Animal Protection serves the community by defending threatened animals from abuse or neglect, working closely with law enforcement to contain or help aggressive animals, assisting other agencies with wildlife such as coyotes or bats and ensuring that City ordinances related to animal welfare are followed.
Our officers serve to protect, not control, both human and animal life, through a variety of services aimed at educating and supporting the public, and working to keep pets and families together.
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Ordinances
Animal Protection enforces City of Austin ordinances, including:
Animal Cruelty
In the event of suspected animal cruelty call 3-1-1 (or 9-1-1 if the animal is in immediate danger) to report the suspected cruelty. Animal cruelty investigations are handled by Austin Police Department.
Animal Cruelty & Neglect in Austin Infographic
Fencing and Dog House Program
To assist citizens and dogs using a tether as a primary means of restraint, Animal Protection has a fencing assistance program. We will accept fencing donations and offer them to citizens who need to correct their tethering violations.
Need help with fencing or a doghouse?
For questions, contact the Resource Officer at (512) 978-0519 for more information.
Safe Outdoor Dogs Act
The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act is a Texas law that passed in January 2022. What does this mean for pet owners?
- Tethering dogs within the city limits of Austin is prohibited by city ordinance unless the owner is physically present with the dog.
- Dogs tethered in Travis County (outside Austin city limits) cannot be on a chain and the tether must be attached to a properly fitted collar or harness.
- Adequate shelter is defined as something that protects the dog from inclement weather and allows them room to sit, stand, and turn normally.
- A tethered dog must be able to get away from standing water and have access to drinkable water as well as shade from direct sunlight.
If you need a lightweight tether or a doghouse, we can help!
Concerns regarding compliance with this law can be reported to 311 and will be investigated by our Animal Protection Officers.
Wildlife
As Austin grows, our opportunities for interacting with wildlife increase. Animal Services does not remove or relocate healthy native animals; instead, we work with residents to resolve conflict with wildlife humanely. Learn more
Animal Bites
Call 9-1-1 if a person has been attacked, bitten or scratched by a domestic or wild animal and they need emergency care; if emergency care is not required, call 3-1-1 instead. Travis County citizens of the unincorporated areas should call 512-974-2000 for all animal protection and control issues.
All animal bites must be reported to Animal Protection. If medical attention has been received after a bite, download an Animal Bite Report and fax it to (512) 978-0617.
Owners of dogs involved in bite cases must provide a current rabies vaccination certificate to Animal Protection. If the animal is not currently vaccinated or if the vaccination status is unknown, the animal must be placed in quarantine and observed by a veterinarian.
Animals that are currently vaccinated and were restrained at the time the bite occurred may qualify for home observation.
Rabies & Disease Prevention
Animal Protection is the rabies control authority for the City of Austin and unincorporated Travis County. Learn more about rabies and disease prevention
Dangerous & Vicious Dogs
Animal Protection handles dangerous and vicious dogs in Travis County. Call 9-1-1 if a dog seems dangerous and is threatening.
If you suspect a dog is dangerous or if a dog kills or severely injures a pet or person, you can seek a "dangerous dog" or "vicious dog" designation. You must submit a signed bite affidavit to Animal Protection.
- Vicious Dog
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"Vicious Dog" is a legal designation defined by the City of Austin and applied to dogs who have been determined by a court to be a danger to other pets. Owners of registered vicious dogs are ordered by court to:
Restrain the dog at all times on a leash in the immediate control of a person or in a secure enclosure. Notify any boarding facility used that the dog has been determined vicious.
- Dangerous Dog
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"Dangerous Dog" is a legal designation defined by the State of Texas and applied to dogs who have been determined by a court to be a danger to people. Owners of registered dangerous dogs are ordered by court to:
Register the dog as dangerous with the City of Austin and pay an annual $50 fee. Restrain the dog at all times on a leash in the immediate control of a person or in a secure enclosure.
The information about dangerous dogs in Austin is updated regularly but may not contain all current information. The City of Austin and APD do not authorize secondary dissemination of this information, and neither shall be responsible for any errors or omissions produced by secondary dissemination of the information.
- Purchase $100,000 of liability insurance.
- Attach the issued dangerous dog tag to the dog’s collar or harness and insure that the tag is worn at all times.
City of Austin and Travis County Registered Dangerous Dogs - updated September 2023