Bryan, TX Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Base limit
- 4 dogs/cats combined
- Exceed the cap
- Annual over-four permit required
- Permit conditions
- Fee + premises inspection
- Litter exemption
- Unweaned litters ≤4 months don't count
- Geographic reach
- Applies within 5,000 ft of city limits
Summary
Bryan households near the city limits may keep no more than four dogs, cats, or a combination of the two without an annual over-four permit.
It is unlawful to harbor, keep, or maintain more than four dogs, cats, or a combination thereof on any property within 5,000 feet of the city limits. This section does not apply to a property that is subject to inspection or regulation by a state or federal agency relating to health and safety of animals, including but not limited to properties operated by veterinarians or Texas A&M University.
(b) It is an affirmative defense to a violation of subsection (a) if the dogs or cats are four months of age or younger and are part of a litter that is in the process of being weened.
(c) It is an affirmative defense to subsection (a) if the owner of the animals obtains an annual permit from the city. To be entitled to a permit, the owner must submit an application for the over four permit, pay the fee as set by city council, comply with the applicable policy (if any) set by the animal control authority, and pass an inspection of the premises by the animal control authority.
(1) The inspection of the premises is to ensure compliance with this chapter, including but not limited to requirements regarding the provision of food, care, and shelter and preventing nuisances, as set forth in the applicable policy (if any) applicable to the type of use (e.g. residential, commercial, etc.).
(2) The inspection may be waived if, within the preceding 12 months, there have been no bona fide complaints regarding violations of this chapter. A complaint is bona fide
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31).
Full Breakdown
City code makes it unlawful to harbor, keep, or maintain more than four dogs, cats, or a combination thereof on any property within 5,000 feet of the city limits. Owners who want more can apply for an annual over-four permit, pay the city council's fee, and pass an animal control inspection of the premises checking food, care, shelter, and nuisance conditions. Puppies or kittens four months old or younger that are still part of an unweaned litter don't count toward the cap. The rule doesn't apply to properties already inspected or regulated by a state or federal animal-health agency, including veterinary clinics and Texas A&M University.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more than four dogs/cats without a valid over-four permit is a misdemeanor citation under Chapter 10; repeat or unresolved violations can trigger permit denial or animal control enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep more than four pets in Bryan?
Do puppies and kittens count toward Bryan's four-pet limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bryan
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bryan to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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