Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care

Animal Regulations in Houston, Page 3

DOGS AND CATS - LICENSE REQUIRED

Everyone who owns, keeps, possesses, feeds or has control over any dog or cat within the city limits must license their pet. There is a limit of three dogs over the age of six months per household. A license tag will be issued only after proof of rabies vaccination has been provided. The pet must wear this tag at all times. A replacement tag costs $2. Pet owners who fail to license pets within 30 days after rabies vaccination will be subject to a $10 penalty. To license your pet, the rabies vaccination certificate must be mailed every year with a check or money order to:

Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care
Licensing Section
PO Box 141929
Irving, TX 75014-1929
Telephone: 214-821-3100
Toll-free: 1-800-738-3463
Fax 214-821-3106

LICENSE FEES
Type of License	First Year	Subsequent Years
Unaltered pet License	$ 50	$ 50
Altered Pet License	$ 10	$ 10
Senior Citizen Altered Pet	$ 5	$ 2*
Certified Assistance Dogs	FREE	$ 2*
Dangerous Dog License	$ 50	$ 50
Kennel License	$ 50	$ 50
Late Fee	$ 10	$ 10
* (Renewal Processing Fee)

Tagged animals will be kept a minimum of six days from the date the owner was notified by telephone or notice was mailed to the owner.

DOG OWNERSHIP AND KENNELS

It is against the law to own more than three dogs over the age of six months in the City of Houston, unless you obtain a kennel license. Kennel licenses are available for more than three dogs at $50 per year. However, certain restrictions must be met to qualify for a kennel license. Call 713 229-7300 for information.

DOG AND CAT LEASH LAW

It is against the law for pets to roam loose. Pets with access to public sidewalks, streets or neighbor's property may be impounded. This includes animals tied or staked. If an animal is impounded, the following fees apply:

LEASH LAW
Impoundment Fee	Altered Pet	Unaltered Pet*
1st impoundment	$ 25	$ 50
2nd impoundment	$ 50	$ 75
3rd impoundment, or thereafter	$ 75	$ 100

* A refund of $20 will be made if proof of spaying or neutering of the impounded animal is provided to BARC within 30 days of release from impoundment. Mandatory spaying or neutering is required for all impounded cats and for dogs impounded the second time.

Other Fees Amount
Boarding fee, for each day of impoundment	$ 9.25
Rabies Vaccination fee	$ 12
Transfer fee from BARC	$ 25
Veterinary services for impounded animals	$ 25
Quarantine advance	$ 75
Tattooing for quarantined animals	$ 5
Adoption Fee	$ 45

Impounded Animals: All payments to BARC must be made in cash. BARC does not accept checks. Payments must be made at 3200 Carr Street. Animal Control Officers are not authorized to accept payments.

All fees are waived for any dog or cat impounded for the first time, if the dog or cat is wearing a current City license (This waiver does not apply to dogs or cats quarantined for biting, scratching or attacking someone).

Impounded Animals: All payments to BARC must be made in cash. BARC does not accept checks. Payments must be made at 3200 Carr Street. Animal Control Officers are not authorized to accept payments.

All fees are waived for any dog or cat impounded for the first time, if the dog or cat s wearing a current City license. (This waiver does not apply to dogs or cats quarantined for biting, scratching or attacking someone)

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