Houston, TX · Dog owner compliance
A free, no-signup check of Houston dog rules — rabies, microchip, spay/neuter, leash, and pet limits — built from official city and state sources.
Every rule below links to its official source. Last verified within the last 90 days.
Texas law requires dogs to be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age, then kept current with boosters on the schedule your veterinarian sets.
Houston requires every dog 4 months or older to be implanted with a microchip.
Houston requires you to register your dog with BARC (the city's animal services) using its microchip ID before the dog turns 4 months old.
An unsterilized (intact) dog in Houston needs an unsterilized-pet registration, and anyone breeding dogs needs a breeder's permit.
Houston prohibits letting your dog be "at large" — you must keep direct physical control of the dog when it is off your property.
Houston makes it unlawful to keep 4 or more adult dogs, 4 or more adult cats, or any mix over 3 adult dogs and 3 adult cats on residential property within 100 feet of another home.
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This page is general information, not legal advice. Pet laws change and vary by jurisdiction. Always confirm current requirements with your local animal-services agency in Houston and your veterinarian before acting.