Animal Services

The Animal Services division of Code Compliance is responsible for the care and control of the
City’s pet population by enforcing Chapter 7 “Animals” of the Dallas City Code and the Texas Rabies Control Act.

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:

General Information

Animal Noise

Howling dogNoise made by any animal is considered unreasonable if it continues for more than 15 minutes or exceeds the sound pressure level allowed in a residential district. A person who is disturbed by an animal who unreasonably barks, howls, crows, or makes other unreasonable noise may file a disturbance complaint with Dallas Animal Services, who will mail a notice to the owner.

If the disturbance continues, the complainant may file a civil complaint with the City Attorney's Office at 2014 Main Street, Room 206, or call
214-670-4439.

Disturbance by Animals – Application for Outside Complaint

Animal in Your Yard

A resident who finds an animal on their property may confine the animal in a humane manner. The resident must notify Dallas Animal Services within 72 hours by calling 311 to have the animal impounded. The impounded animal must be claimed from the shelter within three days, after which it may be adopted or euthanized. Traps designed to harm or kill an animal are forbidden, unless the trap is designed to kill common rodents and is not placed where other domestic animals may be endangered.

Dead Animal Pick Up

It is illegal for a person to leave the body of a dead animal, which belonged to him/her, on or in any public or private premises. For the removal of dead animals from streets, roadways, and private property, call 311.

Horses

Horses, for the private use of the property owner, may be kept within the City on a lot or tract of sufficient square footage for the number of horses kept (15,000 square feet for one horse). 

Number of Animals

Only four (4) dogs, cats, or any combination of dogs or cats are allowed on the premises of a single-family dwelling unit that shares a common wall with another dwelling unit (apartments or condos). 

Only six (6) pets are allowed in a detached single-family dwelling.  Residents that live on one-half acre or more are allowed up to eight (8) pets.  These limits do not include puppies or kittens under six (6) months of age or feral cats in a registered Trap, Neuter, Return program.

Residents with more than six (6) pets in their household prior to June 25, 2008, may keep them if the owner submitted a grandfather notification form on or before September 25, 2008.

Pens

Pens, stables and enclosures must not be erected within 20 feet of the adjacent property line. 

Pooper Scooper Law

The owner, harborer, or a person having care, custody, or control of a dog, must remove in an immediate, and sanitary manner, any feces created by their dog on public property, or any private property not owned, leased, or controlled by them. Individuals must have in their possession a device for the safe and sanitary removal and disposal of dog feces.

Violators may be reported to the City by calling 311, and they are also subject to citation and possible fine if observed by city officers at any time.

Prohibiting the use of animals as prizes (Effective July 1, 2008)

A person commits an offense if he sells, exchanges, raffles, auctions, or gives away or offers to sell, exchange, raffle, auction, or give away any live animal as: