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Amarillo, TX Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Pet limit
4 dogs/cats combined per household
Breeder exemption
Breeder's permit available
Fine range
$1–$500 per violation
Enforcer
Animal Management & Welfare

Summary

Amarillo caps combined dogs and cats per household at four, and prohibits keeping animals in overcrowded or unsanitary conditions under Chapter 8-2. Animal Management and Welfare officers enforce these rules.

Sec. 821.021. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:(1) "Cruelly treated" includes tortured, seriously overworked, unreasonably abandoned, unreasonably deprived of necessary food, care, or shelter, cruelly confined, caused to fight with another animal, or subjected to conduct prohibited by Section 21.09, Penal Code. Sec. 821.022. ... the officer may apply to a justice court or magistrate in the county or to a municipal court in the municipality in which the animal is located for a warrant to seize the animal.(b) On a showing of probable cause to believe that the animal has been or is being cruelly treated, the court or magistrate shall issue the warrant and set a time within 10 calendar days of the date of issuance for a hearing.

Source: Amarillo Code of Ordinances Ch. 8-2 Sec. 8-2-5View official code

Full Breakdown

Amarillo Code of Ordinances Ch. 8-2 (Animals and Fowl) addresses animal overcrowding through two mechanisms. Section 8-2-5 limits households to no more than four dogs and cats combined. Keeping animals in numbers or conditions that constitute inadequate care, insufficient food, water, shelter, or space, violates the ordinance's adequate-care provisions, which mirror Texas Health and Safety Code Ch. 821. A breeder's permit is available for those exceeding the four-animal limit for breeding purposes. Animal Management and Welfare officers may issue citations; fines range from $1–$500 per violation as set by Municipal Court.

Violations & Fines

Citations issued by Animal Management and Welfare officers; fines $1–$500 per violation per day as determined by Amarillo Municipal Court. Animals may be impounded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep more than four pets if I get a permit?
Yes. Amarillo's Animal Management and Welfare Department issues a Breeder's Permit for residents who keep more than four animals for breeding purposes, subject to inspection.
What counts as animal hoarding under Amarillo's code?
Amarillo does not use the term 'hoarding' explicitly but enforces adequate-care standards: animals must receive sufficient food, water, and shelter. Overcrowding that prevents adequate care is a violation of Ch. 8-2.

Sources & Official References

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All Amarillo rules

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