Animal Control
Department Manager: Lacy Chappell is a certified Animal Control Officer. She has been with the City of Big Lake since September 2023.
Others Assisting in the Department: Mario Botello, Tyler Doege, Jeremy Wright
Contact information
(325) 884-2431 (office)
(325) 450-2428 (cell)
(325) 884-2012 After Hours
The City of Big Lake operates an Animal Control Shelter which provides shelter for stray animals, and animals under quarantine. Animal Control promotes adoption of unclaimed animals and provides ethical and humane care and treatment for all sheltered animals.
Animal Control hosts a veterinary clinic on the second Tuesday of every month with licensed Veterinarians from the Arden Road Animal Clinic providing vaccinations and medical examinations. The City of Big Lake requires current vaccinations of all domestic pets with current proof of license with the city. The City license fee is $5.00, or $2.50 if the animal is spayed or neutered. Dogs and Cats are required to wear a current license and vaccination tag at all times.
The City of Big Lake requires all dogs be leashed, and muzzling of dogs weighing 25 pounds or more, if being walked on the streets. Dogs may not be restrained on a chain. Owners must provide a fenced area to contain their dog or cat. It is illegal to mistreat any animal. No one is allowed to keep more than three (3) dogs or cats without obtaining a kennel license. It is illegal to keep a vicious/dangerous dog inside the city limits. No wild animals are allowed in the city limits.
The Animal Control Officer will issue citations for any violations of Animal Control Laws.
The City of Big Lake Ordinances require:
Current Rabies vaccinations
Pet Registration
Fences or kennels
Animal Rescue Organizations: Anaeca works diligently with Speaking Up Rescue and Grand Companion Rescue. Although the City of Big Lake Animal Shelter is a kill shelter, Anaeca strives to re-home pets as opposed to euthanizing.
Visit Arden Road Veterinarian Clinic website for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What do I need to do if I want to adopt a pet?
Contact Karen at 325-450-2428 to set up a time to visit our shelter to see what is available for adoption. There is no charge to adopt a pet but within 30 days, the pet will need to be spayed or neutered and vaccinated.
Who do I contact if my pet is in the shelter?
Contact Karen at 325-450-2428. There is a $30.00 pick-up fee with a $10.00 boarding fee for the first day. If the pet remains in the shelter longer than one day, there is a $5.00 per day boarding fee thereafter. Also, check our Facebook page as Lacy will routinely post pictures of animals that have been picked up and pets who are up for adoption.
How do I make an appointment with the veterinarian that comes every month?
You may contact Lacy at 325-450-2428.
How do I register my animals?
The pet will need to have proof of United States Rabies vaccination in order to register your pet. Pets must be registered annually (every year). Spayed or neutered pets registration fee is $2.50, non spayed or neutered fee is $5.00.
Can I chain or tether my dog outside?
Section 2.02.005 (d) (3) of the Code of City Ordinances prohibits the chaining or tethering of a dog outside.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens inside the city limits?
Yes, you may complete a Fowl Permit and drop it off at City Hall, or contact Animal Control Officer Lacy Chappell at (325) 884-2431 or (325) 450-2428.
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