Galveston County, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Registration required
- Yes, for dangerous wild animals
- Covered species
- Big cats, bears, primates, more
- Insurance
- $100,000 liability minimum
- Registration agency
- Galveston County Health District
- City option
- May ban outright
Summary
You cannot keep a dangerous wild animal (big cats, bears, most primates, venomous species) without a state-required certificate of registration. Galveston County's animal registration agency issues or denies these; cities may ban them entirely.
A person may not own, harbor, or have custody or control of a dangerous wild animal for any purpose unless the person holds a certificate of registration for that animal issued by an animal registration agency.
Full Breakdown
Health & Safety Code Chapter 822, Subchapter E controls dangerous wild animals across Texas, including lions, tigers, bears, cougars, and many primates. A person may not own, harbor, or control such an animal without a certificate of registration issued by the local animal registration agency, plus at least $100,000 liability insurance and caging that meets Texas Parks & Wildlife standards. In Galveston County the health district serves as the registration authority for the unincorporated area. Cities may prohibit dangerous wild animals outright, and many do. Ordinary exotic pets not on the dangerous-wild-animal list (most reptiles, birds, small mammals) are generally allowed, subject to any city rules.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a dangerous wild animal without registration is a Class C misdemeanor per day, and the animal may be seized and relocated at the owner's expense (822.104, 822.113).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a tiger or monkey in Galveston County?
Are pet snakes or lizards restricted?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Galveston County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Galveston County to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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