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 Humane Educators of Texas 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
Rabies Vaccination Laws
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.
Pet Microchipping Ordinance
On November 21, 2024, Lockhart City Council approved Ordinance No. 2024-36, which requires dogs and cats living within the City of Lockhart to be microchipped. Read more about the Pet Microchipping Ordinance here.
Animal Limitation Ordinance
On November 17, 2024, Lockhart City Council approved Ordinance No. 2024-35 which establishes a maximum number of dogs and cats allowed in residences. Lockhart residents may now only own up to five (5) pets (cats and/or dogs.) Read more about the Animal Limitation ordinance here.