Dallas, TX Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- City code
- Dallas Code Section 7-3.1
- Allowed source
- Shelters and rescue groups
- Effective
- 2022 ordinance
- Signage
- Source must be posted
- Scope
- Dogs and cats only
Summary
Dallas City Code Section 7-3.1 restricts retail pet stores from selling commercially bred dogs and cats. Stores may only offer animals sourced from animal shelters or nonprofit rescue partners, supporting a humane sourcing model adopted in 2022.
Sec. 802.101. LICENSE REQUIRED. (a) A person may not act as, offer to act as, or represent that the person is a dog or cat breeder in this state unless the person holds a license under this chapter for each facility that the person owns or operates in this state. A license for a single facility may cover more than one building on the same premises.(b) The commission by rule may establish requirements for issuance or renewal of a license issued to a dog or cat breeder under this chapter. Added by
Full Breakdown
Dallas City Code Chapter 7, Section 7-3.1 prohibits pet shops from selling, offering for sale, or transferring dogs and cats unless the animals originate from a city or county animal control facility, an SPCA, a humane society, or a registered nonprofit animal rescue organization. Stores must post the source organization for each animal in plain view and maintain records available to Dallas Animal Services on request. Adoption fees are permitted, but commercial breeder sourcing is banned. The ordinance does not restrict sale of fish, reptiles, birds, or small mammals. Existing inventory rules and health certificates under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 823 still apply to all retailers.
Violations & Fines
Selling commercially bred puppies or kittens, misrepresenting source organizations, failing to post source signage, blocking inspections by Dallas Animal Services, or operating a retail pet shop without a city business registration triggers fines and ordinance enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Dallas pet store sell purebred puppies from a breeder?
Does the rule cover hamsters, fish, or birds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.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 Store Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle pet store rules.