Dallas vs Fort Worth
How do exotic pets rules compare between Dallas, TX and Fort Worth, TX?
Dallas and Fort Worth have similar restriction levels.
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 →Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Fort Worth Sec. 6-62 prohibits dangerous animals and TX HSC §822.102 Dangerous Wild Animals (lions, tigers, bears, primates, etc.). Exemptions for zoos, circuses, educational institutions, licensed labs, and wildlife rehabilitators. Miniature swine addressed separately.
View full Fort Worth rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Ch. 7, Art. VI, Sec. 7-6.1 | Sec. 6-62 |
| Prohibition | Unlawful to keep prohibited animals as pets | - |
| State Law | TX Health & Safety Code Ch. 822, Subch. E | TX HSC §822.102 |
| Exceptions | Licensed facilities, vets, humane societies, State Fair exhibitors | - |
| Prohibited | - | Lions, tigers, bears, etc. |
| Mini Swine | - | Separate provisions |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Fort Worth FAQ
Can I own an exotic pet in Fort Worth?
Fort Worth Sec. 6-62 prohibits dangerous animals and TX HSC §822.102 Dangerous Wild Animals (lions, tigers, bears, primates, etc.). Exemptions for zoos, circuses, educational institutions, licensed labs, and wildlife rehabilitators. Miniature swine addressed separately.
What exotic animals are prohibited in Fort Worth?
Code Section: Sec. 6-62. State Law: TX HSC §822.102. Prohibited: Lions, tigers, bears, etc.. Mini Swine: Separate provisions.
Compare other topics
See how Dallas and Fort Worth compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool