Keller follows TX H&S Code 822 subchapter E and TX Parks and Wildlife Code 63. Big cats, bears, non-human primates, and many venomous reptiles are effectively barred as pets.
Keller incorporates the Texas statewide framework on exotic pets. Texas Health and Safety Code chapter 822, subchapter E, defines dangerous wild animals (lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards, bears, all non-human primates, and many hybrids) and requires a certificate of registration from the local animal registration agency before such animals can be kept, together with 100,000 dollars of liability insurance, a secondary enclosure, and USDA-grade caging. Most Texas cities, including Keller, exercise their authority to refuse registration, which effectively bars private ownership of these species inside city limits. Texas Parks and Wildlife Code chapter 63 and related TPWD regulations govern non-domesticated exotic wildlife, fur-bearing animals, and native wildlife; permits are required for many species, including raptors (with federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act overlay), alligators, and exotic ungulates. Venomous snakes and large constrictors are regulated under TPWD reptile rules; indigenous venomous snakes require no permit, but keepers must comply with transport and possession rules, while non-native venomous species typically require controlled exotic snake permits. Common small exotics such as ferrets, most parrots, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and standard reptiles are generally legal, subject to animal cruelty and housing standards. All exotic animals must be kept in escape-proof enclosures, and keepers are strictly liable for bites and escapes under general animal control rules.
State-law criminal exposure under TX H&S 822 subchapter E for unregistered dangerous wild animals; city Class C citations up to 500 dollars plus seizure and relocation of illegally kept exotic species.
Keller, TX
Keller limits construction noise to roughly 7 AM to 8 PM weekdays and Saturdays, with tighter limits on Sundays and holidays. Emergency utility work is exemp...
Keller, TX
Keller combines a plainly audible standard with dB limits at the receiving property line, typically low 60s dBA daytime and mid 50s dBA nighttime in resident...
Keller, TX
Keller requires residential driveways to be paved with concrete or approved hard-surface material. New curb cuts or driveway approaches in the public right-o...
Keller, TX
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Keller, TX
Keller limits grass, weeds, and rank vegetation to 12 inches on all lots including the parkway strip. Code Enforcement uses a 10-day notice before abatement....
Keller, TX
Keller property maintenance code requires carts to be stored out of street view when not set out for collection. Carts may go in a garage, behind a fence, or...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Tarrant County.
See how other cities in Tarrant County handle exotic pets.
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