Support For Pet Owners

Yes! Please review Chapter 7-4 for all specific requirements for owned dogs and cats in the City of Dallas.

Yes. Dogs and cats six (6) months or older must be spayed or neutered (Sec. 7-4.2.). In addition to helping reduce pet overpopulation in our city, sterilizing your pet can bring a number of health benefits

Yes! All dogs and cats in the City of Dallas must be vaccinated for rabies (Sec. 7-4.1.). Due to rising Distemper and Parvovirus rates, these vaccines are also highly recommended. Speak with your veterinarian about other vaccines your pet might need. There are quite a few low-cost clinics in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that provide vaccines and wellness care for pets. Vaccinating your pet now will save you money, time, and stress in the future.

Yes! All dogs and cats in the City of Dallas must have a microchip, which serves as your one-time pet registration (Sec. 7-4.2.). A microchip is a permanent form of identification injected just below their skin. A microchip scanner can pick up the chip's unique ID code to identify the pet and your contact information if your pet is lost. Make an appointment with Dallas Animal Services to get your pet microchipped for $10.

We recommend taking your pet to the veterinarian once per year for a check-up and annual vaccines, and taking them for a sick visit when they seem under the weather or you notice changes in behavior or condition.

We know losing a pet is terrifying, but DAS is here to help. If your pet recently went missing, follow the steps on this page for the best possible chance of a reunion between you and your best friend.

If you are unable to temporarily confine the pet to your home or yard, please call 311. If you can keep the found pet for a short amount of time in case the pet might belong to one of your neighbors, please visit this page to learn more about what to do if you’ve found a stray pet.

There are several free training resources online, including the Fear Free Happy Homes library. If you’d like one-on-one sessions with a certified trainer, you can use this link to access one free week of dog training with GoodPup.

Your dog must always be on a leash in public areas. (Sec. 7-3.1. (a) (4)). You must also pick up after your dog and dispose of their waste in a trash bin (Sec. 7-4.8.).

Dallas has several beautiful dog-friendly parks. Review the dog park’s rules and pick up your dog’s waste. Before you take your pet anywhere in public, make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations. For a list of dog-friendly parks in the City of Dallas, visit https://www.visitdallas.com/things-to-do/discover-dallas/guides/dog-friendly-dallas-dog-parks.html.

 We urge pet owners to avoid feeding their pet human food unless approved by their veterinarian.

Here is a list of foods you can safely feed your pet in small amounts: https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet

These foods are highly toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach of your pet: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets. If your pet ingests any of these foods, please call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

Some plants are perfectly safe, while others are highly toxic to pets. Here is a comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants. If your pet ingests any of these foods, please call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

No. Leaving a pet in an unattended motor vehicle for even a few minutes can result in heat stroke and death, even when the weather is mild, as the internal temperature of cars rises rapidly. An owner cannot knowingly confine a pet in an unattended motor vehicle for more than five minutes (Sec. 7-4.13).

If your dog is outside (even for a short time) he or she needs to be in a secure fenced yard, enclosed pen, or other structure that will prevent them from escaping. Within this area, each adult dog must have at least 150 square feet of space and access to shelter and clean water (Sec. 7-4.9). You may only tether (tie our or chain) a dog if you are with the dog and the tether meets certain requirements outlined in Chapter 7-4.7 of City of Dallas Code.

Pet owners living in a single-family, detached house may have up to six cats, dogs, or a combination of cats and dogs. If you live in an apartment, condominium, or other residence with a common wall, the limit is four (Sec. 7-4.6)

Yes. We have partners that may be able to help you keep your pet in your home. For resources, rehoming information, or to surrender your pet to Dallas Animal Services, click here.

Please call 311 to schedule curbside pickup of deceased companion animals.