Animal Ordinances in Odessa, TX (2026)
8 verified animal ordinances for Odessa, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Odessa's city code bans keeping chickens, ducks, or any other fowl within city limits, with only narrow exceptions for licensed vets, stock shows, homing pigeons, and ducks on government-owned land: never backyard flocks.
Odessa Backyard Chickens and Fowl Ban
Heavy RestrictionsOdessa City Code § 2-1-11
It shall be unlawful, except as provided in section 2-1-13, for any person to keep, possess or maintain any livestock or fowl within the city limits.
Dog Leash Laws
Odessa requires dogs to be on a leash or under the owner's control when off private property. Dogs running at large are subject to impoundment by Animal Control. All dogs must be currently vaccinated against rabies.
Odessa Dog Leash Laws & Off-Leash Rules
Light RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.041 (Dangerous Dogs - Definitions)
Sec. 822.041. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:(1) "Animal control authority" means a municipal or county animal control office with authority over the area where the dog is kept or a county sheriff in an area with no animal control office.(2) "Dangerous dog" means a dog that:(A) makes an unprovoked attack on a person that causes bodily injury and occurs in a place other than an enclosure i...
Breed Restrictions
Odessa has a dangerous dog ordinance rather than breed-specific restrictions. Dogs declared dangerous based on behavior are subject to registration, confinement, and insurance requirements regardless of breed.
Odessa Dog Breed Restrictions & Dangerous Dog Rules
Few RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.047 (Local Regulation of Dangerous Dogs - No Breed-Specific Laws)
Sec. 822.047. LOCAL REGULATION OF DANGEROUS DOGS. A county or municipality may place additional requirements or restrictions on dangerous dogs if the requirements or restrictions:(1) are not specific to one breed or several breeds of dogs; and(2) are more stringent than restrictions provided by this subchapter. Added by
Beekeeping
Beekeeping in Odessa is subject to city and state regulations. Texas law supports beekeeping and provides some protections, but cities can regulate hive placement and maintenance. Hives should be managed to prevent swarming and nuisance complaints.
Odessa Beekeeping & Apiary Regulations
Light RestrictionsTex. Agric. Code Sec. 131.041 (Registration of Beekeeper)
Sec. 131.041. PERMIT FOR INTERSTATE MOVEMENT. (a) A person may not ship or cause to be shipped bees or equipment into or out of this state unless the person has a permit issued by the chief apiary inspector authorizing the shipment.(b) A permit issued under this section applies to all shipments made by the beekeeper and expires on August 31 following the date the permit is issued. The term...
Exotic Pets
Odessa restricts the keeping of exotic and wild animals within city limits. Dangerous wild animals as defined by Texas law are prohibited without proper permits. Common exotic pets like non-venomous reptiles may be allowed.
Odessa Exotic & Wild Animal Regulations
Light RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.101 (Dangerous Wild Animals - Definitions)
Sec. 822.101. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:(1) "Animal registration agency" means the municipal or county animal control office with authority over the area where a dangerous wild animal is kept or a county sheriff in an area that does not have an animal control office.(2) Repealed by
Pet Limits
Odessa caps every household at six dogs and cats combined per premises, and Animal Services can inspect and cite properties that exceed the limit under Article 2-3, Section 2-3-1 of the city code.
Odessa Pet Limit: Maximum 6 Dogs and Cats
Some RestrictionsOdessa, TX Code of Ordinances, Article 2-3, § 2-3-1 (Maximum Number)
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, possess, or maintain dogs and/or cats in a total number exceeding 6 per premises
Mandatory Spay/Neuter
Odessa requires every dog and cat over six months old to be spayed or neutered unless the owner holds a current breeder's permit, with narrow health and working-animal exceptions.
Odessa Mandatory Spay/Neuter Law for Pets
Heavy RestrictionsOdessa, TX Code of Ordinances § 2-3-5 (Art. 2-3, Ch. 2 Animal Control)
All unaltered dogs and cats over six months of age kept, harbored, or maintained within the city limits must be spayed/neutered or their owner shall obtain a breeder's permit under this chapter.
Pet Store Rules
Odessa does not ban retail pet sales. Anyone running a pet shop, animal establishment, or commercial breeding operation must hold a city permit and meet strict facility, feeding, and sanitation standards for every animal kept.
Odessa Pet Store & Breeder Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsOdessa City Code § 2-5-6
Persons wishing to operate an animal establishment or to become a commercial breeder within the city must apply for an animal establishment or commercial breeder permit... A person commits an offense if he transfers ownership, offers to transfer ownership of any animal ... without possessing a valid animal establishment or commercial breeder permit.