San Antonio, TX Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- SAMC Ch. 5; TX Penal 42.092
- Pet cap
- Eight dogs and cats combined
- Seizure path
- TX H&S Code Chapter 821
- Lead agency
- Animal Care Services (ACS)
- Penalty floor
- Class A misdemeanor
Summary
San Antonio Animal Care Services treats hoarding as cruelty under SAMC Chapter 5 and Texas Penal Code Section 42.092. ACS removes animals from neglectful conditions, and counts above pet limits without a kennel permit trigger seizure and prosecution.
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.(2) "Nonprofit animal welfare organization" means a nonprofit organization that has as its purpose:(A) the prevention of cruelty to animals; or(B) the sheltering of, caring for, and providing homes for lost, stray, and abandoned animals.(3) "Owner" includes a person who owns or has custody or control of an animal.
Full Breakdown
Under San Antonio Municipal Code Chapter 5 and Texas Penal Code Section 42.092, keeping more animals than an owner can humanely care for constitutes cruelty when food, water, sanitation, or veterinary care are inadequate. Animal Care Services responds to hoarding complaints with mental health partners, the Bexar County District Attorney, and Adult Protective Services. SAMC also caps household pet counts at eight dogs and cats combined without a kennel or rescue permit, so large counts often trigger inspection. ACS can seize animals through a Chapter 821 Health and Safety Code civil cruelty hearing, and convicted hoarders may be barred from owning pets and required to undergo mental health evaluation.
Violations & Fines
Cruelty by hoarding is a Class A misdemeanor and can be a state jail felony for repeat offenses under TX Penal Code 42.092. ACS may seize animals, charge boarding fees, and obtain forfeiture orders restricting future pet ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report suspected animal hoarding in San Antonio?
Can a hoarder lose the right to own pets?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Antonio to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bexar County handle pet limits.