Exotic Pets: Austin vs Dallas
How do exotic pets rules compare between Austin, TX and Dallas, TX?
Austin and Dallas have similar restriction levels.
Austin, TX
Travis County
Travis County regulates dangerous wild animals under TX H&SC 822.101-.116. Lions, tigers, bears, primates, and venomous reptiles require registration with the county animal registration authority and $100,000 liability insurance.
View full Austin rules →Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas City Code Chapter 7, Article VI, Sec. 7-6.1 prohibits the keeping of certain dangerous or exotic animals as pets. It is unlawful to sell, exchange, give away, or transfer a prohibited animal in the city for use as a pet. Defenses include being a licensed facility, veterinarian, humane society, or exhibitor at the State Fair with proper permits. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822, Subchapter E further regulates dangerous wild animals at the state level.
View full Dallas rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | TX H&SC 822.101-.116 | TX Health & Safety Code Ch. 822, Subch. E |
| Registration | Required annually | - |
| Insurance | $100,000 minimum | - |
| Covered | Big cats, bears, primates, venomous | - |
| Code Section | - | Ch. 7, Art. VI, Sec. 7-6.1 |
| Prohibition | - | Unlawful to keep prohibited animals as pets |
| Exceptions | - | Licensed facilities, vets, humane societies, State Fair exhibitors |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Austin FAQ
Who enforces this in Travis County?
Travis County code enforcement at (512) 854-4260 handles most complaints.
Who enforces this in Travis County?
Travis County code enforcement at (512) 854-4260 handles most complaints.
Dallas FAQ
Can I keep an exotic animal as a pet in Dallas?
No. Sec. 7-6.1 prohibits keeping prohibited animals as pets in Dallas. Defenses exist only for licensed facilities, veterinarians, and certain exhibitors with proper permits.
What state law applies to exotic pets in Texas?
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822, Subchapter E regulates dangerous wild animals including registration requirements, liability, and local control authority.
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