Dogs in Texas, United States: rules, tax and travel
Texas: Licensing is by county or municipality, which may require registration of dogs and cats (Health and Safety Code 826.031). Rabies and bite rules are in the details below.
Many dog rules in Texas are set by counties, cities or towns, so check your local animal control.
The national rules for United States apply here too. National rules
Breed rules
No breed-specific rule found.
Registration and microchip
Licensing is by county or municipality, which may require registration of dogs and cats (Health and Safety Code 826.031). A county programme applies only if voters approve it (822.021). No statewide licence.[1]
Leash and muzzle
No general statewide leash rule. An owner may not let a dog known to run, worry or kill livestock, domestic animals or fowl run at large (Health and Safety Code 822.012). Counties and cities may adopt leash or registration rules (822.007); in counties that adopt registration, dogs 6 months or older may not run at large unless registered and wearing a tag (822.031).[2]
Other rules
Dogs and cats must be vaccinated by 4 months of age and revaccinated at regular intervals set by department rule (Health and Safety Code 826.021).[3]
The state limits local breed-specific dog laws (Health and Safety Code 822.047).[4]
Dog bite liability: No dog bite statute. The one-bite rule and negligence apply under case law.[5]
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.
Sources
- animallaw.info/statute/tx-dog-consolidated-dog-laws (secondary source)
- animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-leash-laws (secondary source)
- animallaw.info/topic/table-rabies-vaccination-laws (secondary source)
- animallaw.info/article/overview-states-prohibit-bsl (secondary source)
- justia.com/injury/premises-liability/animal-dog-bites/dog-bite-law-50-state-survey (secondary source)