husbandry
Chapter 17 - Dogs and Cats
Part 5 - Spay/Neuter Law
44-17-502 - Requirement for adoption.

44-17-502. Requirement for adoption.

(a)  No person shall adopt a dog or cat from an agency, including, but not limited to, an animal shelter, dog pound, animal control agency or humane shelter operated by a municipality, county, or other governmental agency within the state, or a private organization operating a shelter from which animals are adopted or reclaimed, unless:

     (1)  The dog or cat has already been spayed or neutered;

     (2)  The dog or cat has been spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian while in the custody of the agency; or

     (3)  The new owner signs a written agreement with the agency stating that the new owner will have the dog or cat spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian:

          (A)  Within thirty (30) days of the date of the adoption, if such dog or cat is sexually mature; or

          (B)  Within thirty (30) days after the dog or cat reaches six (6) months of age, if the dog or cat is not sexually mature at the time of the adoption.

(b)  Nothing in this section shall preclude the spaying or neutering of a sexually immature dog or cat at the discretion of a licensed veterinarian with the consent of the new owner.

[Acts 2000, ch. 789, § 3.]