Texas Pet Laws

This page summarizes the main state laws that affect dog and cat owners in Texas, with links to the full guide for each topic. State law sets the baseline; your city or county can add stricter rules, so check local ordinances too.

Texas Dog License Requirements

Texas has no statewide dog license. Cities and counties may require dog registration as part of local rabies control (Health & Safety Code 826.031), so each city or county runs its own program. Counties can also adopt registration with a fee of $1 to $5. Rabies vaccination is required statewide by 4 months.

Read the full dog license requirements guide →

Texas Leash Laws

Texas has no statewide leash law. Leash and at-large rules come from cities and counties. State law does regulate tethering: since January 18, 2022, a dog may not be left outside unattended on a chain, and any restraint must be at least 5 times the dog's length or 10 feet (Health & Safety Code 821.102).

Read the full leash laws guide →

Texas Dog Bite Laws

Texas has no dog bite statute. Victims sue under the common law: the one-bite rule, which requires showing the owner knew the dog had dangerous tendencies, or negligence, such as breaking a leash ordinance. Texas does make a dog attack causing serious bodily injury a felony (Health & Safety Code 822.005). The deadline to sue is 2 years.

Read the full dog bite laws guide →

Texas Rabies Vaccination Laws for Dogs and Cats

Texas requires every dog and cat to be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age by a licensed veterinarian (Health & Safety Code 826.021, 826.023), with boosters on the schedule set by state rule. Failing to vaccinate is a Class C misdemeanor. Only police service animals have an exemption.

Read the full rabies vaccination laws guide →

Texas Pet Limit Laws: How Many Pets Can You Own?

Texas has no statewide limit on household pets; cities set their own. Commercial dog and cat breeders with 5 or more adult intact females who sell 20 or more animals a year need a state license (Occupations Code ch. 802). The state kennel chapter does not apply to people with 3 or fewer animals.

Read the full pet limit laws guide →

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This page summarizes state statutes for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and cities and counties often add their own rules; check the current statute and your local ordinance, or ask a licensed attorney about your situation.