Harris County, TX Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash Length
- 6 feet maximum
- License Fee
- $20 (altered) / $60 (intact)
- Tethering Ban
- 10 PM – 6 AM
- Tether Length
- 5x dog length or 10 ft min
- Rabies Vaccine
- Required
Summary
All dogs and cats must be kept under restraint in unincorporated Harris County. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owner's property. Annual licensing is required for all dogs over 3 months ($20-$60). Unlawful tethering is prohibited 10 PM-6 AM.
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 provide proof of the required liability insurance coverage or financial responsibility to the animal control authority for the area in which the dog is kept;
Full Breakdown
Harris County animal regulations require all dogs and cats to remain under restraint in unincorporated areas. Restraint means: (1) held on a leash no longer than 6 feet by a capable person; (2) within a fully enclosed vehicle; or (3) on the owner's premises without access to sidewalks or streets. All dogs over 3 months must be licensed annually by Harris County Public Health Veterinary Public Health (VPH). License fees range from $20 (spayed/neutered, 1-year) to $60 (intact, 1-year), with senior discounts ($2 for spayed/neutered dogs for owners 60+). Rabies vaccination is mandatory. Unlawful tethering rules prohibit chaining dogs to stationary objects between 10 PM and 6 AM, within 500 feet of schools, or during extreme weather (below 32°F, above 85°F, or during severe weather events). Tether chains must be at least 5 times the dog's length or 10 feet minimum.
Violations & Fines
Leash/restraint violation: Class C misdemeanor. First impound fee: $10-$40 plus $10/day boarding. Second impound: $80 + boarding. Third+: $120 + boarding. Unlawful tethering: Class C misdemeanor, escalating to Class B for repeat offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to license my dog in unincorporated Harris County?
Can I chain my dog outside at night?
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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