San Antonio, TX Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- SAMC Ch. 5; TX HSC 802
- Permit required
- ACS pet store permit
- Retail ban
- None enacted in SA
- State breeder law
- TX HSC Chapter 802
- Inspections
- Conducted by ACS officers
Summary
San Antonio Municipal Code Chapter 5 regulates pet stores through licensing, sanitation, and consumer disclosures. Texas does not impose a statewide retail puppy or kitten sale ban, and San Antonio has not enacted a humane sourcing ordinance like Austin or El Paso.
(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
Pet stores operating in San Antonio must hold a permit from Animal Care Services under SAMC Chapter 5, meet sanitation and housing standards, maintain veterinary care records, and post sourcing information for each puppy and kitten offered for sale. Texas has not preempted local humane sourcing rules, but San Antonio City Council has not adopted an ordinance restricting retail sales of dogs and cats to shelter or rescue sources, unlike Austin and several other Texas cities. Federal USDA-licensed breeders remain a permitted source. ACS inspects pet stores, investigates complaints, and can suspend or revoke permits. The state Health and Safety Code Chapter 802 also licenses dog and cat breeders selling more than 20 animals annually.
Violations & Fines
Operating without an ACS permit, violating sanitation standards, or misrepresenting an animal's source can lead to citations up to 500 dollars per violation, permit suspension, and seizure of mistreated animals under Chapter 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pet stores in San Antonio sell puppies from breeders?
Are puppy mills regulated in Texas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Antonio to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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Pet Store Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bexar County handle pet store rules.