New Texas License Plate Supports Pet Overpopulation Reduction

The Animal Friendly Texas specialty plate raises funds for low-cost spay and neuter services across the state.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Texas Department of State Health Services is encouraging drivers to purchase the new Animal Friendly Texas specialty license plate, which costs $30 with $22 from each sale going directly to the Animal Friendly Fund. This fund supports local organizations that provide low-cost spay and neuter services to help reduce pet overpopulation across the state.

Why it matters

Pet overpopulation is a significant issue in Texas, leading to high euthanasia rates in shelters and contributing to the suffering of stray and abandoned animals. The new specialty license plate gives Texans an easy way to support solutions to this problem and promote responsible pet ownership in their communities.

The details

The Animal Friendly Texas license plate is available for purchase through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Of the $30 cost, $22 from each sale goes to the Animal Friendly Fund, which distributes grants to local organizations to increase access to low-cost spay and neuter services. This helps address the root cause of pet overpopulation by preventing unwanted litters and supporting responsible pet ownership.

  • The Animal Friendly Texas specialty license plate became available for purchase in February 2026.

The players

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

The state agency that oversees public health initiatives, including efforts to address pet overpopulation.

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

The state agency responsible for vehicle registration and specialty license plate sales.

Animal Friendly Fund

A fund that provides grants to local organizations to support low-cost spay and neuter services and other programs aimed at reducing pet overpopulation in Texas.

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What’s next

The Texas DMV will continue selling the Animal Friendly Texas specialty license plate, with proceeds from each sale going to the Animal Friendly Fund to support pet overpopulation reduction efforts across the state.

The takeaway

The new Animal Friendly Texas license plate gives drivers an easy way to show their love for pets while also contributing to an important statewide cause. By supporting low-cost spay and neuter services, this initiative aims to address the root of pet overpopulation and promote responsible pet ownership in communities across Texas.