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Bexar County, TX Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State preemption
TX H&S Code 822.047
Breed ban status
Prohibited statewide
Dangerous dog insurance
$100,000 liability minimum
JP adjudicates
Bexar County Justice Court
JBSA housing
May restrict on federal property

Summary

Texas preempts breed-specific laws under TX Health and Safety Code 822.047, so Bexar County and San Antonio cannot ban any breed. Lillian's Law applies to any dangerous dog regardless of breed.

City-specific rules exist: Converse, Universal City, San Antonio, and Live Oak have their own breed restrictions rules that differ from Bexar County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Sec. 822.047. LOCAL REGULATION OF DANGEROUS DOGS. A county or municipality may place additional requirements or restrictions on dangerous dogs if the requirements or restrictions: (1) are not specific to one breed or several breeds of dogs; and (2) are more stringent than restrictions provided by this subchapter.

Source: TX H&S Code Chapter 822View official code

Full Breakdown

047 expressly preempts municipalities and counties from enacting breed-specific regulations. This means Bexar County, the City of San Antonio, Converse, Live Oak, Universal City, Leon Valley, Helotes, and Castle Hills may NOT ban pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, or any other breed, nor impose breed-specific insurance, muzzling, or containment requirements. Instead, Texas uses a deeds-based framework. 005 for fatal attacks), a dog may be declared dangerous after an unprovoked attack causing injury outside its enclosure. A Dangerous Dog designation by a Bexar County Justice of the Peace requires secure enclosure, $100,000 liability insurance or equivalent surety, registration with Bexar County Animal Control Services, and muzzling in public.

The City of San Antonio Animal Care Services administers the same process inside the city. Federal military housing on JBSA follows separate DOD-wide pet policies which MAY include breed lists as a condition of on-base housing, but those apply only on federal property. Renters should note that individual landlords and insurance companies may impose breed-based exclusions, which are lawful as private contracts but unenforceable by government.

Violations & Fines

Failure to comply with Dangerous Dog requirements is a Class C misdemeanor first offense, up to $500; subsequent or a resulting serious injury is Class A/B or a felony under HSC 822.044 and 822.005. Attempting to enforce a breed ban is invalid; citations would be dismissed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my HOA ban pit bulls in Bexar County?
An HOA is private and may impose breed restrictions in its covenants, which are enforceable against homeowners. The state preemption applies to government, not private contracts.
What is Lillian's Law?
A 2007 Texas law (Health and Safety Code 822.005) making a dog owner criminally liable for a felony when an unprovoked attack causes serious bodily injury or death. It applies to any breed.
Do I have to register my pit bull as dangerous?
No. Dangerous Dog status follows behavior, not breed. Dogs become subject to registration only after a JP finds them dangerous following an incident.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bexar County

All Bexar County rules

How Bexar County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bexar County to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview

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