Guadalupe County, TX Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- County Leash Rule
- Yes, Ordinance No. 0001
- Off Property
- Must be restrained
- Violation
- Class C misdemeanor
- Rabies Shot
- Required at three months
Summary
Unlike many Texas counties, unincorporated Guadalupe County has a countywide restraint rule: its Animal Control Ordinance makes it unlawful to let a dog run at large off the owner's property. Dogs must also be vaccinated for rabies at three months.
It shall be unlawful for the custodian of any dog whether vaccinated, licensed, or not, to let such an animal run at large. All dogs shall be restrained when they are not on the custodian's property or on private property with the permission of the property owner, or property owner's agent.
Full Breakdown
Guadalupe County adopted Animal Control Ordinance No. 0001 under Health and Safety Code Chapters 822 and 826. Section 5.01 requires every dog to be restrained whenever it is off the custodian's property or off private property where it has permission to be; letting a dog run at large is a Class C misdemeanor. Restraint means a leash or lead under a responsible person's control. The Sheriff's Office enforces it and may impound loose dogs, holding them 72 hours if unlicensed. The ordinance also requires rabies vaccination at three months and once every twelve months after.
Violations & Fines
Letting a dog run at large is a Class C misdemeanor. Loose dogs are impounded, held 72 hours (120 if licensed), with a $35 impound fee plus $15 per day boarding before release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a leash law in unincorporated Guadalupe County?
What happens if animal control picks up my dog?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Guadalupe County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Guadalupe County to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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