08/18/2026
A public service announcement: Summer heat and Outdoor Dogs.
So it's August, and that basically means it's the worst of the summer heat, which means it's time for the annual battle: is it ethical or abusive to keep dogs outside during the day?
Let's start with the legal side of things. In Texas, the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act was enacted in January of 2022, and this law specifies the legal standards for keeping a dog outside. It is a fair and balanced policy that does not prevent owners from keeping dogs outdoors, but does define a safe and acceptable way of doing so. This law does NOT apply to dogs who are actively working (hunting, herding or participating in field trials), dogs who are in open air truck beds temporarily, or dogs who are camping/using other recreational public property.
However, it is important to note that local ordinances may have stricter standards. According to this law,
1) Dogs may not be on a chain, but may be on an appropriately positioned, lengthy and approved tether.
2) There may be no standing water, and the dog must have access to fresh clean drinking water.
3) Adequate shelter must be provided that will protect the dog from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and weather such as hail and rain.
If these standards are violated, Law Enforcement may act immediately, as this Act removed the 24 hour "warning period".
Now, all that being said, I see a huge influx of posts during the peak summer and winter months, where concerned citizens have ethical qualms with the concept and appearance of outdoor dogs in pens or on appropriate tethers. As someone who treats my dogs like my children, I understand the concern, however, please take the following into consideration.
Firstly, every dog is different, and every situation is unique. This year alone, I've known two people who have lost dogs to heat stroke during a ten minute venture outdoors, but I also have several neighbors with outdoor dogs who are quite fine, every year. The difference is acclimation, breed, age, coat color, physique and preference. An elderly, black spaniel who is accustomed to 72° indoors, is going to be much more at risk than an outdoor farm dog from a herding or hunting lineage. Some dogs prefer air conditioning, but there are many other dogs who prefer a slightly less domesticated lifestyle, and they do in fact THRIVE outdoors in most, if not all weather. I've known dogs who prefer being wild, who enjoy relaxing in the rain, who burrow under the snow and fall asleep for hours, and I've known dogs who literally refuse to potty on wet grass.
The point I'm trying to make here, is that the variety of canine needs and behaviors can make it difficult for even the most discerning animal lover to determine whether or not a situation is acceptable or abusive for a dog. Speaking from personal experience, I've had dogs who have preferred being outside, (even in uncomfortable temperatures) and I've had dogs who prefer being indoors most of the time. The dog you are worried about may be perfectly fine, in fact, they may even enjoy being outside. Every dog is different, and should be treated differently.
Secondly, before we decide to take action concerning animal welfare, we must consider the alternatives. Some shelters are great, others are miserable, cold, overcrowded centers for dogs, with nonstop barking, very few potty breaks, no toys, and a great deal of discomfort, with the possibility of euthanasia. Although getting a dog out of an abusive situation is important, we must consider whether the alternative is respectably better than the current circumstances.
Lastly, it is okay for different people to have different standards for their dogs, and there are many reasons to have a dog. Not all dogs need to, or even WANT to be beloved members of the family. Some dogs prefer a casual relationship with their people. Some dogs live to work, and love doing so. Some people consider their dogs to be like family, children even, who sleep in bed, sit on the couch and eat home cooked meals. Everything is okay, as long as the dog has what it needs to be safe, healthy and well. It is important to be respectful of others ways of life.
I commend anyone who empathizes with animals and wants the best for our beloved canine companions. I hope this information helps.
Happy training.
