Dallas, TX Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- State permit
- TX Wildlife Rehabilitator Permit
- Federal permit
- USFWS for migratory birds
- Holding limit
- 48 hours without permit
- Local hotline
- DFW Wildlife Coalition
- Drop-off
- Dallas Animal Services
Summary
Texas Parks and Wildlife requires a Wildlife Rehabilitator Permit before anyone in Dallas may possess injured or orphaned wildlife. Residents finding wildlife should contact DFW Wildlife Coalition or a permitted rehabilitator rather than caring for animals themselves.
Sec. 43.022. PERMIT REQUIREMENT. (a) No person may collect, hold, possess, display, transport, release, or propagate protected wildlife for the purposes of this subchapter without a permit issued under this subchapter.(b) A permit under this subchapter is not required for an activity that may be lawfully conducted under the authority of another license or permit issued under this code or in accordance with another provision of this code.(c) No other license is required for an activity conducted under the authority of a permit issued under this subchapter.(d) A permit under this subchapter is not required to hold, transport, propagate, or display a marine mammal held under the authority of the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. Section 1361 et seq.) unless the marine mammal ...
Full Breakdown
Under Texas Parks and Wildlife Code and 31 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 69, possessing native wildlife for rehabilitation requires a state Wildlife Rehabilitator Permit. Applicants pass a written exam, secure veterinarian sponsorship, demonstrate proper caging, and accept inspections. Migratory birds and federally protected species also require a federal U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permit. Dallas residents who find injured songbirds, raptors, opossums, squirrels, fawns, or bats should call the DFW Wildlife Coalition hotline rather than transporting animals home, which is illegal beyond brief stabilization. Dallas Animal Services accepts injured wildlife and routes animals to permitted rehabilitators. Possession exceeding 48 hours without a permit triggers state enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Keeping native wildlife for rehabilitation without a Texas Parks and Wildlife permit, possessing migratory birds without federal authorization, exceeding 48-hour temporary holding rules, or releasing rehabilitated animals outside approved zones triggers state and federal penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a baby squirrel I found in my Dallas yard?
Who do I call for injured wildlife in Dallas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas
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