Pearland, TX Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Sworn complaint of an unprovoked attack or threat
- Appeal window
- 15 days to Pearland Municipal Court
- Compliance deadline
- 30 days after final dangerous-dog determination
- Required insurance
- At least $250,000 in liability coverage
- Enclosure access
- Officer inspects 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Noncompliance outcome
- Dog must be euthanized or leave the city
- Offense level
- Class C misdemeanor, separate offense per day
Summary
Pearland does not ban dogs by breed; instead Article IV of the animal code lets the animal control officer declare an individual dog dangerous after an unprovoked attack. Once declared, owners have 30 days to license, microchip, muzzle, insure for $250,000 and secure the dog or face forced euthanasia or removal from the city.
Not later than the thirtieth (30th) calendar day after the date a caretaker or owner has been notified of the final determination s/he is the owner of a dangerous dog that a court has not ordered to be humanely euthanized, the caretaker or owner shall:(1)Comply at all times with the requirements set forth in this article and, if applicable, in Subchapter D, Chapter 822 of the Texas Health and Safety Code;(2)Provide proof the dog has had a microchip implanted...(3)Obtain a dangerous dog license from animal control officer for the fee stated in the city fee schedule and affix a city-issued "dangerous dog" tag to the city-issued collar that must be worn by the dog at all times. The registration and the accompanying tag must be renewed annually;(4)Muzzle and restrain the dangerous dog at all times on a leash that is no longer than six (6) feet in length...(8)Obtain liability insurance coverage in an amount of at least two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00) to cover damages resulting from an attack by the dangerous dog causing bodily injury to a person and provide proof of the required liability insurance coverage to the department.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Under Section 6-51, Pearland has elected to follow the dangerous-dog process in Chapter 822 of the Texas Health and Safety Code. Any person, including a city employee, can file a sworn written complaint, and the animal control officer investigates and may determine a dog is dangerous under Section 6-52, notifying the owner by hand delivery, posted notice, or certified mail. The owner has 15 calendar days to appeal that determination to municipal court under Section 6-53. ; sterilize the dog unless a veterinarian certifies otherwise; post city-issued warning signs at the front door, any fence gate, and the midpoint of fencing facing a public right-of-way; and carry at least $250,000 in liability insurance naming the dangerous-dog designation.
Owners who cannot or will not meet these terms must deliver the dog for euthanasia or remove it from Pearland within 30 days, and any dog declared dangerous by a court is barred from residing in the city after that window closes. Ownership transfers must be reported to the animal control officer within seven days under Section 6-54(c)-(g). Section 6-55 lets any person petition municipal court over noncompliance, with a hearing within ten days and a right to appeal a court order to county court under Section 6-55(f).
Violations & Fines
Violating any requirement of Article IV or Subchapter D of Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822 is a Class C misdemeanor under Section 6-56, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. Any defense available under state Chapter 822, including defenses to a euthanasia order under Health and Safety Code Section 822.003(f), applies equally to a city prosecution. Failure to comply within the 30-day window can result in court-ordered removal from the city or humane destruction of the dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pearland ban specific dog breeds like pit bulls?
What does my dog have to do to be declared 'dangerous' in Pearland?
What must I do once my dog is declared dangerous?
What happens if I move to Pearland with a dog declared dangerous elsewhere?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pearland
How Pearland compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Pearland to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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