Harris County, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Registration
- Required for dangerous animals
- Insurance
- $100,000 liability required
- State Law
- TX HSC Ch. 822 Subchapter E
- Enclosure
- County-approved required
Summary
Harris County regulates dangerous wild animals under county regulations and Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822. Keeping lions, tigers, bears, primates, and other specified dangerous animals requires registration, $100,000 liability insurance, and secure enclosures approved by animal control.
Sec. 822.101. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: ... (4) "Dangerous wild animal" means: (A) a lion; (B) a tiger; (C) an ocelot; (D) a cougar; (E) a leopard; (F) a cheetah; (G) a jaguar; (H) a bobcat; (I) a lynx; (J) a serval; (K) a caracal; (L) a hyena; (M) a bear; (N) a coyote; (O) a jackal; (P) a baboon; (Q) a chimpanzee; (R) an orangutan; (S) a gorilla; or (T) any hybrid of an animal listed in this subdivision. ... (5) "Owner" means any person who owns, harbors, or has custody or control of a dangerous wild animal. (7) "Primary enclosure" means any structure used to immediately restrict an animal to a limited amount of space, including a cage, pen, run, room, compartment, or hutch.
Full Breakdown
Harris County's Regulations Relating to the Keeping of Dangerous Wild Animals supplement Texas HSC Chapter 822, Subchapter E. Covered animals include lions, tigers, bears, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, primates (non-human), and other species specified in state law. Owners must register with Harris County, maintain $100,000 liability insurance, provide county-approved secure enclosures, and allow inspections. Registration fees apply. Violations are criminal offenses. The county can seize unregistered dangerous animals. Standard exotic pets not on the dangerous animal list (reptiles, birds, small mammals) are not specifically regulated by the county.
Violations & Fines
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Harris County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an exotic pet in Harris County?
What happens if I keep a dangerous animal without registration?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harris County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Harris County to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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