Animal Control

Tyler Animal Control officers are on duty Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Officers only pick up stray animals found running at large within City limits.

Animal Control be contacted at (903) 535-0045. After hours, residents should contact the Tyler Police Department at (903) 531-1000 for Animal Control emergencies. Emergencies include:

  • Live or dead animals impeding traffic
    • Note: Dead animals that are not impeding traffic are not emergencies.
  • Injured animal (owner unknown or cannot be contacted)
  • Animal threatening the safety of the public (A police officer, by City Ordinance Sec. 14-5 a 4, may humanely destroy an animal posing an imminent danger to persons or property under circumstances of emergency.)

After-hour Animal Control non-emergency concerns can be left on our voicemail at (903) 535-0045.

General Services

Tyler Animal Control officer placing armadillo into truck

  • Animal bite investigations.
  • Response to stray dog concerns and impoundment of stray dogs.
  • Providing humane live traps to capture nuisance wildlife, cats, and dogs.
  • Investigation of Animal Welfare concerns.
  • Impoundment of unwanted dogs and cats.
  • Dead animal removal from residences and roadways.
  • Enforcement of City Ordinances regarding livestock, fowl, and exotic animals.
  • Investigation and testing of suspected rabid animals.
  • Microchip services. No appointment is needed.

Mosquito Control Services

Treating a tire

  • Investigation of mosquito complaints inside City limits.
  • Capture and testing of mosquitoes for viral identification.
  • Chemical treatment of mosquito larvae and adults by licensed Public Health Pesticide Applicators.
  • Enforcement of City Ordinances regarding abatement of mosquito breeding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many animals can I have in the City of Tyler?

It is unlawful for any household to own or keep more than four (4) dogs or four (4) cats or any combination thereof upon any private premises within the City limits subject to the following exceptions:

  1. Veterinary clinic, animal hospital, or similar facility;
  2. Animal shelter or adoption facility;
  3. A kennel;
  4. A pet shop;
  5. Research institution;
  6. Qualified researcher;
  7. Performing animal exhibition; or
  8. Litters up to twelve (12) weeks old.

No hogs nor swine may be kept within City limits.

Read the full Ordinance: Sec. 14-5.

Can you have chickens in the City?

It is unlawful to own, keep, or harbor any fowl (meaning any heavy bodied, terrestrial bird of the order Galliformes, including but not limited to chickens, ducks, geese, pheasants, turkeys, grouse, guineas, or other common domestic fowl, but not including caged pet birds kept inside a building) within the City limits except as follows:

  1. In an area zoned AG, no more than six (6) fowl (rooster or hen) may be kept per acre. In all other zoning districts, no more than six (6) fowl may be kept per household regardless of lot size;
  2. All fowl kept under this section shall be confined in a pen, coop, or other structure sufficient to prevent their escape;
  3. Every such pen, coop or other structure required for the confinement of fowl under this section shall be located at least 15 feet distant from any property line.

Read the full Ordinance: Sec. 14-13.

Does the City of Tyler have a leash law ordinance?

Yes. All dogs, livestock, fowl, or dangerous wild animals running astray within the City limits or within five thousand (5,000) feet thereof are hereby declared a public nuisance. It is unlawful for any person, without regard to mental state, to suffer or permit any animal to run astray within the City limits or within five thousand (5,000) feet thereof. Each subsequent violation involving the same animal or owner shall result in a higher minimum fine.

Read the full Ordinance: Sec. 14-13.

Who handles barking dog complaints?

Barking dog complaints fall under the noise ordinances and are handled by the Tyler Police Department. Please contact them at their non-emergency number (903) 531-1000.

Read the Ordinance: Sec. 4-90.

What is the requirement for rabies vaccinations for domestic animals in the City of Tyler?

All dogs and cats within the City limits must be vaccinated against rabies by the time the animal is four (4) months of age and at regular three-year intervals thereafter, and the owner must obtain some sort of proof confirming that vaccination.

Read the full Ordinance: Sec. 14-30.

Does Animal Control trap nuisance animals?

Yes, please call us at (903) 535-0045 to discuss options for trapping.

Read the Ordinance: Sec. 14-11.

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