Williamson County, TX Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- County Leash Law
- None for ordinary dogs
- Dangerous Dog
- Leash or secure enclosure
- County Parks
- Six-foot leash max
- Rabies Shot
- Required at four months
Summary
Unincorporated Williamson County has no countywide leash law for ordinary dogs, but a declared dangerous dog must be leashed or kept in a secure enclosure at all times under Texas law, and county parks require a leash no longer than six feet.
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;
Full Breakdown
Texas counties cannot pass a general leash ordinance for unincorporated areas, so an ordinary loose dog is chiefly a matter of the state dangerous-dog and dog-attack statutes. Once a dog is legally determined dangerous, Health and Safety Code Section 822.042 requires the owner to restrain it at all times on a leash under a person's immediate control or inside a secure enclosure, register it, and carry $100,000 in liability coverage. The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter handles at-large and bite complaints. In county parks a leash may not exceed six feet, and Texas requires rabies vaccination for dogs four months and older.
Violations & Fines
Failing to restrain a declared dangerous dog is a Class C misdemeanor that escalates if the dog then attacks. A dog causing serious injury can trigger felony liability under Lillian's Law; roaming or unvaccinated dogs are impounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a leash law in unincorporated Williamson County?
What happens if my dog is declared dangerous?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Williamson County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Williamson County to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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