Yes, Texas has several, mostly localized, dog restrictions focused on safety and welfare. While no statewide leash law exists, many cities require leashes in public. Key laws include the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act (requiring proper shelter, water, and no chain restraints) and prohibitions on breed-specific bans, allowing only "dangerous dog" regulations based on behavior.

What are the dog laws in Texas?

The owner or handler of a dog or cat is not authorized to have, harbor or keep any unlicensed dog or cat. You also may not allow any dog or cat to become a stray. Further, the owner or handler of every dog or cat is responsible for all behavior of the animal under the provisions of these regulations.

Are there dog breed restrictions in Texas?

Texas law does not allow cities to enact laws that specifically ban certain dog breeds. Instead, cities regulate dogs on a case-by-case basis by deeming them “dangerous” based on their behaviors.

Is there a limit of dogs you can own in Texas?

If you live in an apartment, duplex, town home etc. (your wall touches another family's wall), you may have up to a total of four (4) dogs and/or cats. If you live in a single family home on less than a half an acre, the limit is six (6) dogs and/or cats.

Are dogs allowed to roam free in Texas?

Texas has no statewide “leash law,” but Houston and several other cities have local laws that require dog owners to leash, muzzle or otherwise restrain their dogs at all times when they are in public areas or prohibit owners from letting their dogs “run at large.” If a dog owner or handler violates one of these local ...

'Safe Outdoor Dogs' law takes effect Jan. 18 in Texas | KVUE

Is Texas a dog friendly state?

Whether you're just driving through, or coming to Texas as a vacation destination, cities all around the state have many options when it comes to pet-friendly activities, restaurants, and more.

Can I take my dog into Target in Texas?

Target does not have any exceptions to its no-pets policy. Service dogs are not pets, so they are allowed in Target. They are even allowed to accompany their handlers throughout the grocery section so long as they are under the handler's control and are potty trained.

Can I report my neighbor for having too many dogs?

You can also call law enforcement or animal control. Many states have laws against animal hoarding. It may even be a crime. Your local humane society may also be able to help.

Are any pets illegal in Texas?

In Texas, you generally cannot own endangered species or certain "dangerous wild animals" like lions, tigers, bears, wolves, or great apes without specific permits, requiring a Certificate of Registration (CPR) for many exotic cats, bears, and primates, while venomous snakes and some native animals (like deer, bats, and certain birds) also have strict rules, requiring permits or being outright banned unless for educational/scientific purposes.

Do you have to license a dog in Texas?

City pet licenses are required for dogs and cats 4 months of age and older residing within city limits. The license expires on the same date as the animal's rabies vaccination certificate. Texas State Law mandates that all dogs and cats have current rabies vaccinations.

What is the Lillian's law in Texas?

Lillian's Law (Texas Health & Safety Code § 822.005) holds dog owners criminally responsible if their negligence leads to an unprovoked attack causing serious injury or death, making it a felony offense. Passed in 2007 after the tragic mauling of Lillian Stiles, the law creates felony charges for owners who fail to secure a dog they know is dangerous or act with criminal negligence, resulting in severe harm or death outside the owner's property. Penalties range from 2-10 years (third-degree felony for injury) to 2-20 years (second-degree felony for death) plus fines, and can also lead to the dog's destruction.
 

What dogs are restricted breeds?

Restricted breeds include: Akita, Australian Cattle Dog, Belgian Malinois, Bouvier Des Flandres, Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, Dogue De Bordeaux, German Shepherd, English Mastiff, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and any cross of these.

What is considered excessive barking for a dog?

Excessive dog barking is generally defined as persistent, prolonged, or unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace, comfort, or quiet enjoyment of neighbors, often exceeding specific time limits like 30 minutes of continuous or 60 minutes of intermittent barking within a certain period, and it can lead to noise complaints, fines, or legal action. While short alert barks are normal, constant or untimely noise (early morning/late night) becomes excessive, interfering with others' lives.

Is 7 dogs too many?

It's difficult to say just how many dogs is too many or when having several dogs turns into hoarding, as the answer depends greatly on the person who has the animals and how well they care for them. If someone has several canines and all those pups are healthy and happy, there isn't a problem.

Can I bring my dog into Walmart in Texas?

Walmart welcomes service animals as defined by the ADA in our stores, and we recognize the important role they play in many of our customers' lives. We do not allow pets in our stores.

Can I bring my dog into Costco?

No, regular pets and emotional support animals (ESAs) are generally not allowed in Costco stores, but professionally trained service dogs that perform specific tasks for a disability are permitted under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Costco's policy prioritizes hygiene and safety, allowing only legitimate service animals, and employees can ask two questions to verify if a dog is a service animal (e.g., "Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?" and "What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?"). 

Can I bring my dog to heb?

IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING IF YOU CAN TAKE YOUR DOG TO H-E-B... 🐕 H-E-B just updated their signage to let everyone know to leave their pets at home. Only service dogs allowed. Signage also indicates service dogs should not ride in shopping carts.

What is the new dog law in Texas?

The main new Texas dog law is the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, effective January 2022, which mandates adequate shelter (protecting from sun, rain, extreme temps), access to drinkable water, and safe restraints (no chains, proper fit, cable tie-outs/trolleys, 10ft/5x dog length minimum) for tethered dogs, allowing immediate animal control action for violations, a shift from the old 24-hour warning rule. Recent legislation (2025) also expanded bans on roadside pet sales to more counties, aiming to reduce shelter overcrowding.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for dogs and cats?

The 3-3-3 rule for newly adopted dogs and cats is a guideline for their adjustment period: 3 days to decompress (feeling overwhelmed, hiding, sleeping), 3 weeks to learn the new routine (testing boundaries, showing personality), and 3 months to feel truly at home and build confidence (settled, bonded, routine understood). It emphasizes patience and consistency, as every pet adjusts at their own pace, with the goal of preventing owners from expecting too much too soon. 

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