Breed Restrictions: San Antonio vs Universal City
How do breed restrictions rules compare between San Antonio, TX and Universal City, TX?
San Antonio has fewer restrictions than Universal City.
San Antonio, TX
Bexar County
Texas preempts breed-specific laws under TX Health and Safety Code 822.047, so Bexar County and San Antonio cannot ban any breed. Lillian's Law applies to any dangerous dog regardless of breed.
View full San Antonio rules →Universal City, TX
Bexar County
Universal City does not ban specific dog breeds but enforces dangerous-dog rules under Texas Health and Safety Code 822 (Lillians Law), with strict confinement and insurance requirements.
View full Universal City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Antonio | Universal City |
|---|---|---|
| State preemption | TX H&S Code 822.047 | - |
| Breed ban status | Prohibited statewide | - |
| Dangerous dog insurance | $100,000 liability minimum | - |
| JP adjudicates | Bexar County Justice Court | - |
| JBSA housing | May restrict on federal property | - |
| Breed Bans | - | None (state preemption) |
| State Law | - | TX H&S 822 (Lillians Law) |
| Insurance | - | 100,000 dollars liability if declared dangerous |
| Enclosure | - | Secure, escape-proof required |
| Contact | - | Animal Control (210) 658-5365 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Antonio FAQ
Can my HOA ban pit bulls in Bexar County?
An HOA is private and may impose breed restrictions in its covenants, which are enforceable against homeowners. The state preemption applies to government, not private contracts.
What is Lillian's Law?
A 2007 Texas law (Health and Safety Code 822.005) making a dog owner criminally liable for a felony when an unprovoked attack causes serious bodily injury or death. It applies to any breed.
Do I have to register my pit bull as dangerous?
No. Dangerous Dog status follows behavior, not breed. Dogs become subject to registration only after a JP finds them dangerous following an incident.
Universal City FAQ
Can my HOA ban pit bulls in Olympia Hills?
HOAs may impose private breed restrictions even though the city does not. Review your deed restrictions.
How is a dog officially declared dangerous?
After a qualifying incident, Animal Control holds a hearing and a municipal judge makes the determination under TX H&S 822.
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