Harris County, TX Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Rabies statute
- TX H&S Code Chapter 826
- Vaccination age
- Four months and older
- Lead agency
- HCPH Veterinary Public Health
- Licensing
- Set by each city
- TNR programs
- City-operated, varies
Summary
Harris County has no dedicated cat ordinance. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 826 mandates rabies vaccination for cats over four months old. Harris County Public Health Veterinary Public Health serves as the local rabies authority while cities run licensing and TNR programs.
Sec. 826.022. VACCINATION; CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) A person commits an offense if the person fails or refuses to have each dog or cat owned by the person vaccinated against rabies and the animal is required to be vaccinated under:(1) Section 826.021 and department rules; or(2) ordinances or rules adopted under this chapter by a county or municipality within whose jurisdiction the act occurs.(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.(c) If on the trial of an offense under this section the court finds that the person has been previously convicted of an offense under this section, the offense is a Class B misdemeanor. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch.
Full Breakdown
Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 826 and Texas Administrative Code Title 25 Chapter 169, every cat over four months must carry a current rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian. Harris County Public Health Veterinary Public Health Division acts as the local rabies control authority, coordinating bite reports, ten-day quarantines, and rabies testing through the state lab. Texas counties cannot impose stricter pet rules in incorporated areas, so cat licensing, leash exemptions, trap-neuter-return programs, and community cat feeding rules vary by city. Houston BARC operates an active TNR program; Pasadena, Baytown, and Pearland each set distinct cat policies through municipal codes.
Violations & Fines
Unvaccinated cats trigger Class C misdemeanor citations under Chapter 826 with fines up to five hundred dollars. Bite incidents force ten-day quarantine at owner expense; chronic noncompliance can lead to impound and additional municipal penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Harris County license cats?
Is trap-neuter-return legal countywide?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harris County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Harris County to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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