In a community like Anniston, evening walks and weekend strolls often include four-legged family members. Neighbors wave, children ride bikes, and dogs trot happily alongside their owners. It’s one of the simple rhythms that makes a neighborhood feel like home.

But as spring approaches and more residents enjoy outdoor time with their pets, local leaders are offering a friendly reminder: in unincorporated Harris County, dogs are required to be on a leash when outside their owner’s property. It’s not just a courtesy — it’s the law — and it’s in place to protect pets, people and the broader community.

Harris County Leash Law Requirements

Under Harris County animal control regulations, dogs in unincorporated areas must be restrained when off their owner’s property. That typically means being secured by a leash, lead, fence or other physical control. Allowing a dog to roam freely — even if the animal is friendly or well-trained — can result in violations and potential fines.

The policy is part of Harris County’s broader effort to reduce animal-related incidents, including dog bites, traffic injuries and lost pets. Harris County Pets, the county’s animal shelter and animal control authority, handles enforcement and responds to reports involving roaming or aggressive dogs.

For residents of Anniston, that means keeping dogs leashed on sidewalks, greenbelts and common areas unless inside a properly enclosed yard or designated off-leash dog park. Check out this list of dog parks in Cypress, or these dog parks in Katy, for safe places to let your furry friend roam free.

Why Leashing Protects Your Dog — Not Just Others

Many pet owners feel confident in their dog’s temperament. And in most cases, they’re right — their dog is loving, playful and obedient.

But even the most well-trained dog has instincts.

A squirrel darts across the street. A loud truck backfires. Another dog approaches unexpectedly. In a split second, a dog can bolt. And when that happens, even the fastest owner may not be able to catch them.

Animal welfare experts consistently note that roaming dogs face significant risks, including being struck by vehicles, becoming disoriented and lost, or encountering other animals that may not be friendly. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, keeping dogs restrained in public areas significantly reduces the likelihood of traffic injuries and unexpected altercations.

For families in Anniston, leashing is often less about mistrust and more about prevention. It only takes one unpredictable moment for a routine walk to become an emergency.

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Protecting Neighbors and Preventing Frightening Encounters

While many residents are comfortable around dogs, not everyone is. Some neighbors may have allergies, past trauma or young children who are still learning how to interact safely with animals.

Even a dog that “just wants to play” can unintentionally knock over a toddler or startle an elderly resident. Interactions between unfamiliar dogs can escalate quickly, even when both owners believe their pets are friendly.

Residents in communities across Harris County have reported incidents involving unleashed dogs approaching other pets or people, sometimes resulting in injuries or disputes between neighbors. Most of these situations are avoidable.

Leashing helps maintain predictability. And predictability helps preserve neighborhood harmony.

What Harris County Pets Offers Residents

Beyond enforcement, Harris County Pets provides several community-focused services to help keep animals safe and reunited with their owners.

One of the most important tools is microchipping. Microchipping is a permanent form of pet identification that significantly increases the chances of a lost pet being returned home. Harris County Pets offers low-cost microchipping services, along with vaccinations and other preventive care resources.

The shelter also works to reunite stray animals with owners whenever possible and encourages residents to ensure pets wear current ID tags and maintain updated contact information in microchip registries.

For questions about leash requirements, reporting roaming animals, or learning about pet services, residents can contact Harris County Pets directly through the county’s official website at countypets.com or by calling 281-999-3191. 

A Small Step That Protects What Matters

In Anniston, pets are family. They walk alongside us during milestones, sit with us after long days and greet us at the door without fail.

Keeping them on a leash may feel like a small detail. But it protects them from traffic, prevents frightening encounters and reduces the risk of becoming lost in a moment of distraction.

It’s not about assuming the worst. It’s about planning for the unexpected.

As more families move into Harris County and neighborhoods continue to grow, simple steps like following leash laws help preserve the sense of safety and respect that residents value.

For continued local updates, safety reminders and community resources, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.