Georgetown, TX Animal Ordinances: Animal Hoarding (2026)

The City of Georgetown addresses animal-hoarding situations indirectly through several Title 7 provisions rather than a dedicated 'hoarding' ordinance. The pet-limit rules in Chapter 7.02 cap households at five cats or dogs without a permit; keeping more than five requires a multi-pet permit (Section 7.02.030) or kennel permit (Section 7.02.020), each issued only after the Animal Control Unit inspects and confirms the premises are sanitary, adequately sized, free of offensive odor, and that the animals are altered and receiving adequate food, water and veterinary care. A permit can be revoked under Section 7.02.050 if those conditions are not maintained. Chapter 7.03 sets care standards: Section 7.03.020 requires proper care including humane treatment, sufficient wholesome food, clean water, medical care, adequate shelter and space, and Section 7.03.010 prohibits cruel treatment such as confining an animal in a manner causing pain or suffering. The nuisance provisions of Section 7.04.090 reach premises that become a hazard to public health or that give off obnoxious odors due to the presence of animals. Beyond the city code, Texas Penal Code Section 42.092 criminalizes animal cruelty, including failing to provide necessary food, water, care or shelter and keeping animals in cruel conditions - the statute most often applied to severe hoarding cases, which the Animal Control Unit can refer for prosecution.