Burleson, TX Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Section 6-7 of the Burleson Code of Ordinances is the pet shop provision. Subsection (a) says kennels and pet shops shall be located and operated in accordance with the city's zoning regulations, and subsection (d) says they must be operated, with all animals cared for, in accordance with the Texas Health and Safety Code and Chapter 6. Nothing in § 6-7 limits a pet shop to adoption-only sales or bars the sale of dogs and cats; the section ties the business to zoning and to the animal-care standards in the chapter.

Section 6-1 defines a PET SHOP as an establishment offering small animals such as dogs, cats, birds, fish, ferrets, and similar animals that are not dangerous wild animals or livestock for sale, located within the corporate limits of the City of Burleson on property zoned to allow the use. A KENNEL is any premises where a person engages in the business of boarding, breeding, buying, letting for hire, or selling dogs, cats, or other animals, again on property zoned for it. A business that breeds or sells in volume therefore lands under the kennel rules, and § 6-7(b) allows kennels to operate within the city limits only if the city permits them.

The kennel permit comes from the animal control authority after the property and facility are inspected against the chapter's rules on animal care, nuisance, and prevention of zoonotic disease and after the owner pays the fees set by City Council. Permits are renewed annually, each renewal requires inspection and approval, and the animal control authority can revoke a permit for cause, including violations of Chapter 6 or an unhealthy or unsanitary environment.

Several sales-practice rules in § 6-9 apply to any seller. It is an offense to sell, offer for sale, barter or give away as toys, premiums or novelties baby chickens, ducklings or other fowl under three weeks old and rabbits under two months old, unless animal control first approves the method of display. Dyeing chickens, ducklings, other fowl or rabbits, or possessing dyed ones for sale or giveaway, is an offense, and so is giving an animal away as a prize or as an inducement to enter a business. Section 6-9(n) bars displaying any live animal for a commercial purpose on a roadside, public right-of-way, or commercial parking lot.