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Fort Worth has specific laws on the restraint and keeping of dogs within city limits. The purpose of these rules is to keep others safe and, in the event of a dog attack, to make victim’s rights clear.
Rules of Dog Restraint in Fort Worth Homes
- Dogs kept in backyards must be secured behind a physical fence at least 48 inches high.
- Dogs designated as dangerous by the city must be kept behind a fence at least 60 inches high.
- If a dog can jump the fence, the owner must install a larger fence.
- It’s an owner’s responsibility to prevent dogs from digging under their fence.
- Dog owners must keep fences in good working condition to ensure their dog stays contained.
Tethering a dog (meaning to tie it up using chains, ropes, etc.) is BANNED in Fort Worth. This law is relatively new.
Leash Laws in Fort Worth
- When a dog is being walked off its property, it must be on a leash.
- Dog owners must be with their leashed dog at all times.
Spay and Neutering Laws
- Female dogs over the age of 6 months must be spayed.
- Male dogs over the age of 8 months must be neutered.
- If the owner chooses not to have their dog spayed or neutered, they must get an intact pet permit through the city.
You Must Vaccinate Your Dog
- Dogs must receive a rabies vaccine by the time they’re 4 months old.
- They should have a booster shot at 16 months of age.
- Dogs must be vaccinated every three years after that.
You Own a Dog In Fort Worth If…
If you keep, shelter, feed or harbor a dog for more than three consecutive days in Fort Worth, it’s yours. As a dog owner, you’re required to:
- Provide sufficient food and water served in clean containers
- Provide adequate shelter that protects your dog from the elements, including the heat and cold
- Provide veterinary care as needed
Dangerous Dog Designation
A dog is considered “dangerous” in Fort Worth if it attacked someone (or another dog) unprovoked, unless the attack was on its own property.