Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care

Animal Regulations in Houston, Page 4

Cows, calves, steers, bulls, horses, mules or donkeys may not be kept closer than 100 feet from any residence, restaurant, church, school or other human habitation.

If the distance requirements are met, 5,000 square feet are required to keep one of the above animals on uncovered land and an additional 2,500 square feet for each additional animal.

Manure must be kept in a receptacle secure from rain and flies and must be removed at least twice a week.

HOGS, PIGS OR SWINE

Hogs, pigs or swine including potbellied pigs, may NOT be kept in the city.

GOATS

Goats may NOT be kept in the city limits, except for milk goats. Milk goats require a special permit which can be obtained from BARC.

FOWL, RABBITS AND GUINEA PIGS

Rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks or peafowl (peacocks or peahens) are not allowed closer than 100 feet from the nearest residence, restaurant, church, school or other human habitation.

If the distance requirements are met, the following may be kept on a lot which measures at least 65 feet X 125 feet: 30 chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, peafowl, rabbits or guinea pigs or 40 of any combination of the above.

As a rule of thumb, 203 square feet are required for each animal.

Fowl, rabbits, and guinea pigs raised for commercial purposes must be confined and not allowed to roam freely. Pens, coops, hutches or other enclosures must be arranged inside of buildings, cleaned and disinfected daily, and must be limed every two days. Droppings must be stored in fly-tight containers and removed at least every seven days.

WILD ANIMALS

A wild animal may not be kept within the City of Houston..

A wild animal means any mammal, amphibian, reptile or fowl which is of a species which is wild by nature or of a species which due to size, vicious nature or other characteristics, is dangerous to humans.

STAYING SAFE AROUND ANIMALS

• Do not pet unfamiliar animals.
• Do not tease animals.
• Do not surprise any animal.
• Do not touch a sleeping animal.
• Do not turn your back on a dog.
• Do not bother a dog while it is eating.
• Do not leave small children alone with a dog.
• Do not stare into a dog's eyes.

• Learn signs of aggressive and fearful animal behavior:
• Ears are erect or back
• Body is stiff
• Tail is stiff or moving rapidly
• Body is crouched with head down
• Tail hangs down or is tucked between legs
• Growling
• Staring straight ahead
• Hair standing on end

BARC: Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care

Report animal bites,scratches or attacks 713 229-7300

Report loose, stray or other animal complaints 713 229-7300

Kennel 713 229-7300

Licenses 713 229-7300

Administration, educational speakers and tours 713 229-7300

Barking dogs (Houston Police Department) 713 222-3131

Citizens for Animal Protection 713 497-0591

Dead animal pickup 3-1-1

Free spay/neuter for pets of low-income citizens:

Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) 713 522-2337

Harris County Rabies Control 281 999-3191

Harris County Veterinary Medical Assn. 713 688-6667

Homeless Pet Placement League 713 862-7387

Houston Animal Rights Team 713 522-5131

Houston Humane Society 713 433-6421

Houston SPCA 713 869-8227

Lost Pets Hotline 713 24-PETS-4 ( 713 247-3874)

Rodent and rat control (Neighborhood Protection) 713 525-2525

LOST PETS

The BARC shelter is located at 3200 Carr. The rear entrance of BARC is at 2700 Evella. If an impounded animal is wearing a current City of Houston license tag, the owner will be notified by phone and/or mail using BARC's latest records. 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.

Call the LOST PET HOTLINE at 713 24-PETS-4 (713 247-3874) for other shelter telephone numbers.

This website offers a general understanding of laws governing animals, but is not intended as a substitute for the ordinances themselves.

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