Leander, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Leander's Chapter 2 animal ordinance recognizes exotic and wild animals as a distinct category. The city code defines 'exotic species' as any animal, reptile, fish, or bird born or whose natural habitat is considered to be outside the continental United States, including nonvenomous reptiles and fish. It also defines 'dangerous wild animal' by reference to V.T.C.A. Health and Safety Code Chapter 822, Subchapter E. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 822.101, a 'dangerous wild animal' includes lions, tigers, ocelots, cougars, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, bobcats, lynxes, servals, caracals, hyenas, bears, coyotes, jackals, baboons, chimpanzees, orangutans, and their hybrids. Subchapter E requires the owner of any such dangerous wild animal to obtain a certificate of registration from the local animal registration authority and to meet caging and liability-insurance requirements. The available Leander code excerpts do not show a blanket city-wide ban on all exotic pets; rather, Leander layers its rabies, restraint, and welfare rules on top of the state's dangerous-wild-animal registration regime. Owners considering an exotic or wild animal should confirm both the state registration requirements under Ch. 822 Subchapter E and any applicable Leander permitting or keeping rules with Animal Services before acquiring the animal.