Katy, TX Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Pet cap
- 3 dogs and 3 cats
- Nuisance trigger
- Odor, noise, neglect
- Local fine
- Up to $500 per day
- State referral
- Possible felony
Summary
Katy declares any livestock, fowl, or animal kept in conditions that disturb neighbors or create unsanitary conditions a public nuisance, allowing animal control to investigate and abate hoarding-type situations.
Sec. 42.092. CRUELTY TO NONLIVESTOCK ANIMALS. (a) In this section:(1) "Abandon" includes abandoning an animal in the person's custody without making reasonable arrangements for assumption of custody by another person.(2) "Animal" means a domesticated living creature, including any stray or feral cat or dog, and a wild living creature previously captured. The term does not include an uncaptured wild living creature or a livestock animal.(3) "Cruel manner" includes a manner that causes or permits unjustified or unwarranted pain or suffering.(4) "Custody" includes responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of an animal subject to the person's care and control, regardless of ownership of the animal.(5) "Depredation" has the meaning assigned by Section 71.001, Parks and Wildlif
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Katy's animal control article and livestock article both declare animals kept under conditions that produce unreasonable noise, odors, or other disturbance to nearby residents to be a public nuisance. The city limits residents to no more than three dogs and three cats over six months old in a single household, which functions as a hoarding cap. Animal control officers may investigate complaints, inspect premises, and pursue abatement. Severe neglect cases are referred for state prosecution under Texas Penal Code Chapter 42.092 (cruelty to nonlivestock animals), which can be a state jail felony.
Violations & Fines
Local Class C misdemeanor citations up to $500 per day. State cruelty charges under Penal Code 42.092 range from Class A misdemeanor to state jail felony depending on conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pets can I have in Katy?
How do I report suspected animal hoarding in Katy?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Katy
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Katy to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fort Bend County handle pet limits.