Tennessee § 44-17-502 - Requirement for adoption.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-17-502 — Requirement for adoption., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 44-17-502. Requirement for adoption.
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: The dog or cat has already been spayed or neutered; The dog or cat has been spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian while in the custody of the agency; or 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: Within thirty (30) days of the date of the adoption, if such dog or cat is sexually mature; or 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. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 44-17-502
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-17-502 cover?
Section 44-17-502 ("Requirement for adoption.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 44-17-502?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-17-502" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 44-17-502 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.