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In Texas, is it illegal to sell puppies on street corners or parking lots? Here’s the law

Stock image of a puppy.
Stock image of a puppy. Pexels

In Reality Check stories, Star-Telegram journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. More.

Buying or selling an animal in public is Illegal in Texas. People who do it could get a hefty fine

A breeding license is required to sell to puppies and kittens across the state. The animal must also be at least eight weeks old or sold with its mother, according to the law.

Each town has its own regulations, but both Fort Worth and Dallas prohibit the sale of puppies on street corners. Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio have roadside sale bans and humane pet ordinances to forbid the sale of dogs and cats at pet stores.


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Breeding pets in a backyard is also Illegal in Texas without a license. Facilities that breed must be inspected at least once every 18-months.

Laws to improve the treatment of animals have increased over the years. Check out these three new laws that recently went into effect.

What to do if you see puppies being sold on a Texas street corner?

If you see animals being sold in parking lots or along the road, there are a few ways to help. According to the Texas Humane Legislation network, here are three things you could do:

  • Take photos of the vehicle’s license plate, animals and how much they are being sold. Make sure your pictures have date stamps. Do not speak with the sellers directly.
  • If they are in the area, let the police, code compliance, or animal services know (especially if they are in a dangerous place to draw attention).
  • Tell the manager of the establishment from where the animals are being sold. Ask if their security can ask the sellers to leave.

This story was originally published May 21, 2024 at 6:35 AM.

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Tiffani Jackson
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Tiffani is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions about life in North Texas. Tiffani mainly writes about Texas laws and health news.
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