Bexar County, TX Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (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.
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.
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?
What is Lillian's Law?
Do I have to register my pit bull as dangerous?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bexar County
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
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.