Exotic Pets: Dallas vs Richardson
How do exotic pets rules compare between Dallas, TX and Richardson, TX?
Dallas and Richardson 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 →Richardson, TX
Dallas County
Under Sec. 5-12, it is unlawful to own, possess, keep, or harbor any wild animal within Richardson. Wild animals include lions, tigers, bears, wolves, alligators, crocodiles, coyotes, elephants, poisonous reptiles, and similar species.
View full Richardson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Richardson |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Ch. 7, Art. VI, Sec. 7-6.1 | Sec. 5-12 |
| 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, research, licensed rehab centers |
| Ban | - | All wild/exotic animals prohibited |
| Examples Banned | - | Lions, tigers, wolves, alligators, venomous reptiles |
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.
Richardson FAQ
Can I keep an exotic pet in Richardson?
No. Sec. 5-12 prohibits all wild animals including reptiles, large cats, wolves, and similar species within city limits.
Are hedgehogs or ferrets allowed?
Hedgehogs and ferrets may fall under the wild animal definition. Check with the Environmental Health Department for specific species determinations.
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