Code Compliance
Animal Services - Animal Ordinance

City of Dallas New Amendments to Animal Control Ordinance

New Amendments to Dallas City Code Chapter 7 Animal Ordinance Brochure (Adobe PDF)

In June 2008, the Dallas City Council amended Chapter 7 of the Dallas City Code pertaining to animals. The new regulations strengthen the City’s laws governing animal ownership. They include:

• Establishing a $70 fee for intact animal permits
• Limiting the number of dogs and cats in a single family home to 6 or 8 if property is on one-half acre or more
• Prohibiting the use of animals as prizes
• Allowing the seizure and impoundment of a dog deemed dangerous
• Restricting tethering of unsupervised dogs to the amount of time necessary to complete a temporary task

A complete copy of the amendments to the Ordinance #27250 (Adobe PDF)

Effective Dates

July 1, 2008 – Ordinance #27250, which includes:

• Tethering restrictions
• Limitations on the number of dogs and cats in a single family home

September 25, 2008

• Confinement requirements for dogs kept outdoors
• Grandfather Notification Form for pet limits due
  Grandfather Notification Form   (PDF File)  (Word File)

October 25, 2008

• Restrictions on unsterilized dogs and cats
  Foster Care Provider Application  (PDF File)  (Word File)
• Intact animal permits
  Application for Intact Animal Permit  (PDF File)  (Word File)

For more information call Dallas Animal Services at (214) 670-6800.