Arlington's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Arlington, Texas, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Pet Limits
Arlington Animal Services investigates suspected animal hoarding under Texas cruelty statutes when animals are kept in conditions causing harm. Cases are referred to Arlington Police and Tarrant County prosecutors when warranted, with civil seizure available.
Key details: Civil seizure law: Texas HSC Chapter 821. Cruelty statute: Texas Penal Code 42. Felony threshold: Torture or repeated harm. Investigating agency: Animal Services with APD.
Cruelty offenses range from Class A misdemeanors with fines up to 4,000 dollars and up to one year jail, to state jail felonies for torture or aggravated cases under Chapter 42.
The rules around pet limits in Arlington lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Cat Rules
Arlington requires cats over four months old to be vaccinated against rabies and registered with Arlington Animal Services. Cats running at large may be impounded, and free-roaming community cats must be managed under approved trap-neuter-return programs.
Key details: Rabies vaccine age: Four months. Shelter location: Brown Boulevard East Division. Max fine: 500 dollars Class C. ID required: Tag or microchip.
First impoundment fees plus boarding charges per day; uncited rabies vaccination citations carry fines up to 500 dollars per Class C municipal court violation.
The rules around cat rules in Arlington lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Mandatory Spay/Neuter
Arlington Animal Services requires sterilization of all dogs and cats adopted from the shelter or reclaimed after a second impoundment. The policy aims to curb overpopulation in Tarrant County and reduce repeat intake at the East Division facility.
Key details: Trigger: Shelter release or 2nd impound. Compliance window: Thirty days. Intact permit: Available with fee. State law: Texas HSC Chapter 828.
Failure to comply with a signed sterilization agreement is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to 500 dollars and possible loss of pet ownership privileges.
The rules around mandatory spay/neuter in Arlington lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Chickens & Livestock
Arlington Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 permits backyard chickens (hens only, no roosters) on lots at least 10,000 square feet, with coops set back from property lines. Traditional livestock (cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs) is prohibited on lots under 1 acre and requires Agricultural zoning or grandfathered rights.
Key details: Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens allowed on lots of 10,000 sq ft; no roosters. Coop Setback: Coops: 25 feet from neighbor dwellings, 10 feet from property lines. Livestock: Cattle, horses, goats, pigs requires 1+ acre and Agricultural zoning. Slaughter: Slaughter of poultry prohibited on residential lots. Contact: Arlington Animal Services: 817-459-5898.
Dog Leash Laws
Arlington requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. License and rabies vaccination required. TX HSC §822.013 covers dogs at large.
Off-leash: $50 to $200. At-large: impound fees + citation. Unlicensed: $50 to $250. Waste: $50 to $500.
Arlington is more permissive than most cities when it comes to dog leash laws. That said, there are still limits.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Arlington gives residents more room on animal ordinances. 4 of the 5 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
Keep in mind that Arlington can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.