2025 Texas Statutes
Occupations Code
Title 4 - Professions Related to Animals
Chapter 802 - Dog or Cat Breeders
Subchapter A. General Provisions
Section 802.002. Definitions
Sec. 802.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Adult animal" means an animal six months of age or older.
(2) "Animal" means a dog or a cat.
(3) "Cat" means a mammal that is wholly or partly of the species Felis domesticus.
(4) "Commission" means the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation under Chapter 51.
(5) "Controlling person" means an individual who:
(A) is a partner, manager, director, officer, or member of a dog or cat breeder;
(B) possesses the authority to set policy or direct management of a dog or cat breeder; or
(C) possesses a direct or indirect control of 25 percent or more of a dog or cat breeder.
(6) "Department" means the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under Chapter 51.
(7) "Dog" means a mammal that is wholly or partly of the species Canis familiaris.
(8) "Dog or cat breeder" means a person who possesses five or more adult intact female animals and is engaged in the business of breeding those animals for direct or indirect sale or for exchange in return for consideration.
(9) "Facility" means the premises used by a dog or cat breeder for keeping or breeding animals. The term includes all buildings, property, and confinement areas used to conduct the breeding business.
(10) "Federal regulations" means the specifications for the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of dogs and cats set forth in 9 C.F.R. Part 3, Subpart A.
(11) "Intact female animal" means a female animal that has not been spayed and is capable of reproduction.
(12) "Kitten" means a cat less than six months old.
(13) "Licensed breeder" means a dog or cat breeder who holds a license issued under this chapter.
(14) "Possess" means to have custody of or control over.
(15) "Primary enclosure" means any structure used to restrict an animal to a limited amount of space. The term includes a room, pen, run, cage, or compartment.
(16) "Puppy" means a dog less than six months old.
(17) "Third-party inspector" means any of the following entities with which the department contracts under Section 802.061, including an employee of the entity:
(A) a state agency; or
(B) a local law enforcement agency or fire department.
(18) "Veterinarian" means a veterinarian in good standing and licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this state.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1284 (H.B. 1451), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2011.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 276 (S.B. 876), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
