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)
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 Ryan Stoetzel at (512) 972-6014 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.
Seller 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 seller must also either pay a $50 fee to the Animal Shelter or have the animal spayed or neutered.
