Why do animal services exist?
The citizens of Rowlett will have pets in their household and these pets can provide significant beneficial effects to their human families. When these pets are not properly cared for, they can become not only a nuisance, but can also threaten the health and safety of neighbors. Irresponsible pet ownership and pet overpopulation are the main reasons why we have an Animal Services Division
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What services do you provide?
We admit and adopt animals, pick up stray, injured or dead animals, provide humane traps for small animals, investigate reports of animal bites, nuisances or cruelty, provide pet registration and education programs, investigate dangerous animal complaints, provide euthanasia and take lost and found information reports.
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Is there anything I should know about pet ownership in Rowlett?
If you are a pet owner, you must register your pet with the City of Rowlett. You have thirty days (30) to obtain your pet registration once you have taken residence in the city or bring home a new animal. The registration fee for an unaltered dog or cat is $10.00 per animal. The registration fee for an altered dog or cat is $5.00 per animal. Seniors 65 and over whose pets have been altered can obtain their pet registration free of charge. You may get a replacement tag if you loose the original for $3.00. Ferrets and Pot-Bellied Pigs are $5.00 to register and require special documentation. Like most cities, Rowlett city ordinance does require that dogs be restrained, either indoors, behind a secure fence, or on a leash. Any questions, please call the shelter at 972.412.6219 press 0.
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Why do I need to register my pet?
You need to register your pet for two reasons. First, it’s the law! Failure to comply can result in a citation and a fine. Seond, by registering your pet with the City you greatly increase the chances of your pet being returned to you safely if it ever gets lost. Possibly without a fee, if the person who finds your lost pet would like to hold it for you as opposed to surrendering it to the shelter. In fact, about 95% of the lost pets wearing a city license are reunited with owners, while only about 10% of unregistered lost pets ever get home.
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My pet is lost. Could it be at the animal shelter?
The shelter will take a lost report of your animal by phone, but we suggest that you come by and check the kennels in person as only you know your dog or cat. You may also try running an ad in the local newspaper, check with other area city shelters and post flyers in the neighborhood. Lost reports are kept on file for three months but we recommend you visit the shelter every few days. Finally, do not give up the search; animals that have been lost for months have been reunited with their owners!
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I need to report a stray dog running in my neighborhood. If you pick it up, what is going to happen to it?
Stray animals are held for five days. If they are unclaimed our veterinarian will do a heartworm test and give them a physical exam to determine the health and adoptability, then they are placed in our adoption program. We do not have a minimum or maximum amount of days that the animals are held for adoption. If an animal is or becomes ill, or we run out of kennel spaces, then we do, unfortunately, have to humanely euthanize it.
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We have a cat/opossum/armadillo/raccoon/skunk/squirrel problem in our neighborhood. What can you do to help?
We suggest borrowing a live trap to remove the animals and then ceasing to leave food out to discourage further “invasion”. You may purchase live traps at any feed store or hardware store in the area. When you trap an animal, call the shelter and we will pick it up. We do have a limited number of these traps available to loan out, although we usually have a waiting list. A $40.00 refundable deposit is required.
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Do you board animals?
No, we do not board animals. We do recommend that you contact your veterinarian or a boarding kennel if you need to board your pet. You may also contact the shelter for a list of area kennels.
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Any other information I should know?
State Law and City of Rowlett Ordinances require animals to be vaccinated against rabies. The state laws and city ordinance has changed to accommodate the three year vaccination. Puppies and kittens must receive a one-year booster in order to be eligible for the three-year vaccine.
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Who do I call if I have an emergency?
During normal business hours, you should call animal services at 972-412-6219 press 1, you will then be transferred over to Police Dispatch and an Animal Control Officer will be sent out. If the emergency situation requires immediate attention and it is after hours, you may call the Police Department at 972-412-6200.
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