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Texas Statewide Rule

Texas Regulates Dangerous Wild Animals Statewide

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Texas (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
TX HSC 822.101–822.116
Liability insurance
$100,000 minimum
Registration required
Before acquisition
Local bans
Permitted
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Texas Statutes

Summary

Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 822 Subchapter E governs ownership of dangerous wild animals: lions, tigers, bears, primates, and more. Owners must register with their county or city animal-registration agency and meet liability and caging standards.

Sec. 822.103. CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION; FEES. (a) A person may not own, harbor, or have custody or control of a dangerous wild animal for any purpose unless the person holds a certificate of registration for that animal issued by an animal registration agency. (b) A certificate of registration issued under this subchapter is not transferrable and is valid for one year after its date of issuance or renewal unless revoked. (c) The animal registration agency may establish and charge reasonable fees for application, issuance, and renewal of a certificate of registration in order to recover the costs associated with the administration and enforcement of this subchapter. The fee charged to an applicant may not exceed $50 for each animal registered and may not exceed $500 for each person registering animals, regardless of the number of animals owned by the person. The fees collected under this section may be used only to administer and enforce this subchapter.

Full Breakdown

Subchapter E of Chapter 822 (Sections 822.101–822.116) defines dangerous wild animals to include lions, tigers, ocelots, cougars, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, bobcats, lynx, servals, caracals, hyenas, bears, coyotes, jackals, baboons, chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas, and any hybrid of these species. To possess one in Texas, the owner must obtain a certificate of registration, carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance, and maintain enclosures meeting USDA standards. Local animal-registration agencies issue certificates and may inspect facilities. Cities and counties may also prohibit possession entirely within their jurisdiction.

Violations & Penalties

Possessing a dangerous wild animal without a certificate of registration is a Class C misdemeanor under HSC 822.113, with each animal and each day a separate offense, plus civil penalties of $200 to $2,000 per animal per day under 822.114.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I own a tiger or lion in Texas?
Only with a certificate of registration, $100,000 liability insurance, USDA-grade caging, and only if your city or county has not banned the species. Many local jurisdictions prohibit them entirely.
What animals are not 'dangerous wild animals' under this law?
Common pets, livestock, and most reptiles are excluded. The law focuses on large cats, bears, great apes, and certain canids. Exotic birds and reptiles fall under separate Parks & Wildlife rules.

Sources

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