Our Mission:

• Protect stray, injured, abused, and unwanted animals in the community
• Assist the public in dealing with nuisance animals
• Investigate animal bites and enforce quarantine requirements
• Enforce local ordinances concerning control and care of domestic animals
• Educate the public about responsible pet ownership
• Investigate reports of animal abuse or neglect

Animal Control personnel respond to the following calls:

• Animal Bite
• Injured or Sick Animal
• Animal that poses a threat to a person or another animal.
• Animal in danger
• Snake Call
• Animal Running at Large
• Wild Animals
• Ordinance Violations

The Texas Animal Control Association certifies animal Control personnel after completing an Animal Control Training Course given by the Texas Department of Health.

Animal Laws 
Animal ownership and animal care is regulated at the state level. The law that applies to animals is Vernons Texas Statutes and Codes Annotated Health and Safety Code, Title 10. The City of Lockhart also has a local ordinance that regulates animals within the City limits.
Lockhart Code of Ordinances

City License & Rabies Vaccination Laws 
All dogs over 4 months of age that reside within the city limits are required by ordinance to be licensed by the City of Lockhart. A License certificate and tag will be issued to all animals that are current on their rabies vaccination. It is Texas State law that any dog over three months of age is required to have a yearly rabies vaccination administered by a licensed veterinarian. The dog must be currently vaccinated against rabies to obtain a city license and the owner must provide the rabies vaccination certificate to the shelter personnel in order to obtain the license. Licenses can be obtained at the Animal Shelter durring regular buissness hours 

Failure to obtain a city license for your dog can result in a fine up to $200.00.

The fees for licensing are as follows:

The animals will be issued a license tag with a number that will be recorded by the Animal Control Department. If the animal becomes lost, the tag number can locate the owner quickly and be reunited with the animal. Should the animal be impounded, the animal will be held longer before being placed for adoption. A reduction in impoundment fees will also be given. 

Animals Running at Large
The City of Lockhart ordinances prohibit an animal from running at large. This is defined as not completely confined by building, wall, or fence of sufficient strength or construction to restrain the animal except when such animal is either on a leash or held in the hands of the owner or keeper, or under audible control of the owner within the limits of the owner's private property.

Skunks and Other Wild Animals 
Most animals can be trapped and traps can be rented from the animal shelter for a $20 deposit which is refunded when the trap is returned as per contract. Skunks are difficult to trap and the City has prepared an information handout to assist the property owner with a skunk problem. If the animal is in a confined space, the Animal Control Officer will attempt to catch it and transport it from the property.