Dallas vs Houston
How do exotic pets rules compare between Dallas, TX and Houston, TX?
Dallas and Houston 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 →Houston, TX
Harris County
Houston Code Chapter 6, Art. III prohibits the possession of wild or exotic animals within city limits. It is unlawful for any person to keep any wild or exotic animal upon any premises within the city, with limited exceptions for zoological parks, circuses, and veterinary hospitals.
View full Houston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Ch. 7, Art. VI, Sec. 7-6.1 | Houston Code Ch. 6, Art. III |
| Prohibition | Unlawful to keep prohibited animals as pets | - |
| State Law | TX Health & Safety Code Ch. 822, Subch. E | - |
| Exceptions | Licensed facilities, vets, humane societies, State Fair exhibitors | Zoos, circuses, vet hospitals, temporary orphaned native animal permits |
| Rule | - | Wild/exotic animals prohibited within city limits |
| Enforcement | - | BARC (Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care) |
| 2022 Update | - | Strengthened enforcement and welfare 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.
Houston FAQ
Can I keep an exotic pet like a monkey or snake in Houston?
No. Houston Code Chapter 6, Art. III prohibits keeping wild or exotic animals on any premises within the city. Exceptions apply only to zoos, circuses, performing exhibitions, and veterinary hospitals.
What happens if I'm caught with an exotic animal in Houston?
BARC may confiscate the animal and you may face misdemeanor charges and fines under Chapter 6 of the Houston Code of Ordinances.
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