Wichita Falls, TX Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- any business buying/selling animals
- Dogs/cats source
- approved rescue or shelter only
- Minimum age
- 8 weeks for dogs and cats
- Mall stores
- 50 ft from eating establishments
- Adopted
- Ordinance 58-2024, Nov. 5, 2024
Summary
Wichita Falls requires a pet store permit for any business that buys or sells animals, and pet stores may only offer dogs or cats sourced from an approved rescue or shelter, not commercial breeders.
Any person, partnership, company, or corporation, whether operated separately or in connection with another business enterprise, that buys or sells any species of animal is required to have a pet store permit. (1) Dogs and/or cats offered for sale or adoption must be from an approved rescue or shelter and accompanied by a current rabies vaccination certificate. A pet store shall not be in possession of a dog or cat that is less than eight (8) weeks old.
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 14-156 (Ordinance 58-2024, adopted November 5, 2024), any person or business that buys or sells any species of animal must hold a pet store permit. Dogs and cats offered for sale or adoption must come from an approved rescue or shelter with a current rabies vaccination certificate, and no dog or cat under 8 weeks old may be kept by the store. Stores also can't sell unweaned animals of any species, and pet stores in shopping centers or malls must be walled off from adjoining shops and kept at least 50 feet from any restaurant.
Violations & Fines
Operating a pet store without a permit, or selling a dog or cat not sourced from an approved rescue or shelter, is a Code of Ordinances violation enforced by Wichita Falls Animal Services, punishable by a fine of up to $500 per offense under the Code's general penalty provision (§ 1-14).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Wichita Falls pet stores sell puppies from breeders?
What permit does a Wichita Falls pet store need?
Is there a minimum age for animals sold in a pet store?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wichita Falls
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Wichita Falls to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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