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Sugar Land, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

City Ordinance
No. 2330 (May 2024)
State Law
TX Health & Safety Code Ch. 822
Dangerous Wild Animals
Registration certificate required
Animal Services
311 or 281-275-2020 after hours

Summary

Sugar Land's Animal Services Ordinance No. 2330 (May 2024) governs animal keeping in the city. While the ordinance primarily focuses on dogs, cats, and common domestic animals, Texas state law (Health & Safety Code Ch. 822) regulates dangerous wild animals. Keeping inherently dangerous wild animals requires a registration certificate from the local animal control authority.

Sec. 822.101. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: ... (4) "Dangerous wild animal" means: (A) a lion; (B) a tiger; (C) an ocelot; (D) a cougar; (E) a leopard; (F) a cheetah; (G) a jaguar; (H) a bobcat; (I) a lynx; (J) a serval; (K) a caracal; (L) a hyena; (M) a bear; (N) a coyote; (O) a jackal; (P) a baboon; (Q) a chimpanzee; (R) an orangutan; (S) a gorilla; or (T) any hybrid of an animal listed in this subdivision. ... (5) "Owner" means any person who owns, harbors, or has custody or control of a dangerous wild animal. (7) "Primary enclosure" means any structure used to immediately restrict an animal to a limited amount of space, including a cage, pen, run, room, compartment, or hutch.

Source: Sugar Land Animal OrdinancesView official code

Full Breakdown

Sugar Land's Animal Services Ordinance No. 2330 (May 2024) governs animal keeping in the city. While the ordinance primarily focuses on dogs, cats, and common domestic animals, Texas state law (Health & Safety Code Ch. 822) regulates dangerous wild animals. Keeping inherently dangerous wild animals requires a registration certificate from the local animal control authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep exotic pets in Sugar Land?
Texas law requires a registration certificate for inherently dangerous wild animals. Contact Sugar Land Animal Services for guidance on what animals are permitted.
Do I need to register my pets in Sugar Land?
Sugar Land does not have a pet license/registration program. However, state law requires all dogs and cats over 4 months to have current rabies vaccination.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sugar Land

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All Sugar Land rules

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