Dog license in Houston

Updated 16 Oct 2026

Every person who owns, keeps, possesses, or has control of a dog or cat four months of age or older in the City of Houston must register the animal annually, keep rabies vaccinations up to date, and have an implanted microchip.

How much is a pet registration in Houston?

The City of Houston pet registration fees are set by city ordinance and managed by BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions:

• $20 a year for an altered pet (spayed or neutered).
• $60 a year for an unaltered pet.
• $2 a year for senior citizens aged 60 and older with an altered pet.
• $0 for the first year ($2 for annual renewal) for an altered service animal.
• A $10 late fee applies if the registration is submitted 60 days or more after rabies vaccination.

Pet registrations expire on the anniversary date of the pet's rabies vaccination and must be renewed every year.

How to apply

The City of Houston provides three ways to register your pet:

• Online: Register through the official BARC online portal (Way Home). Upload a copy of your pet's current rabies vaccination certificate and supporting paperwork in JPG format.
• By mail: Mail copies of your required documents with a check or money order payable to BARC to Pet Registration, 3200 Carr St, Houston, TX 77026. Do not send cash.
• In person: Visit the BARC shelter during normal operating hours with your documents and a valid driver's license or government ID. In-person payments can be made by cash, check, or credit card.

Payments over the phone are not accepted.

Requirements to register

To complete your dog's registration, you must provide:

1. A current rabies vaccination certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian. An invoice or billing statement of services is not accepted as proof.
2. Proof of a registered microchip, including the microchip brand and number.
3. Proof of spay or neuter surgery if the pet is altered and the status is not noted on the rabies certificate.
4. Payment of the applicable registration fee.

Rabies vaccination

Under the Houston Municipal Code and Texas state regulations, every dog four months of age or older must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Boosters must be maintained on schedule according to state guidelines and the vaccine manufacturer's specifications.

Leash laws and dog parks

Under Sections 6-3 and 6-101 of the Houston Code of Ordinances, dog owners must not allow dogs to run at large. Whenever a dog is off private property, it must be on a leash and under direct physical control of the handler. Violations of the leash law carry fines starting from $75 up to $500.

Dogs are permitted off leash only inside designated fenced dog park enclosures established under Section 32-11 of the Municipal Code. Dogs must remain on leash in all general areas of city parks and are strictly prohibited from children's playgrounds and organized athletic fields even on leash.

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department operates several fenced dog parks with dawn-to-dusk hours, including Johnny Steele Dog Park at Buffalo Bayou Park (2929 Allen Parkway), Ervan Chew Dog Park (4502 Dunlavy), Levy Park Dog Park, and TC Jester Dog Park. Dogs using city dog parks must be at least four months old, licensed, vaccinated, and wearing city registration and rabies tags. Handlers may bring a maximum of two dogs per visit.

Vets and trainers in Houston

Rabies vaccines and microchipping are performed at local veterinary clinics.

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