Platform Decks

What are the regulations regarding pets on patios in Houston?

Of course I would defer to the owner/managers rules, but what is the actual law in Houston regarding pets on patios? Everyone seems to have a different opinion and I can't find anything on the web.

Public Comments

1. are you refering to a dog and are you talking about a balcony or patio off of an apartment or condo? I believe it is up to the owner/manager. I have never heard of a rule or requirments other than the dog must have shelter,food,water and be healthy....but other than keeping it clean and not allowing the dog to be too noisy or chew on parts of the building or railing there isn't anything other than what the owners themselves request...
2. Call your vet or animal control officer and ask them for web sites. I believe that it is illegal to chain a dog in Texas, I think that passed 2 years ago, but I don't know about patios. I am told that a porch is considered shelter. Since the law say you have to provide food, water, and shelter, and apparently they do not need a dog house, the porch is considered shelter.
3. I doubt there are any specific rules pertaining to pets on patios. In general you have a leash law....meaning your dog must not be allowed to roam free off of your property - so there must be proper confinement.r What you likely need to look at are the rules for legally owning an animal/pet in Houston, and meeting vaccination and licensing requirements. If you own a dog and have all the required shots, licenses, there should be no city or county law restricting where you can actually keep him (although as you've stated there may be private/HOA/landlord restrictions). If you're not limited by private regulation, then as long as your dog is properly confined, sheltered, cared for, and does not present a danger, nuisance, or health concern in accordance with gov't statutes, there should be no reason you can't keep him on a patio. Hope this helps.
4. You need to check with the apt. manager to see what their rules are. I rented an apt. in Denver and dogs were not allowed to be on the patio unless you were with them. I had to complain about a neighbor above me several times. She would put her 2 dogs out on the patio and they would pee all over. Of course it came down onto my patio, disgusting! Also a guy on the bottom floor had a rottie he would leave out on the patio, when I would go by with my dog I was always afraid he would jump the railing, he pooped all over the patio too, also disgusting! Rules are made for a reason, to keep you and your pets safe and healthy.