Animal Ordinances in Universal City, TX (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Universal City, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Universal City permits a limited number of backyard hens on larger residential lots but prohibits roosters and most livestock in standard residential zoning.
Universal City Backyard Chickens
Heavy RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Universal City requires all dogs to be on a leash no longer than six feet when off the owners property. Off-leash dogs are subject to impoundment and citation.
Universal City Dog Leash Law
Heavy RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.042(a)
Sec. 822.042. REQUIREMENTS FOR OWNER OF DANGEROUS DOG. (a) Not later than the 30th day after a person learns that the person is the owner of a dangerous dog, the person shall: (1) register the dangerous dog with the animal control authority for the area in which the dog is kept; (2) restrain the dangerous dog at all times on a leash in the immediate control of a person or in a secure enclosure;...
Breed Restrictions
Universal City does not ban specific dog breeds but enforces dangerous-dog rules under Texas Health and Safety Code 822 (Lillians Law), with strict confinement and insurance requirements.
Universal City Dog Breed Rules
Some RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.047
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.
Beekeeping
Backyard beekeeping in Universal City is allowed under Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131 with registration, but local nuisance and setback rules still apply in residential zones.
Universal City Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsTex. Agriculture Code Sec. 131.045, 131.061
Sec. 131.045. BEEKEEPER REGISTRATION. (a) Each beekeeper in this state may register on an annual basis with the chief apiary inspector. A registration under this section expires August 31 following the date the registration is issued. (b) A registration must include: (1) information required by the chief apiary inspector; and (2) the county or counties in which the beekeeper operates. Sec. 131....
Exotic Pets
Universal City prohibits the keeping of dangerous wild animals in residential areas, consistent with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822 Subchapter E requirements.
Universal City Exotic Pet Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.101, 822.103
Sec. 822.101. DEFINITIONS. ... (4) "Dangerous wild animal" means: (A) a lion; (B) a tiger; (C) an ocelot; (D) a cougar; (E) a leopard; (F) a cheetah; (G) a jaguar; (H) a bobcat; (I) a lynx; (J) a serval; (K) a caracal; (L) a hyena; (M) a bear; (N) a coyote; (O) a jackal; (P) a baboon; (Q) a chimpanzee; (R) an orangutan; (S) a gorilla; or (T) any hybrid of an animal listed in this subdivision. S...
Wildlife Feeding
Universal City discourages feeding wild animals such as deer, feral hogs, and raccoons. Feeding that creates a public nuisance or attracts dangerous wildlife can be cited under the citys nuisance ordinance.
Universal City Wildlife Feeding Rules
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and swine are not permitted in standard residential districts in Universal City. Livestock is limited to agricultural tracts or lots with specific zoning approval.
Universal City Livestock Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTex. Agriculture Code Sec. 142.001, 142.003(a) (Estray Livestock - Definitions and Notice)
Sec. 142.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "Estray" means stray livestock, stray exotic livestock, stray bison, or stray exotic fowl. (2) "Perilous condition" means a circumstance or condition in which capture and impoundment of an estray presents an immediate threat to law enforcement personnel or to the health of the estray. ... Sec. 142.003. DISCOVERY OF ESTRAY; NOTICE. (a) If an...
Looking for Bexar County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Universal City city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Bexar County →