Dangerous and Vicious Dogs

Animal Protection handles dangerous dogs in the City of Austin and unincorporated Travis County, and vicious dogs in the City of Austin. Call 9-1-1 if a dog seems dangerous and is threatening.

If you suspect a dog is dangerous or if a dog kills or severely injures a pet or person, you can seek a "dangerous dog" or "vicious dog" designation (City of Austin only). You must submit a signed bite affidavit to Animal Protection.

Dangerous Dog

"Dangerous Dog" is a legal designation defined by the State of Texas and applied to dogs who have been determined by a court to be a danger to people. Owners of registered dangerous dogs are ordered by court to:

• Register the dog as dangerous with the City of Austin and pay an annual $50 fee. 
• Restrain the dog at all times on a leash in the immediate control of a person or in a secure enclosure.

The information about dangerous dogs in Austin is updated regularly but may not contain all current information. The City of Austin and APD do not authorize secondary dissemination of this information, and neither shall be responsible for any errors or omissions produced by secondary dissemination of the information.

• Purchase $100,000 of liability insurance.
• Attach the issued dangerous dog tag to the dog’s collar or harness and insure that the tag is worn at all times.

Dangerous Dog Information

City of Austin and Travis County Registered Dangerous Dogs - updated October 2024

Vicious Dog

"Vicious Dog" is a legal designation defined by the City of Austin and applied to dogs who have been determined by a court to be a danger to other pets. Owners of registered vicious dogs are ordered by court to:

• Restrain the dog at all times on a leash in the immediate control of a person or in a secure enclosure. 
• Notify any boarding facility used that the dog has been determined vicious.

Vicious Dog Information