Wichita Falls's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Wichita Falls, Texas, there are 6 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.

Chickens & Livestock

Wichita Falls requires an Animal Services permit to keep any livestock in city limits, plus a 200-foot setback from neighboring homes.

Key details: Permit required: Yes, from ASC, annual. Setback from neighbor's home: 200 feet minimum. Space per head: 600 sq ft, fenced. Large-acreage exemption: 25+ acre production areas. Governing section: City Code § 14-198.

Keeping livestock without a permit, violating the 200-ft setback, or letting livestock run at-large voids the permit; more than one at-large citation in a permit year is grounds for revocation, with 10 days to remove animals before impoundment.

Mandatory Spay/Neuter

Wichita Falls bars selling, transferring, or advertising any dog, cat, or ferret over six months old unless it is sterilized, microchipped, and rabies-vaccinated.

Key details: Applies to: Dogs, cats, ferrets over 6 months. Required before sale: Sterilization, microchip, rabies shot. Proof required: Given to buyer at sale. Key exemption: Registered show/working/sporting animals. Enforced by: Wichita Falls Animal Services (ASC).

Violating the sale/transfer sterilization requirement is a Class C misdemeanor citation issued by Animal Services, on top of separate at-large impoundment sterilization mandates.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Wichita Falls actively enforces its mandatory spay/neuter requirements.

Pet Limits

Wichita Falls requires a pet fancier permit for anyone owning or harboring five or more animals, with all animals spayed or neutered, vaccinated, licensed, and microchipped.

Key details: Threshold: 5+ animals triggers permit. Administered by: Health district / Animal Services Center. Required: Spay/neuter, rabies shot, license, microchip. Denial grounds: Inadequate space or sanitation. Denial grounds: 2+ violations in 12 months.

Keeping five or more animals without the permit, or failing the sanitation/space standards behind it, can draw a citation and permit denial or revocation by the health district.

This is one of the stricter rules in Wichita Falls's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Pet Store Rules

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.

Key details: 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.

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).

This is one of the stricter rules in Wichita Falls's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Dog Leash Laws

Wichita Falls requires dogs to be restrained or under the control of their owner at all times when off the owner's property. Dogs running at large are subject to impoundment by Animal Services.

Key details: Restraint: Required when off owner's property. Rabies: Vaccination required. At Large: Subject to impoundment. Cleanup: Required on public property.

Dogs at large may be impounded. Owners face fines and impoundment fees for retrieval. Repeat offenses carry escalating penalties.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Wichita Falls gives residents more flexibility on dog leash laws.

Beekeeping

Wichita Falls allows beekeeping on residential properties with conditions. Hive placement, water sources, and flyway barriers help ensure bees do not become a nuisance to neighbors.

Key details: Status: Permitted with management practices. Flyway Barrier: 6+ feet recommended near property lines. Water Source: Should be provided on property. Swarming: Must be managed to prevent.

Bee colonies that create a nuisance may be ordered removed. Complaints are handled through code enforcement or animal services.

Wichita Falls is more permissive than most cities when it comes to beekeeping. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Wichita Falls is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Wichita Falls, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Wichita Falls's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.