Texas Association of Counties

05/14/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/14/2024 14:14

What is the dog registration fee and what is the purpose

"At the next election voters will be deciding whether registration of dogs will be required in our county. I have a strong feeling that the measure will pass, and I've got questions about the registration fee."


What is the dog registration fee and what is the purpose?

Under Health & Safety Code §822.028, a dog owner must pay a $1 registration fee unless the commissioners court has opted to set the fee in a different amount of not more than $5. The fee shall be deposited into a special fund. The purpose of the fund is to defray the cost of administering the registration requirement and issuing dog identification tags. The fund can also be used to reimburse the owner of certain domestic animals killed in the county by a dog. For more information on this special fund and many others, see our publication Special & Dedicated Funds.