The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is excited to announce that the Texas Spay and Neuter Pilot Program is now accepting applications!

Contracts will be awarded through an Open Enrollment process. Eligible organizations that meet application requirements will be awarded contracts on a first-come, first-serve basis until funds are fully allocated.

DSHS hosted a webinar on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 12:30 pm, to review eligibility, the application process, required forms, and answer questions. Here is the link to the recording. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/2218785230951464795. The pdf of the presentation slides can be found here Texas Spay and Neuter Webinar 1/26/2026

The application is open, please go to Open Enrollment Opportunities | Resources and filter the Open Enrollment Opportunities by DSHS and click on the appropriate procurement.

Background of the Texas Spay and Neuter Program (TXSNP)

During the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, the legislature passed Senate Bill 1, General Appropriations Act.  Rider 32 of the bill appropriates $13 million over the 2026-27 biennium to launch a program focused on the sterilization of dogs and cats.  This bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has been tasked with designing and implementing a two-year pilot program focused on protecting human health by reducing the number of dogs and cats at risk for unplanned breeding that could carry infectious diseases.  DSHS will implement the program by offering grants to subsidize spay/neuter surgeries for dogs and cats.

Below are the answers to the most frequently asked questions. For all other questions not listed below, you may email SNOE@dshs.texas.gov.

1. What organizations are eligible to apply?
   • Eligible organizations include, but are not limited to, municipal and county shelters, private animal shelters, 501c nonprofits, animal rescue entities, and veterinary clinics.
2. What are the requirements for program eligibility?
   • Entities applying for program funding must have a veterinarian on staff with at least one year of relevant experience in spay/neuter services or related fields.
   • Subcontractors providing services for funded entities have a veterinarian on staff with at least one year of relevant experience in spay/neuter services or related fields. Entities applying for program funding and their subcontractors are required to provide supporting documentation as specified in the Open Enrollment document.
   • All surgical procedures must be performed by veterinarians currently licensed by the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
3. How do I apply?
   • Once applications are open, please go to Open Enrollment Opportunities | Resources and filter the Open Enrollment Opportunities by DSHS. Click on the appropriate procurement number link to download and complete the Open Enrollment application documents.
   • Questions and completed applications must be submitted via email to SNOE@dshs.texas.gov. DSHS is not responsible for delays or errors in email delivery.
4. Will there be an email notification list for updated announcements?
   • Yes. Email notifications will be provided through a subscription to GovDelivery. To subscribe, access the link on the bottom of this webpage).  All Program launch announcements will be posted on this webpage.
5. What is the maximum grant amount?
   • DSHS has designed the program to make funds available across both urban and rural underserved areas, to support organizations of varying sizes. To maximize impact, a tiered contract system will be implemented, with award amounts ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 per fiscal year.
6. Are licenses and certifications required for vet techs and other staff assisting with sterilizations?
   • Licenses and certifications are not required for vet techs and other staff, however all staff assisting with sterilizations must be working under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian as required and described in the Open Enrollment document, Section 7.2.
7. What is the eligible population and service area?
   • The eligible population are dogs and cats owned or in the custody of Texas residents, rescue organizations, shelters, or government entities.
   • The service areas eligible are all Texas counties.
8. What is the difference between a custodian and owner?
   • Custodian, as defined in Texas Administrative Code Section 169.102, “A person or agency which feeds, shelters, owns, has possession or control of, or has the responsibility to control an animal.”
   • An owner is a private citizen who has bought or rescued a dog or cat.
9. Are there any reporting requirements for this project?
   • Each Contractor will be required to submit monthly invoices and programmatic quarterly and annual reports.            
10. What happens if all of the allocated funds are not disbursed in Fiscal Year 2025?
    • Any unexpended and unobligated balances of these funds remaining at the end of the fiscal year 2025 year will be available in fiscal year 2026.

Note

This program is separate from the Animal Friendly grant program.  The Animal Friendly program limits applicants to releasing agencies; 501c charitable organizations if their primary purpose is animal welfare or sterilizing animals owned by the general public at minimal or no cost; and local nonprofit veterinary medical associations that have an established program for sterilizing animals owned by the general public at minimal or no cost.

Contact Us

Submit TXSNP questions to TXSpayNeuter@dshs.texas.gov.