Injured animals are a high priority response for Animal Control Officers. A sick or injured stray animal should be reported to the Customer Call Center between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. at 311. Report after-hour emergencies to the police department at (361) 886-2600.
Animal Rescue
An injured animal with a collar, license tag, or registered microchip can usually be traced to its owner by Animal Care Services, and most veterinarians who have scanners.
Animals without identification are considered strays. If an animal is severely injured and experiencing pain and suffering, Animal Control Officers may humanely euthanize the animal. Animal Care Services does not take in or rehabilitate owned-injured animals.
Animal Care Services does not provide euthanization services to the public. Owners must take their pet to a veterinarian.
Stray Animals
Stray dogs or trapped cats may be brought to ACS Monday - Saturday 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. by appointment only. While we understand that you are bringing the animal to us because you can’t keep it, we are only able to take in animals when there are open kennels. Most often, if you have fed the animal for three days, the animal is considered to be yours per City Ordinance.
At times the shelter is full and we can’t take in additional animals until the existing ones are adopted to new homes, transferred to rescue, or humanely euthanized. We encourage you to make every attempt to locate a new home for the stray animal prior to bringing it to ACS. To make an appointment to bring the stray animal in, please contact ACS at 361-826-4630.