Pet Limits: Austin vs Dallas
How do pet limits rules compare between Austin, TX and Dallas, TX?
Austin and Dallas have similar restriction levels.
Austin, TX
Travis County
Austin City Code Section 3-2-7 limits households to three dogs and three cats over four months old without an animal-establishment permit. Larger numbers require a kennel, foster, or rescue authorization with inspection, zoning compliance, and welfare standards.
View full Austin rules βDallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas City Code Chapter 7 caps the number of dogs and cats per household at six dogs and eight cats over four months old without a multiple animal permit. Larger households need an inspection and a multiple animal permit from Dallas Animal Services.
View full Dallas rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | Austin Code 3-2-7 | - |
| Dog limit | Three over four months | Six dogs over four months |
| Cat limit | Three over four months | Eight cats over four months |
| Foster carve-out | Through partner rescues | - |
| Severity | Moderate β civil fines | - |
| Permit required | - | Multiple animal permit |
| Issuer | - | Dallas Animal Services |
| Inspection | - | Required for permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Austin FAQ
Can I keep four dogs in Austin?
Only with an animal-establishment permit treating the property as a kennel or rescue, which requires inspection and welfare compliance. Otherwise the cap is three dogs over four months per household under Section 3-2-7.
Do litters count toward the limit?
No. Puppies and kittens under four months old born in the home do not count toward the three-and-three household cap. Once they pass four months, they count and must be rehomed or covered by a permit.
Dallas FAQ
Do puppies and kittens count toward the Dallas pet limit?
No, animals under four months are excluded from the cap. Once a puppy or kitten reaches four months old, it counts against the six-dog or eight-cat household limit under Dallas Code Chapter 7.
How do I get a multiple animal permit in Dallas?
Apply through Dallas Animal Services. Requirements include a property inspection, neighbor notification, current rabies vaccinations, city registration, and spay or neuter records for each animal in the household above the six dog or eight cat limit.
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