Posting Language
Title
Approve an ordinance amending City Code Title 4 (Business Regulation and Permit Requirements) to require kennel operators to make their outdoor spaces escape-proof and to create an offense and penalty. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. The proposed amendment is intended for private boarding facilities and does not impact City facilities.
De
Lead Department
Austin Development Services.
Fiscal Note
This item has no fiscal impact. The proposed amendment is intended for private boarding facilities and does not impact City facilities.
Prior Council Action:
August 28, 2025 - Council approved Resolution No 20250828-096 directing the City Manager to prepare an amendment to City Code that would achieve a goal of requiring new dog boarding facilities to include a dig guard protection system at the bottom of or along a fence or other comparable anti dig system. In addition, direction included providing additional recommendations to improve the safety and welfare of animals at dog boarding facilities.
For More Information:
Elaine Garrett, Assistant Director, Austin Development Services, 512-974-1991; Elaine.Garrett2@austintexas.gov.
Additional Backup Information:
Based on a study in 2019, it was established that 83% of households in Austin are pet owners. The interest and concern for ensuring safety of boarded pets and the protection of a pet is a valid concern for pet owners citywide.
To evaluate the potential impact of implementing best practice standards for dog dig prevention guards at kennel facilities, Austin Development Services conducted a citywide survey through the department website and through stakeholder engagement sessions held in February 2026 and on March 2, 2026.
If this ordinance is approved, kennel operators must comply with escape-proof requirements. These requirements are designed to prevent dogs from digging under fences and escaping from fenced-in areas. More specifically, kennels will be required to establish dig guard protection systems at the bottom or along their fences. The ordinance will apply to new kennels and existing kennels. However, operators of existing kennels will have six months to comply with the ordinance.