Katy, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Exotic animals
- Treated as livestock
- Minimum tract
- One acre
- Dangerous wild
- TX HSC Ch. 822-E applies
- Excluded
- Dogs, cats, songbirds
Summary
Katy classifies exotic animals as livestock subject to the one-acre rule and regulates dangerous wild animals under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822, Subchapter E, with the city as the local enforcement authority.
Sec. 822.101. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:(1) "Animal registration agency" means the municipal or county animal control office with authority over the area where a dangerous wild animal is kept or a county sheriff in an area that does not have an animal control office.(2) Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1,
Full Breakdown
Katy's livestock and fowl article specifically lists 'exotic animals' alongside cattle, horses, and fowl, meaning they cannot be kept on tracts under one acre and must be confined for personal noncommercial use. Separately, dangerous wild animals as defined by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822, Subchapter E (lions, tigers, bears, primates over a certain weight, etc.) are regulated through the city's adoption of state law, requiring registration, caging, liability insurance, and notification of animal control. Common household pets such as dogs, cats, and caged songbirds are excluded from the livestock definition.
Violations & Fines
Local violations are Class C misdemeanors up to $500 per day. State dangerous wild animal violations under Chapter 822 carry separate civil penalties and possible seizure of the animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an exotic pet inside Katy city limits?
Are reptiles or unusual birds considered exotic in Katy?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Katy
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Katy to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fort Bend County handle exotic pets.