(a) Except as provided by Subsections (b) and (e), a shelter may not provide shelter care unless the shelter holds a permit issued by the department under this subchapter.
(b) A shelter is not required to obtain a permit to provide shelter care under this subchapter if the shelter holds a license to operate a child-care facility that is issued by the department under Subchapter C. A shelter that holds that license must comply with the applicable provisions of Subchapter C, the applicable department rules, and any specific terms of the license.

(c) Notwithstanding any other law, including § 42.041, a shelter that holds a permit issued under this subchapter is not required to hold a license under Subchapter C to operate a shelter day-care facility.
(d) The department may not issue a permit under this subchapter to a shelter that provides child care to a child who is not a resident of the shelter. A shelter that provides child care described by this subsection must hold a license to operate a child-care facility issued under Subchapter C.
(e) A shelter is not required to obtain a permit under this subchapter or a license under Subchapter C if the shelter provides shelter care for:
(1) less than four hours a day or for less than three days a week; or
(2) six or fewer children.