Bexar County, TX Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Rabies vaccine
- Required at 4 months
- Leash law
- Not required for cats
- TNR program
- BCAS supports community cats
- License
- Not county-mandated
- Bite quarantine
- 10 days mandatory
Summary
Bexar County requires cats over four months old to be vaccinated against rabies under Texas Health and Safety Code 826.021, but the unincorporated county has no leash law for cats, allowing outdoor and community cat populations through TNR programs administered by Animal Care Services.
Sec. 826.021. VACCINATION OF DOGS AND CATS REQUIRED. (a) Except as otherwise provided by department rule, the owner of a dog or cat shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies by the time the animal is four months of age and thereafter periodically. Sec. 826.018. LOCAL RABIES CONTROL PROGRAMS. (a) This section applies to a veterinarian who: (1) is employed by a county or municipality; and (2) administers or supervises the administration of rabies vaccine as part of a local rabies control program established by a county or municipality under this chapter.
Full Breakdown
Texas HSC 826.021 mandates rabies vaccination for all cats older than four months; vaccinations must be performed by a licensed Texas veterinarian and renewed per manufacturer schedule. Bexar County does not require cats to be on leashes or confined indoors in unincorporated areas, though San Antonio city limits enforce stricter rules. Animal Care Services operates Trap-Neuter-Return programs for community cats and works with rescue partners. Cats causing nuisance or property damage may still be impounded under Texas HSC 822 nuisance provisions if the owner fails to control them.
Violations & Fines
Failure to vaccinate: Class C misdemeanor under HSC 826.052, fine up to $500; bite incidents trigger 10-day quarantine at owner expense or county shelter; nuisance cats may be impounded with reclaim fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to license my cat in unincorporated Bexar County?
Can my cat roam outside?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bexar County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bexar County to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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