You cannot keep a dangerous wild animal (big cats, bears, most primates, venomous species) without a state-required certificate of registration. Galveston County's animal registration agency issues or denies these; cities may ban them entirely.
Health & Safety Code Chapter 822, Subchapter E controls dangerous wild animals across Texas, including lions, tigers, bears, cougars, and many primates. A person may not own, harbor, or control such an animal without a certificate of registration issued by the local animal registration agency, plus at least $100,000 liability insurance and caging that meets Texas Parks & Wildlife standards. In Galveston County the health district serves as the registration authority for the unincorporated area. Cities may prohibit dangerous wild animals outright, and many do. Ordinary exotic pets not on the dangerous-wild-animal list (most reptiles, birds, small mammals) are generally allowed, subject to any city rules.
Keeping a dangerous wild animal without registration is a Class C misdemeanor per day, and the animal may be seized and relocated at the owner's expense (822.104, 822.113).
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Galveston County's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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