Top Texas Cities With the Most Reported Dog Bites

Texas is one of the worst states in the country for severe and fatal dog attacks. Every year, Texas cities rank among the top for the highest number of dog bite injuries. Statistically, certain cities in Texas report more violent dog attacks and related hospitalizations than others. If you get attacked by a dog anywhere in Texas, be sure to reach out to a dog bite injury lawyer for advice.

Austin

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the highest number of fatal dog attacks in a single year on record in 2021 (98). A large number of these severe attacks took place in Texas, with Austin at the top of the list.

According to data gathered by DogsBite.org, over a 12-year period from 2012 to 2023, dog bite injuries rose steadily in both Austin and San Antonio. The data shows that severe dog bite incidents nearly tripled in both cities from 2018 to 2023. 

In 2024, the Austin Animal Center reported 561 severe bite events within city limits. Pit bulls were the primary breed involved in severe attacks, responsible for 47 percent of incidents reported. 

San Antonio

San Antonio is also one of the most dangerous cities in Texas in terms of dog attacks. In 2023, San Antonio had a series of five brutal dog attacks – two of which were fatal. Like Austin, the City of San Antonio also reported three times the number of severe dog attacks from 2018 to 2023 (a 169 percent rise).

In 2023, pit bulls inflicted at least 31 percent of injuries resulting in hospitalization or death in San Antonio – over four times the amount of any other dog breed. San Antonians over 40 years old are at the highest risk statistically, with those over 70 experiencing the highest rise in severe and fatal bites in Austin (a 145 percent increase).

Houston

In both 2023 and 2024, Houston ranked second in the country for the highest number of dog attacks on postal workers. The United States Postal Service reported that Texas as a whole ranked number two in the nation, with 404 dog-related incidents involving postal workers. There were three Texas cities listed in the top nine, with Houston at the top. 

In 2023, Houston had 57 reported dog attacks against USPS workers, followed by Dallas with 44 incidents (number three in the country) and San Antonio with 32 incidents (number nine in the country). In 2024, the number of attacks in Houston against USPS workers increased to 65. Houston was behind only Los Angeles in 2024 (77 incidents).

Dallas

Dallas is also a major city for dog attacks against USPS workers in Texas. In 2024, the city reported 43 severe incidents involving postal workers, placing it sixth in the country. The City of Dallas maintains a database of all reported dog bite incidents, along with a ranking of injury severity. 

Who Is Most at Risk?

Based on the numbers, children and the elderly are most at risk of suffering severe and fatal dog bite injuries in Texas. These are vulnerable populations that are more likely to suffer bites in high-risk areas of the body, such as the face and neck. There are also certain high-risk occupations, including postal service workers and veterinarians, that put individuals in more danger. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in any Texas city, contact an attorney who has experience handling dog attack personal injury cases. A lawyer can explain your rights and help you seek fair compensation for your medical expenses and other losses.