Leash Law -- Galveston County has a "leash law" for dogs. All dogs must be confined to the owner's property in such a way that it cannot escape. A secure fence or leash are the most common methods used. Although not recommended, an underground "invisible fence" is permissible.

If the fence is not secure (i.e. gate open, holes, or the animal can jump over it, etc.) the dog is considered loose and may be impounded by an Animal Control Officer. For public safety, an officer may enter private property to secure or impound the animal or to discuss the problem with the owner/resident.

Rabies Vaccination -- Rabies vaccinations are required for all dogs and cats in the state of Texas by the time the animal is four months of age. These vaccinations are to be administered by or under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The vaccination is good for one year or three years at which time it will need to be re-vaccinated. Once rabies are vaccinated, pet owners are to purchase Texas City License ($10.00 for the lifetime of the pet as long as the rabies vaccination remains current).

Licensing -- Every person owning, harboring or having in his/her possession a dog or cat is required to obtain an annual license for each animal. This license may be obtained at the Galveston County Animal Shelter, 3412 Loop 197 North in Texas City. A current rabies vaccination certified issued from a licensed veterinarian will be required in order to obtain the license. Any owner of a dog or cat brought into Galveston County must, within seven days of arrival, obtain a license for each animal.

The owner of every dog and cat must attach the license to a collar or harness. The dog or cat, when off the premises of the owner, must wear the tag. The owner must always have the dog on a leash when it is not confined to the owner's property.

Animal Limit -- Many citizens are unaware that they are not permitted to keep, harbor or possess more than four dogs or cats or a combination of said animals over the age of three months within any premises owned, occupied, or under the control of any person residing in Galveston County. The owner of any dogs or cats in excess of four must find other accommodations/owners for these animals who have less than the maximum number of four. In multiple dwellings (apartment, town home, condominium) a resident is not allowed to keep, harbor or maintain more than two dogs or cats or a combination of these animals.

Animal Bites -- Any person having knowledge of an animal bite or scratch or of an animal that you may think is rabid should report the incident or animal to Galveston County Animal Control at (409) 948-2485. The report should include the name and address of any victim and the owner of the animal, if known. Any other information which may aid in locating the victim or the animal should also be reported. This report should be made as soon as possible but not later than 24 hours from the time of the incident.

Wild or Exotic Animals -- In order to protect the public's health, safety and welfare, the buying, selling, possessing or keeping of any wild or exotic animal upon or within any premises in Galveston County is not permitted. A wild/exotic animal includes any mammal, amphibian, reptile or fowl, which is of a species wild in nature, or is of a species, which due to size, vicious nature or other characteristic is or may be dangerous to humans.

Releasing or Dumping Animals -- It is illegal for any person to dump, release or abandon any animal on any property, whether public or private, within the county. An animal is considered abandoned if the owner has not provided care, including food, water or shelter, for three or more consecutive days.

Any person having knowledge of an animal which has been dumped, released or abandoned should contact Animal Control and report all pertinent information.

Keeping, Harboring or Feeding Strays -- Any person who keeps, h arbors, feeds, shelters or otherwise allows any stray animal or any animal which has been abandoned or released, to remain on the person's property for three or more days without notifying Animal Control is considered the owner of that animal and will be required to comply with Galveston County requirements pertaining to animal ownership.

Animals in Vehicles -- Unrestrained animals in the back of vehicles (i.e. pick-up trucks) which are not covered with a camper cover or other such device, shall be considered at-large. Animals in vehicles shall be restrained in a manner which will not cause injury and will prevent the animal from reaching the outside of the vehicle.

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For more information, please call (409) 948-2485 or 911(emergencies only).

For more information about the Galveston County Health District, visit www.gchd.org or call (409) 948-2485.