Bexar County, TX Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

In unincorporated Bexar County, the Commissioners Court has adopted a county rabies and animal control order that requires dogs to be under the control of the owner at all times, either through secure enclosure on the owner's property or on a leash in public; this is enforced by Bexar County Animal Control Services. TX Health and Safety Code 822.042 separately defines the statewide Dangerous Dog framework triggered when a dog attacks outside its enclosure. The City of San Antonio Chapter 5 requires any dog in a public place to be on a leash not longer than 8 feet or inside a secure carrier; violations are Class C municipal offenses. San Antonio has several designated off-leash dog parks (McAllister, Madison Square, Phil Hardberger West) where leashes may be removed inside the fenced area. Converse, Live Oak, Universal City, Helotes, Leon Valley, and Castle Hills each have similar city leash rules. Livestock protection laws (Ag Code 142) allow a rancher to destroy a dog chasing livestock; this commonly affects dogs running loose in the western and southern county. Tethering rules under the 2021 Safe Outdoor Dogs Act (HSC 821) apply statewide and require adequate shelter, water, and non-restrictive restraint.