DALLAS ANIMAL ORDINANCE
Our animal companions make our world a better place.

Playing ball with the dog gives us a chance to bond with the kids, and sometimes those daily walks might be our only exercise. The cat knows just when to snuggle up and purr after a hard day at work or a sad phone call from home. Animals help us teach our children about love, acceptance and responsibility.

In return, all they require is that we provide appropriate food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and that we be responsible pet owners. This means having our pets spayed or neutered, which protects them against serious behavioral and medicinal problems. Spaying and neutering also prevents the tragedy of pet overpopulation. Dallas Animal Services receives or impounds about 30,000 stray and unwanted pets every year and most are not adopted.

Being a responsible pet owner also means observing the Dallas Animal Ordinance.

Dallas residents must register their cats and dogs with the City and Dallas annually.
Registration is only $7 for pets that are spayed or neutered; $30 for pets that are not.

All Cats, dogs and ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies.

It is against the law to:

• Be cruel, abusive or neglectful to an animal.
• Allow your cat or dog to be unconfined or off-leash.
• Allow your dog to bark longer than 15 minutes.
• Walk your dog without materials for pick up after it.
• Transport your pet in a pickup truck unless it is in a properly secured carrier.
• Sell animals from your home or from any public property.
• Sell animals from any other property to which the public has access, unless the property owner has a valid certificate of occupancy allowing the sale of animals and has give you permission.

Residents who violate these laws may receive a citation that may result in fines, jail, sentences or both!

To report violations of the Dallas Animal Ordinance, pleas call 3-1-1.