Unrestrained Dog Prohibited

Except  in public areas where restraint of a dog is not required (off-leash dog parks), an owner or handler of a dog shall keep the dog under restraint.  A person holding a dog on a leash or lead shall keep the dog under control at all times.

• Unrestrained Dog ordinance

Tethering of Dogs

Leaving a dog alone on a chain or a tether is prohibited by city law (Austin City Code Section 3-4-2)

• Anti-chain Ordinance At-a-Glance

• La nueva ordenanza en contra de las cadenas

Fencing Program

To assist citizens and dogs using a tether as a primary means of restraint, Animal Protection has a fencing assistance program. We will accept fencing donations and offer them to citizens who need to correct their tethering violations.

See Fencing and Dog House Programs or contact Tethering Officer at (512) 972-0519 for more information.

Pet Trader Ordinance

In 2010, the Austin City Council passed an ordinance amending city code sections 3-1-1 Pet Trader, Off-Site Retail and Retail Sale, 3-2-3 Commerce in Live Animals and 3-7-2 relating to the requirements for the retail sale of cats and dogs. The ordinance prohibits the sale of any dog or cat, including puppies and kittens, at a location other than where the animal was bred.

Pet Trader Responsibilities

Any person selling any dog or cat (including puppies and kittens) within city limits must provide the consumer information required by the City and have the animal micro-chipped. The Pet Trader  must also either pay a $50 fee to the Animal Shelter or have the animal spayed or neutered.

• Pet Trader Frequently Asked Questions

• Not-for-profit registration form

• Pet Trader Consumer information form

• Pet Trader Ordinance No. 20101216-024