Pet Limits: San Antonio vs Universal City
How do pet limits rules compare between San Antonio, TX and Universal City, TX?
Universal City has fewer restrictions than San Antonio.
San Antonio, TX
Bexar County
San Antonio Municipal Code Chapter 5 caps household pets at eight dogs and cats combined, with no more than five of either species. Larger counts require an ACS kennel, hobby breeder, or rescue permit and are subject to inspection.
View full San Antonio rules →Universal City, TX
Bexar County
Bexar County does not impose a hard pet-limit ordinance in unincorporated areas, deferring to nuisance, sanitation, and zoning rules under Texas Local Government Code 240, with Bexar County Animal Care Services responding to complaints when conditions exceed reasonable property capacity.
View full Universal City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Antonio | Universal City |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | SAMC Chapter 5 | BCAS and BCSO |
| Combined cap | Eight dogs and cats | - |
| Single-species cap | Five dogs or five cats | - |
| Permit options | Kennel, breeder, rescue, foster | - |
| Counted age | Four months and older | - |
| County cap | - | None imposed |
| City of SA cap | - | 8 dogs/cats combined |
| Trigger for action | - | Nuisance or cruelty |
| HOA caps | - | Privately enforced |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Antonio FAQ
How many dogs can I have in San Antonio?
Up to five dogs and a combined total of eight dogs and cats per household without a permit. Larger numbers require a kennel, breeder, foster, or rescue permit from Animal Care Services.
Do puppies count toward the limit?
Only at four months and older. Litters under four months are not counted, but you must rehome or permit them before they age in. Service animals are also excluded from the count.
Universal City FAQ
How many dogs can I have in unincorporated Bexar County?
Bexar County sets no specific limit, but you must maintain sanitary conditions, prevent nuisance barking, and provide adequate care. HOA covenants may impose stricter caps that remain enforceable.
Are kennels allowed on residential property?
Commercial kennels require zoning approval under the county subdivision regulations and a state license under Texas Occupations Code 802. Personal animal keeping for non-commercial use is generally allowed.
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