Guides

Clear guides for common animal problems

People often know there is a problem, but not which office handles it. We organize the usual path for stray pets, wildlife issues, bites, cruelty reports and dead animals, then point you to the official source.

Try a ZIP like 30303, “Travis County” or “Columbus, OH”

Dog control

Who to call about a stray or loose dog

Need to report a stray or loose dog? Here is who to call first, when to call police or health officials, and what to do safely while you wait.

Read the guide →

Animal control

Animal control vs. the state wildlife agency: who handles what

Learn the usual split between local animal control and state wildlife agencies, plus what to do for bites, stray pets, nuisance wildlife, and dead animals.

Read the guide →

Wildlife

A wild animal got into your house: what to do

A practical guide to what to do when a wild animal gets into your house, including safe steps, bat and bite risks, cleanup, prevention, and who to call.

Read the guide →

Animal Bites

How to report an animal bite and what happens next

Learn how to report an animal bite, who to call, what info to gather, and what usually happens next with quarantine, rabies review, and care.

Read the guide →

Wildlife Help

Found injured or baby wildlife? What to do

Found a baby bird, fawn, bat, or injured wild animal? Learn when to leave it alone, when to call for help, and how to stay safe.

Read the guide →

Animal complaints

Barking dog and nuisance animal complaints

Who handles barking dog and nuisance animal complaints, what to document, and when to call animal control, police, health, or wildlife.

Read the guide →

Animal Safety

How to report animal cruelty or neglect

Learn how to report animal cruelty or neglect, who to call for pets or wildlife, what evidence to gather, and what to do in an emergency.

Read the guide →

Dead Animals

Dead animal on the road or in your yard: who removes it

Learn who removes a dead animal from a road, yard, park, beach or highway, when to call animal control, sanitation, DOT, or the health department.

Read the guide →

Road safety

Loose livestock on the road: who to call

See who to call for loose cattle, horses, goats or other livestock on the road, when to call 911, and what details help dispatch send help.

Read the guide →

Pet laws

Dog licensing and leash laws

Dog licensing and leash laws explained in plain English: who must license a dog, how local leash rules work, and how to check your area.

Read the guide →

Animal Control

Stray hold periods at animal shelters

Learn what stray hold periods mean, how long shelters keep lost pets, what can shorten or extend a hold, and how to reclaim an animal fast.

Read the guide →