Mission, TX Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Mission, Texas regulates dogs through Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinances (Animals), which is the primary local authority for restraint and at-large rules within city limits. Dogs off the owner's property must be under physical control of a competent person. The City of Mission's Health, Code Enforcement and Animal Control Department operates the Mission Animal Shelter at 227 Abelino Farias St (956-580-8741), which handles stray recovery, owner-surrender intake, dog-bite incident response, vaccinations, microchipping, and adoption services in strict compliance with state regulations. Reclaim of an impounded dog requires payment of impound, boarding, and vaccination fees plus proof of current rabies vaccination as required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 826 (rabies control). Layered on top, Texas Health & Safety Code §822.042 requires owners of any dog determined dangerous after a §822.0423 hearing to keep the animal securely enclosed or, when outside the enclosure, restrained at all times on a leash in the immediate control of a person, register the dog with the local animal control authority, post warning signs, and maintain at least $100,000 in liability insurance. Failing to comply is a Class C misdemeanor under §822.044 and §822.045, escalating to Class B on repeat violations. Section 822.013 separately permits a person to kill or restrain a dog or coyote attacking livestock, domestic animals, or fowl. Section 822.005 makes it a third-degree felony (second-degree if death results) when a person who knows their dog is dangerous fails to secure it and the dog causes serious bodily injury or death in an unprovoked attack outside the enclosure. Tethering of dogs in Mission must also comply with the statewide Safe Outdoor Dogs Act (Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 821, Subchapter F, effective 2022), which requires adequate shelter, shade, drinkable water, and a tether of suitable length that does not cause injury or restrict access to those necessities. Hidalgo County Animal Control covers unincorporated areas outside Mission city limits, while inside the city Mission Animal Shelter and code enforcement handle complaints.