Fort Worth, TX Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- FW pet dealer permit
- Min sale age
- Eight weeks old
- Health certificate
- TX H&S Code Ch. 823
- Inspector
- FW Animal Care and Control
- Shelter-only rule
- Not adopted in Fort Worth
Summary
Fort Worth City Code Chapter 6 regulates pet shops through licensing, sourcing disclosure, and humane handling standards. Unlike Dallas, Fort Worth has not adopted a strict shelter-only sourcing ban for retail dogs and cats as of 2026.
Sec. 802.001. SHORT TITLE. This chapter may be cited as the Dog or Cat Breeders Act. Sec. 802.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "Adult animal" means an animal six months of age or older.(2) "Animal" means a dog or a cat. ... (8) "Dog or cat breeder" means a person who possesses five or more adult intact female animals and is engaged in the business of breeding those animals for direct or indirect sale or for exchange in return for consideration.(9) "Facility" means the premises used by a dog or cat breeder for keeping or breeding animals.
Full Breakdown
Fort Worth City Code Chapter 6 requires retail pet shops to obtain a city pet dealer permit, maintain Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 823 health certificates, and provide written disclosures of breeder source and veterinary records to buyers. Animals must have current vaccinations and be at least eight weeks old at sale. Animal Care and Control inspects facilities for sanitation, ventilation, cage size, and humane handling. Sick or injured animals must receive prompt veterinary care. Fort Worth has not adopted a Dallas-style ordinance restricting pet stores to shelter or rescue sourcing only, but advocacy efforts continue. Repeat violations or cruelty findings can result in permit suspension or revocation.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a Fort Worth pet dealer permit, selling animals younger than eight weeks, omitting source or health disclosures, blocking inspections, maintaining unsanitary facilities, or denying veterinary care to sick animals triggers citations, permit suspension, and possible cruelty charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Fort Worth pet store sell purebred puppies from a breeder?
What documents must a Fort Worth pet store give buyers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Fort Worth to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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