Animal Control

Patrol section deputies are responsible for all animal control-related calls throughout Nolan County, involving domestic and occasionally wild and exotic animals. Deputies typically handle owned, stray, injured, potentially dangerous and dangerous dog complaints as well as investigate animal bites and animal abuse and neglect complaints.

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Although Nolan County does not require dogs and cats to be registered, the State of Texas requires that by four (4) months of age, dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies with a species-appropriate vaccine licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture, and administered by a licensed veterinarian or under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, and on a one (1) year or three (3) year basis thereafter depending on the type of vaccine used.

 

Additionally, it is strongly recommended that all dog and cat owners place an animal identification tag on their pet which includes pertinent identification information (such as the address and phone number of the owner), either on a separate tag or imprinted on the back of the rabies tag (if possible). This will allow quicker return of strays to their owners and may avoid unnecessary impoundment of pets. Any reports of stray animals that are subsequently located, and do not have identification information will be impounded and taken to the Sweetwater Animal Shelter where if not claimed by owners, they are put up for adoption or euthanized.

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Patrol deputies play a crucial role in managing all animal control-related concerns, encompassing a variety of situations involving both domestic and, on occasion, wild and exotic animals. Their responsibilities include responding to complaints about owned, stray, injured, and dangerous dogs, as well as investigating incidents of animal bites and cases of suspected abuse or neglect. 

 

While Nolan County does not mandate the registration of dogs and cats, Texas law stipulates that all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies by the age of four (4) months. This vaccination must be performed with a species-appropriate vaccine that is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture, administered by a licensed veterinarian or under their direct supervision, and then repeated on an annual or triennial basis based on the type of vaccine used. 

 

Furthermore, it is highly advisable for pet owners to equip their animals with identification tags containing essential information, such as the owner's name, address and phone number. This practice facilitates the quick return of lost pets to their owners, minimizing the risk of unnecessary impoundment. Stray animals discovered without identification will be taken to the Sweetwater Animal Shelter, where they may face either adoption or euthanasia should their owners fail to reclaim them.