Houston, TX Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max dogs alone
- 3 adult dogs (4+ unlawful)
- Max cats alone
- 3 adult cats (4+ unlawful)
- Mixed cap
- 3 dogs and 3 cats combined
- Trigger
- Within 100 ft of another home
- Enforcer
- BARC animal enforcement
Summary
Houston bars keeping four or more adult dogs, four or more adult cats, or a mixed combination above three of each on residential property within 100 feet of another home.
It is unlawful for any person to own, keep, possess or have control over four or more adult dogs, four or more adult cats, or any combination thereof exceeding three adult dogs and three adult cats on residential property within 100 feet of any other building used for human habitation. The distance shall be measured in a straight line from the nearest point of the structure or fenced enclosure where the animal is contained to the nearest point of the other building used for human habitation.
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 6-76, Houston residents may not own, keep, possess or control four or more adult dogs, four or more adult cats, or any combination exceeding three adult dogs and three adult cats, on residential property that sits within 100 feet of any other building used for human habitation: measured in a straight line from the animal's enclosure to that neighboring structure. Because the trigger is distance-based rather than a flat citywide cap, a property farther than 100 feet from another home is not covered by this section. BARC animal enforcement officers enforce it, and it applies on top of Houston's separate microchip and rabies-registration rules for dogs and cats.
Violations & Fines
Fine up to $500 under the Code's general penalty, Sec. 1-6; each day the excess-animal condition continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this pet limit apply on every Houston property?
What's the penalty for exceeding the limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle pet limits.