Animal Ordinances in Waco, TX (2026)
4 verified animal ordinances for Waco, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dog Leash Laws
Waco requires all dogs to be on a leash or under direct control when off the owner's property. Dogs running at large are subject to impoundment by Animal Services.
Waco Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.042 (Requirements for Owner of Dangerous Dog)
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
Waco does not impose breed-specific bans. However, the city has dangerous dog regulations that apply to individual dogs based on behavior regardless of breed.
Waco Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsTexas Health and Safety Code Sec. 822.047 (Local Regulation of Dangerous Dogs)
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
Waco allows beekeeping in residential areas subject to regulations on hive placement, number of colonies, and distance from property lines and public areas.
Waco Beekeeping Regulations
Some RestrictionsTex. Agric. Code Sec. 131.045 (Beekeeper Registration)
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. (c) The i...
Exotic Pets
Waco prohibits keeping dangerous wild animals as pets within city limits. Texas state law also restricts ownership of certain exotic species without proper permits.
Waco Exotic Pet Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsTexas Health and Safety Code Sec. 822.101(4) (Dangerous Wild Animals - 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