Four Legged Residents

  1. | Licensing |
  2. | Restrictions and Requirements |
  3. | Pet Resources |
 

About Animal Services


Animal Services is a division of the Watauga Police Department. Our goal is to protect the health and safety of both humans and animals in our community. Animal Services promotes the humane treatment of animals and encourages responsible pet ownership. Animal Services aims to provide both professional and reliable services for the citizens and animals of Watauga.

The Animal Services Center is an open-admission shelter providing services to the citizens and pets of Watauga. The center is open to lost, stray and unwanted animals in the city. Animal Services provides humane care, shelter and adoption services.

Animal Control is available after hours for animal related emergencies, if you need assistance please call the non-emergency dispatch line at 817.514.5897.
   

Pet Licensing and Permits


Required License


All dogs and cats four months of age or older which are kept, harbored or maintained within the corporate limits of the city shall be licensed. Cat and dog licenses shall be issued by the animal control officer or his or her agents upon payment of the required fee for each cat or dog. The license fee for cats and dogs shall be as set forth in the fee schedule found in the Code of Ordinances. Before a city license will be issued, the owner of the cat or dog must present a certificate from a licensed veterinarian showing that said cat or dog has been vaccinated in accordance with the requirements of Code regarding animals, as now or hereafter amended. If the veterinarian is unable to verify the same, or that such prior vaccination is now undocumented, the owner shall sign an affidavit stating the veterinarian or clinic, the address, date and owner of the animal at the time the vaccination occurred. The owner shall state his or her name and address, breed, color and sex of the cat or dog to be licensed. Said license shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance.

Fees:


  •     Altered Pet:  $6.00
  •     Unaltered Pet: $22.00
  •     Senior Citizen (65+) pet (altered only): Free
  •     Second Saturday:  $5.00 
  •     Multiple Pet Permit:  $17.00

Multiple pet ownership permit.



  • (a)  Limit on number of dogs and cats. No person shall keep or harbor more than three dogs and two cats, or three cats and two dogs. Puppies and kittens under four months of age shall not be counted for purposes of this article.
  • (b)  Permit required. Any person, firm, or corporation wishing to keep more than three dogs and two cats or three cats and two dogs and who does not possess a kennel permit may procure a multiple pet ownership permit from the city. The permit, once issued, shall be a defense to the terms of this article.

Fines Up to $2,000 


The Texas Local Government Code allows municipalities to impose fines up to $2,000 for violations of ordinances governing health and safety. Failure to license and vaccinate pets is considered a health and safety violation. Fines may be imposed by the Municipal Court judge up to the maximum allowed by law. The current fine for failure to display a rabies tag is $174, as is the current fine for failure to license your pet.

Where to Go


Pet licenses can be purchased at:

    City Hall, 7105 Whitley Rd.
    Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    Animal Service Center, 5203 Watauga Rd.
    Monday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

For more information, call 817.656.9614.
 formPet License Form