Animal Friendly Program

Have you ever wondered about the cute license plates around Texas featuring a dog and cat? Those plates help to fund free and low-cost spay/neuter services for cats and dogs. 

It's part of the DSHS Texas Animal Friendly Program. And to date, these grants have funded more than 1,000,000 spay and neuter surgeries in Texas.   

How does it work? 

A Texan buys the special animal friendly plate for $30 through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Then, $22 goes to the Animal Friendly Fund. 

Help reduce pet overpopulation in Texas by ordering your Animal Friendly plate from the Texas DMV. 

Or contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles at 512-374-5010  

• Cost $30  
• ($22 goes to the Animal Friendly Fund) 

Order today: My Plates

Millions of dollars in grants have been awarded to help local organizations provide low-cost spay and neuter services.  

Eligible organizations for the grant are: 

• Private or public releasing agencies (animal shelters) 
• Charitable Organizations that are a 501c(3), and are sterilizing dogs and cats owned by the general public at minimal or no cost as its primary purpose 
• Local nonprofit veterinary medical association with an established program for sterilizing animals owned by the general public at minimal or no cost. 

If you would like to be notified of the next opportunity to apply for the Animal Friendly grant, contact: The.Vet@dshs.texas.gov and provide your email address and contact name. Your organization will be added to our Animal Friendly RFA (Request for Application) notification distribution list. Opportunities to apply for the grant occur every two years.