Richardson, TX Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash Length
- 6 ft maximum off premises
- Vaccination
- Required; rabies tag on collar
- Microchip
- Required for all dogs and cats
- Enclosure
- 100 sq ft per dog
Summary
Under Sec. 5-9(1), dogs must not run at large. Off-premises, dogs must be on a leash no more than 6 feet long. On premises, dogs must be confined by a substantial fence or secured by a metal chain/leash. All dogs must be vaccinated and microchipped.
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
Full Breakdown
Richardson Code Section 5-1 defines 'running at large' as any dog off premises not restrained by a leash or chain not more than 6 feet in length, or on premises not confined by a substantial fence or secured by a metal chain/leash. Section 5-9(1) makes it unlawful for owners to fail to prevent animals from running at large. Section 5-8(a) requires all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies and wear a collar with a current rabies tag. Section 5-8(b) requires all dogs and cats to be microchipped; owners must update microchip registration within 30 days of any information change. Owners must immediately remove animal feces from property they do not own per Sec. 5-9(5). Dog enclosures must provide at least 100 square feet per dog over 6 months of age per Sec. 5-15.
Violations & Fines
Running at large violations result in impoundment per Sec. 5-3. Owners must pay impoundment fees, vaccination costs, and any fines to reclaim. Repeat impoundment may require spay/neuter per Sec. 5-17(b).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs need to be on a leash in Richardson?
Is microchipping required in Richardson?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richardson
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How other cities in Dallas County handle dog leash laws.