Dallas County, TX Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Summary
Dallas County requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. License and rabies vaccination required. TX HSC §822.013 covers dogs at large.
Sec. 822.042. REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNER OF DANGEROUS DOG. (a) Not later than the 30th day after a person learns that the person is the owner of a dangerous dog, the person shall: (1) register the dangerous dog with the animal control authority for the area in which the dog is kept; (2) restrain the dangerous dog at all times on a leash in the immediate control of a person or in a secure enclosure; (3) obtain liability insurance coverage or show financial responsibility in an amount of at least $100,000 to cover damages resulting from an attack by the dangerous dog causing bodily injury to a person ... and (4) comply with an applicable municipal or county regulation, requirement, or restriction on dangerous dogs.
Full Breakdown
Dallas County requires dogs to be on leash in all public areas. Off-leash exercise permitted only in designated dog parks. Dogs must be licensed and rabies-vaccinated. Dogs at large may be impounded by animal control per TX Health & Safety Code §822.013. Dangerous dog designation under Lillian’s Law (HSC Ch. 822) is behavior-based. Owner responsible for waste cleanup in public areas.
Violations & Fines
Off-leash: $50 to $200. At-large: impound fees + citation. Unlicensed: $50 to $250. Waste: $50 to $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to keep my dog on a leash in Dallas County?
What is the maximum leash length in Dallas County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas County to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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