Humble, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Humble regulates exotic and wild animals through Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinances and Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822 Subchapter E (Dangerous Wild Animals). Texas law defines dangerous wild animals to include lions, tigers, bears, leopards, cougars, cheetahs, hyenas, gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and certain venomous snakes. Owners of grandfathered dangerous wild animals must carry liability insurance of at least $100,000 and register annually with the local animal control authority. Humble's animal control enforces these restrictions. Non-dangerous exotic animals such as hedgehogs, sugar gliders, chinchillas, non-venomous reptiles, and ferrets are generally permitted as pets under state law, though individual species may fall under Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulations. Potbelly pigs may be kept as pets in some Texas cities but may conflict with Humble's livestock provisions. All animals must be kept in sanitary conditions and must not create a nuisance. Wild-caught native species require TPWD permits. Venomous reptile ownership requires compliance with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822 Subchapter D, including secure enclosure, notification to local animal control, and antivenin information.