Starting a dog kennel business can be exciting. Navigating the legal requirements? Not so much. In this guide, we seek to simplify starting a dog kennel business by helping you with one of the most essential steps: adhering to dog kennel laws in Texas.
Below, you’ll find detailed information about kennel requirements for boarding, breeding, grooming, veterinary, and training facilities. No matter what type of business you plan to start, we’ll cover the legal requirements you need to meet. If you need help building a kennel that complies with local regulations, The Dog Kennel Collection is here to help. Request a free quote or contact us to learn more.
What Is the New Kennel Law in Texas?
As of 2023, Texas House Bill 2063 went into effect, requiring kennels to obtain informed consent from pet owners. Specifically, breeding, boarding, sheltering, and training kennel facilities must provide written notice informing pet owners that their animal may be left unattended and that the facility does not have a fire sprinkler system. Kennel operators must obtain a signed informed consent document before accepting any animal into their care.
This law was passed in response to a boarding kennel fire in Georgetown, Texas, in 2021. Any kennel owner who violates the law is subject to a $500 fine for each animal boarded without consent. The informed consent document should be included in client contracts, boarding agreements, or waivers.
What Is the New Law for Dogs in Texas?
The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act went into effect on January 18, 2022, and introduced the following requirements:
- Clearly defines adequate shelter to protect dogs from extreme temperatures, inclement weather, and standing water
- Requires that dogs have access to clean, drinkable water
- Mandates safe restraints and explicitly prohibits the use of chains
- Removes the 24-hour warning period, allowing officers to take immediate action when a tethered dog is in distress
If outdoor dogs are in your care and you’re unsure whether your setup meets the law’s requirements, consider a kennel from The Dog Kennel Collection. Designed with features like climate control, proper ventilation, feeding and watering systems, and more, these kennels help ensure full compliance with the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act.
Do I Need a Dog Kennel License in Texas?
Yes, but the specific license you need depends on the type of commercial kennel business you plan to start. Below, we outline licensing requirements for various types of dog kennel operations. Feel free to skip ahead to the section that applies to your business.
Keep in mind that licensing requirements may also vary by locality, so be sure to check with your local authorities. If you have questions about kennel licensing in Texas, contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
Do You Need an LLC for a Dog Kennel?
You don’t need to form a limited liability company (LLC) to start a dog kennel business. However, it’s a great option for any business with risks involved, like debts or lawsuits, as it offers limited personal liability. It also makes the financial setup of your business much easier. To set up an LLC, all you need to do is file with the Secretary of State and obtain an EIN from the IRS.
How Many Dogs Are Allowed in a Household in Texas?
Texas has no statewide regulations limiting the number of dogs a person can own. However, local city ordinances often impose restrictions. In many areas, residents are typically allowed to keep up to six dogs, but this number can vary depending on the city and the type of neighborhood you live in.
It’s best to contact your local animal control or zoning office to determine which regulations apply in your area.
Texas Dog Kennel Laws By Industry
Dog Boarding Laws
As noted earlier, dog boarding facilities in Texas must comply with the informed consent requirements established by House Bill 2063. In addition, most local jurisdictions have specific regulations related to kennel placement and setbacks, facility cleanliness and maintenance, and the requirement to keep detailed records for all dogs in your care.
Do You Need a License to Start a Dog Boarding Business?
Yes, most areas require a kennel license to own and operate a dog kennel business. Exact licensing requirements vary depending on your location in Texas, so consult with local authorities to ensure you obtain the proper license.
Dog Vet Laws
The Texas Veterinary Licensing Act and Administrative Code govern all veterinary practices in the state. Under the Veterinary Licensing Act, individuals may not practice veterinary medicine without first obtaining the required license. To be eligible for licensure, a person must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old (the age of majority)
- Graduate from a board-approved school or college of veterinary medicine
- Complete the licensing examination administered by the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
Visit the Board’s official website for more information on the laws and rules governing the practice of veterinary medicine in Texas.
Dog Grooming Laws
There are no statewide licensing requirements for dog groomers in Texas, which means anyone can legally offer grooming services without formal training or certification. However, some local jurisdictions, such as El Paso, have begun implementing their own regulations, driven by growing concerns among pet owners about animal safety and well-being while in a groomer’s care.
Dog Shelter Laws
Animal shelters in Texas, including those that house dogs, must comply with the following standards:
- Maintain proper sanitation and housing practices
- Separate animals by species, sex, and—if unrelated—by size
- Employ a licensed veterinarian to inspect the facility at least once per year to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Additionally, the executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission may require shelter operators to:
- Keep records of the intake and disposition of all animals in their care.
- Maintain these records in an organized manner.
- Make records available for inspection at any reasonable time.
If you have questions about these requirements, contact Texas Health and Human Services for guidance.
Dog Trainer Laws
The term “approved service dog trainer” is not clearly defined in Texas. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs can legally be trained by their owners. However, anyone operating a dog training facility must comply with all regulations applicable to commercial dog kennel businesses and any local requirements.
Texas recently passed House Bill 4164, which increased the penalty for misrepresenting a dog as a service animal. The previous $300 fine has been raised to $1,000 and now includes 30 hours of community service.
Contact your local animal control or zoning office to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.
Dog Breeder Laws
Texas’s dog kennel laws are generally less restrictive than other states. However, the state does enforce clearly defined regulations for licensed dog breeders.
To learn more about breeder-specific requirements, visit the Texas Licensed Breeders Program page.
Do You Need A License to be a Dog Breeder in Texas?
Yes, anyone who has 11 or more intact female dogs and is breeding them for sale and sells, exchanges, or offers to sell or exchange 20 or more animals in one calendar year must obtain a license. You can learn more about potential exemptions or requirements on the laws and rules page provided by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Is Backyard Dog Breeding Illegal in Texas?
It depends on where you live, as zoning laws majorly affect whether you’re allowed to breed dogs in your “backyard.” In many cases, residentially zoned areas prohibit dog breeding if the zoning district does not permit commercial activity. Additionally, breeding dogs without the proper license is strictly prohibited, regardless of location.
K-9 Facility Laws
All K-9s must be certified annually and trained in passive indication. K-9s and K-9 facilities must comply with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) requirements and be certified by the agency. To ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations, contact the TJJD directly.
Dog Kennel Laws by City in Texas
Most cities follow similar laws and requirements to those established by the state of Texas, so much of the information above will still apply. However, the exact license required, the number of inspections, who performs them, and local zoning and kennel setback requirements will vary depending on the city where you live.
Below, you’ll find the appropriate local government contact for your city. They can provide accurate, up-to-date information on licensing, inspections, kennel care, and placement.
Dog Kennel Laws By County in Texas
In Texas, most dog kennel laws are enforced by local city or town officials and not by the county. However, if you live in an unincorporated area, the appropriate county official listed below can help you understand what kennel requirements apply in your location.
| Anderson County | Anderson County Contact Info |
| Andrews County | Andrews County Government |
| Angelina County | Angelina County Contact Info |
| Aransas County | Aransas County Environmental Health Department |
| Archer County | Archer County |
| Armstrong County | Armstrong County |
| Atascosa County | Atascosa County Ordinances |
| Austin County | Planning & Development Department: (979)-865-5911 |
| Bailey County | Bailey County |
| Bandera County | Bandera County |
| Bastrop County | Bastrop County Development Services |
| Baylor County | Baylor County |
| Bee County | Bee County |
| Bell County | Bell County |
| Bexar County | Bexar County Animal Control |
| Blanco County | Blanco County |
| Borden County | Borden County |
| Bosque County | Bosque County |
| Bowie County | Bowie County |
| Brazoria County | Brazoria County Environmental Health |
| Brazos County | Brazos County Land Development |
| Brewster County | Brewster County Permits & Procedures |
| Briscoe County | Briscoe County |
| Brooks County | Brooks County Road & Bridge Department |
| Brown County | Brown County Permitting |
| Burleson County | Burleson County Commissioners Court |
| Burnet County | Burnet County Development Services |
| Caldwell County | Caldwell County |
| Calhoun County | Calhoun County |
| Callahan County | Callahan County |
| Cameron County | Cameron County Code Enforcement |
| Camp County | Camp County |
| Carson County | Carson County Commissioners |
| Cass County | Cass County Commissioners Court |
| Castro County | Castro County |
| Chambers County | Chambers County Environmental Health & Permitting Department |
| Cherokee County | Cherokee County Judge |
| Childress County | Childress County Judge |
| Clay County | Clay County |
| Cochran County | Cochran County Commissioners Court |
| Coke County | Coke County Commissioners Court |
| Coleman County | Coleman County Commissioners Court |
| Collin County | Collin County Commissioners Court |
| Collingsworth County | Collingsworth County Commissioners Court |
| Colorado County | Colorado County Development & Permitting |
| Comal County | Comal County Engineer & Road Department |
| Comanche County | Comanche County Commissioners Court |
| Concho County | Concho County Commissioners Court |
| Cooke County | Cooke County Subdivision & Development Department |
| Coryell County | Coryell County Development & Permitting Department |
| Cottle County | Cottle County Commissioners Court |
| Crane County | Crane County Commissioners Court |
| Crockett County | Crockett County Commissioners Court |
| Crosby County | Crosby County Commissioners Court |
| Culberson County | Culberson County Commissioners Court |
| Dallam County | Dallam County |
| Dallas County | Dallas County Planning & Development Dallas County Zoning |
| Dawson County | Dawson County Commissioners Court |
| Deaf Smith County | Deaf Smith County Commissioners Court |
| Delta County | Delta County Development Services |
| Denton County | Denton County Development Services |
| DeWitt County | DeWitt County Commissioners Court |
| Dickens County | Dickens County Commissioners Court |
| Dimmit County | Dimmit County Commissioners |
| Donley County | Donley County Commissioners Court |
| Duval County | Duval County Commissioners Court |
| Eastland County | Eastland County Commissioners Court |
| Ector County | Ector County Planning & Development Services |
| Edwards County | Edwards County Commissioners Court |
| Ellis County | County Ordinances & Policies |
| El Paso County | Animal Welfare |
| Erath County | Code of Ordinances |
| Falls County | Falls County Commissioners Court |
| Fannin County | County Regulations, Ordinances & Resolutions |
| Fayette County | Forms & Permits |
| Fisher County | Fisher County |
| Floyd County | Floyd County |
| Foard County | Foard County |
| Fort Bend County | Fort Bend County Animal Services County Department of Community Development |
| Franklin County | Franklin County Commissioners Court |
| Freestone County | Freestone County Environmental Health & Safety Department |
| Frio County | Frio County Information Center |
| Gaines County | Gaines County Commissioners Court |
| Galveston County | Galveston County Nuisance Abatement Office |
| Garza County | Garza County Commissioners |
| Gillespie County | Gillespie County Engineer |
| Glasscock County | Glasscock County Commissioners Court |
| Goliad County | Goliad County Commissioners Court |
| Gonzales County | Gonzales County Permits |
| Gray County | Gray County Commissioners Court |
| Grayson County | Grayson County Development Services |
| Gregg County | Contact Gregg County Officials |
| Grimes County | Grimes County Development Coordinator |
| Guadalupe County | Guadalupe County Animal Control |
| Hale County | Hale County |
| Hall County | Hall County Commissioners |
| Hamilton County | Hamilton County Commissioners |
| Hansford County | Hansford County Commissioners’ Court |
| Hardeman County | Hardeman County Commissioners |
| Hardin County | Hardin County Permits |
| Harris County | Harris County Permits |
| Harrison County | Harrison County Environmental Health Department |
| Hartley County | Hartley County Commissioners’ Court |
| Haskell County | Haskell County Commissioners’ Court |
| Hays County | Hays County Planning Division |
| Hemphill County | Hemphill County Commissioners’ Court |
| Henderson County | Henderson County Development & Floodplain Administration Office |
| Hidalgo County | Hidalgo County Planning Department |
| Hill County | Hill County Commissioners’ Court |
| Hockley County | Hockley County Commissioners’ Court |
| Hood County | Hood County Development Department |
| Hopkins County | Hopkins County Phone Numbers |
| Houston County | Houston County Commissioners’ Court |
| Howard County | Howard County Commissioners’ Court |
| Hudspeth County | Hudspeth County Commissioners |
| Hunt County | Hunt County Development Department |
| Hutchinson County | Hutchinson County Commissioners’ Court |
| Irion County | Irion County Commissioners’ Court |
| Jack County | Jack County Commissioners |
| Jackson County | Jackson County Commissioners’ Court |
| Jasper County | Jasper County Commissioners Court |
| Jeff Davis County | Contact Jeff Davis County |
| Jefferson County | Jefferson County |
| Jim Hogg County | Jim Hogg County Commissioners’ Court |
| Jim Wells County | Jim Wells County Commissioners’ Court |
| Johnson County | Johnson County Public Works Department |
| Jones County | Jones County Commissioners’ Court |
| Karnes County | Karnes County Permits |
| Kaufman County | Kaufman County Development Services |
| Kendall County | Kendall County |
| Kenedy County | Kenedy County Commissioners’ Court |
| Kent County | Kent County |
| Kerr County | Kerr County Animal Services |
| Kimble County | Kimble County Commissioners’ Court |
| King County | King County Commissioners |
| Kinney County | Kinney County |
| Kleberg County | Kleberg County Commissioners’ Court |
| Knox County | Knox County Commissioners’ Court |
| Lamar County | Lamar County Commissioners’ Court |
| Lamb County | Lamb County Permits & Zoning Department |
| Lampasas County | Lampasas County Comissioners’ Court |
| La Salle County | La Salle County Commissioners |
| Lavaca County | Lavaca County Commissioners Court |
| Lee County | Lee County Development Services Department |
| Leon County | Leon County Commissioners’ Court |
| Liberty County | Liberty County Licenses, Permits & Inspections Office |
| Limestone County | Limestone County Commissioners Court |
| Lipscomb County | Lipscomb County Commissioners Court |
| Live Oak County | Live Oak County Commissioners Court |
| Llano County | Llano County Development Services |
| Loving County | Loving County Commissioners |
| Lubbock County | Lubbock County Public Works Department |
| Lynn County | Lynn County Commissioners’ Court |
| McCulloch County | McCulloch County Commissioners Court |
| McLennan County | McLennan County Development & Growth Department |
| McMullen County | McMullen County Community Development |
| Madison County | Madison County Commissioners Court |
| Marion County | Marion County Commissioners Court |
| Martin County | Martin County Commissioners Court |
| Mason County | Mason County |
| Matagorda County | Matagorda County Environmental Health Department |
| Maverick County | Code Enforcement:830-773-4377 |
| Medina County | Medina County Commissioners Court |
| Menard County | Menard County Commissioners Court |
| Midland County | Midland County Public Works |
| Milam County | Milam County Planning & Development Department |
| Mills County | Mills County Commissioners Court |
| Mitchell County | Mitchell County Commissioners Court |
| Montague County | Montague County Commissioners’ Court |
| Montgomery County | Montgomery County Chicken Coop Permitting |
| Moore County | Moore County Commissioners Court |
| Morris County | Morris County Commissioners Court |
| Motley County | Motley County Commissioners’ Court |
| Nacogdoches County | Nacogdoches County Commissioners |
| Navarro County | Narvarro County Planning & Development Department |
| Newton County | Newton County Commissioners’ Court |
| Nolan County | Nolan County Commissioners Court |
| Nueces County | Nueces County Public Works |
| Ochiltree County | Ochiltree County Commissioners Court |
| Oldham County | Oldham County Commissioners Court |
| Orange County | No county-level website, please visit the city of Orange’s Department of Planning & Community Development to find out more. |
| Palo Pinto County | Palo Pinto County Public Works Department |
| Panola County | Panola County Commissioners Court |
| Parker County | Parker County Permitting Department |
| Parmer County | Parmer County Commissioners |
| Pecos County | Pecos County Commissioners |
| Polk County | Polk County Permit Department |
| Potter County | Potter County Commissioners’ Court |
| Presidio County | Presidio County Commissioners |
| Rains County | Rains County Permits & Regulations |
| Randall County | Randall County Commissioners’ Court |
| Reagan County | Reagan County Commissioners |
| Real County | Real County Commissioners Court |
| Red River County | Red River County Commissioners Court |
| Reeves County | Reeves County Road & Bridge Department |
| Refugio County | Refugio County Animal Services |
| Roberts County | Roberts County Commissioners |
| Robertson County | Robertson County Commissioners Court |
| Rockwall County | Rockwall County Environmental Health Coordinator |
| Runnels County | Runnels County Commissioners’ Court |
| Rusk County | Rusk County Commissioners’ Court |
| Sabine County | Sabine County Commissioners Court |
| San Augustine County | San Augustine County Commissioners Court |
| San Jacinto County | San Jacinto County Permit Department |
| San Patricio County | San Patricio County Health Department |
| San Saba County | San Saba County Commissioners Court |
| Schleicher County | Schleicher County Permits |
| Scurry County | Scurry County Commissioners Court |
| Shackelford County | Shackelford County Commissioners |
| Shelby County | Shelby County Commissioners’ Court |
| Sherman County | Sherman County Commissioners Court |
| Smith County | Smith County Commissioners Court |
| Somervell County | Somervell County Commissioners’ Court |
| Starr County | Starr County Commissioners Court |
| Stephens County | Stephens County Commissioners Court |
| Sterling County | Sterling County Commissioners Court |
| Stonewall County | Stonewall County Commissioners |
| Sutton County | Sutton County Commissioners Court |
| Swisher County | Swisher County Commissioners’ Court |
| Tarrant County | Tarrant County Commissioners’ Court |
| Taylor County | Taylor County Environmental Department |
| Terrell County | Terrell County Commissioners Court |
| Terry County | Terry County Commissioners’ Court |
| Throckmorton County | Throckmorton County Commissioners Court |
| Titus County | Titus County Clerk |
| Tom Green County | Tom Green County Environmental Health Department |
| Travis County | Travis County Development Services |
| Trinity County | Trinity County Commissioners |
| Tyler County | Tyler County Commissioners’ Court |
| Upshur County | Upshur County Commissioners Court |
| Upton County | Upton County Commissioners Court |
| Uvalde County | Uvalde County Commissioners |
| Val Verde County | Val Verde County Health Department |
| Van Zandt County | Van Zandt County Commissioners’ Court |
| Victoria County | Victoria County Engineering & Development Department |
| Walker County | Walker County Planning & Development Department |
| Waller County | Waller County Engineer |
| Ward County | Ward County Commissioners’ Court |
| Washington County | Department of Engineering & Development Services: 979-277-6290 |
| Webb County | Webb County Planning Department |
| Wharton County | Wharton County Commissioners Court |
| Wheeler County | Wheeler County Commissioners Court |
| Wichita County | Wichita County |
| Wilbarger County | Wilbarger County Commissioners Court |
| Willacy County | Willacy County Commissioners Court |
| Williamson County | Williamson County Development Services |
| Wilson County | Wilson County Permitting & Development Department |
| Winkler County | Winkler County |
| Wise County | Wise County |
| Wood County | Wood County Commissioners Court |
| Yoakum County | Yoakum County Commissioners’ Court |
| Young County | Young County Commissioners’ Court |
| Zapata County | Zapata County Code Enforcement Department |
| Zavala County | Zavala County Commissioners |
Ready to Build a Dog Kennel That Meets Texas Kennel Laws?
Now that you have a clearer understanding of Texas dog kennel laws, you’re one step closer to starting your commercial kennel business. If you’re looking for a more in-depth guide on launching a boarding, breeding, grooming, training, or daycare facility, we’ve created industry-specific resources to walk you through each one.
The next step after learning the legal requirements is setting up a facility that meets them. As outlined in this guide, your kennel must provide adequate shelter from the elements, access to fresh drinking water, and meet any local setback or size requirements.
The Dog Kennel Collection builds custom commercial kennels designed to comply with local regulations. Our kennels are available in a range of sizes and include features like climate control, ventilation, attached runs, and integrated feeding and watering systems—everything you need to meet Texas kennel standards.
To help you fully outfit your operation, our partner Backyard Pet Supplies offers grooming tools, playground equipment, kennel parts, and other essentials to get your business off the ground.
Request a free quote to start building your kennel, or visit Backyard Pet Supplies to find the products you need to launch with confidence.
