Curious about leash laws in Houston or Harris Count? Wondering what Texas Law says about vet bills after a car accident? Below, we discuss 3 Texas laws about dogs.
1.  Most Cities and Counties Have Anti-Roaming and Leash Laws for Dogs
Think about a car crash involving a dog from another viewpoint. What if you get into a wreck because you were swerving to avoid hitting someone’s loose dog? Is the law on your side to file a claim against the owner for letting their dog roam and get into the street?
Harris County Dog Leash Regulations
Although there isn’t a statewide leash law, Harris County has an ordinance in section 4 of the animal laws and regulations stating that all dogs and cats must be kept under restraint while in unincorporated areas of Harris County, Texas. The owner or handler of a dog or cat is not authorized to have, harbor or keep any unlicensed dog or cat. You also may not allow any dog or cat to become a stray. Further, the owner or handler of every dog or cat is responsible for all behavior of the animal under the provisions of these regulations.
The owner or handler of every dog or cat is responsible for all behavior of the animal under the provisions of these regulations.
City of Houston Dog Leash Regulations
The City of Houston Chapter 6 statutes regarding Animals at Large align with county requirements. Section 6-2 states that all owners shall ensure that the animal does not run at large. Failure to do so can result in punishment without regard to whether the owner was acting in a culpable state of mind.
While the Harris County regulations typically refers to ‘harm’ as a bite or scratch, it may also apply to times when the dog runs into the road and causes a crash. In this circumstance, you may be able to file a claim against their homeowner’s insurance policy for compensation.
2.  Texas Insurance Law Allows You to Seek Repayment for Vet Bills After a Car Accident
Although it may seem strange to think of a dog as property, in the eyes of the law, your pooch is just that. That works in your favor if your dog has been injured in a car accident, since you can include their vet bills and therapy as part of your damage demands against the at-fault party. If the animal dies, you can also seek payment for emotional distress and burial costs through the responsible party’s liability insurance .
The law may consider dogs property, but we know that their loss can have a significant impact on your day to day life. Typically, you can recover damages for vet bills incurred or the ‘market value’ of the pet with relative ease. However, with evidence, you may also be able to pursue compensation for your loss of companionship, though this is often more difficult to obtain.
3.  Comparative Negligence Could Put Some or All of the Blame on You
Texas specifically outlaws cell phone use while driving, but there are many other kinds of distractions.
Petting, handling, or even talking to your pet can take your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, and your mind off what’s going on around you. The result can be missing an important change, such as a driver braking suddenly in front of you, leading to a rear-end crash.
While it can be fun to take your dog places in your vehicle, we recommend keeping the dog in a harness attached to the seat or seatbelt. Not only does this protect the animal in case there’s a crash, it also prevents your pet from interfering with your ability
Here are a few tips to keep your dog safe in the car.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Car
- Don’t let your dog ride in the front seat – They can bump your arm, jump in your lap, or cause other interference with your ability to drive.
- Use a harness or crate – Keep your dog in the backseat wearing a crash-tested dog harness that fits well or on a harness inside a crate. Secure the crate so it won’t roll around in an accident.
- Use identification on your pet: If you’re in a wreck, your dog could escape and run away in fear. By keeping a secure collar with ID tags on it or microchipping your animal, you can increase your chances of getting them back for treatment.
- Don’t leave your dog inside a parked car – Texas’s animal cruelty law doesn’t specifically address animals inside parked vehicles, but it’s been used to charge those who leave their pets inside during summer.
The owner or handler is responsible for the wellbeing of the dog, and those around them. Taking these precautions can minimize injury in an accident and prevent them from escaping and becoming further injured or hurting someone else.
