Dallas Animal Services encourages responsible pet ownership through continued education and outreach efforts. If a dog has been deemed dangerous in the City of Dallas, the owner must comply with specific requirements to ensure that people feel safe where they live, work, and play. Dangerous and aggressive dog determinations are governed by both
state law and
local ordinances.
What is the Difference?
An aggressive dog means a dog that on at least one occasion, while not legally restrained, killed or injured a legally restrained domestic animal or livestock.
A
dangerous dog is a dog that makes an
unprovoked attack that causes bodily injury to a
human, and occurs in a place
other than an enclosure in which the dog was being kept and that was reasonably certain to prevent the dog from leaving the enclosure on its own OR commits unprovoked acts in a place other than an enclosure in which the dog was being kept and that was reasonably certain to prevent the dog from leaving the enclosure on its own and those acts
cause a person to reasonably believe that the dog will attack and cause bodily injury to that person.
Legal Definitions
Dangerous Dog Definition
Aggressive Dog Definition
Determination Process
Dangerous Dog Determination Process
Aggressive Dog Determination Process
Affidavits & Statement Forms
Dangerous Dog Affidavit (ENGLISH) / Dangerous Dog Affidavit (SPANISH)
Aggressive Dog Affidavit (ENGLISH) / Aggressive Dog Affidavit (SPANISH)
Statement of Witness (ENGLISH) / Statement of Witness (SPANISH)
Additional Information
Requirements for Ownership of a Dangerous Dog
Databases
Dangerous Dogs Database
How to Handle Animal Bites
A person bitten or scratched by an animal MUST report the incident by calling 311. Doctors and medical facilities must also report dog bites to DAS. Dallas Animal Services will investigate the incident.
A person may request an affidavit to initiate a dangerous dog investigation. See affidavit forms above or you can also call 214-670-8313 to have an affidavit mailed or faxed to you.
More information on dog bites can be found
here.
Fees
The initial fees for owning a Dangerous or an Aggressive Dog are*:
Dangerous Dog Registration - $250
Aggressive Dog Registration - $250
The owner of a Dangerous or Aggressive Dog is also responsible for an annual registration fee of $50 each year.
*Additional fees may apply.
