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Animal Services

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1. Do dogs and cats have to be spayed or neutered?

All dogs and cats over four months of age living in Killeen must be spayed or neutered. There are limited exceptions for competition and breeding animals.

2. Where can I find the city ordinance pertaining to animals?

Please refer to the Animal chapter of our City Code of Ordinances.

3. What is a microchip?

A microchip is a small, electronic chip that is implanted under an animal's skin that transmits an identification number to a scanner. All dogs and cats over four months of age living in Killeen must be microchipped. There are limited exceptions.

4. How many dogs / cats can I have in Killeen?

There is no limit.

5. Can I have pigs in the city limits?

No, pigs are not allowed in the city limits.

6. Is there a rule about rabbits?

The pen must be 50 feet away from all residents except the owners.

7. Can I keep chickens or carrier pigeons in the city? What about turkeys or pheasants?

No. Livestock including chickens and other fowl is not permitted in the city limits. (Certain agriculturally zoned property is exempted from this restriction.)

8. Does my dog have to be on a leash when I take him/her for a walk?

Dogs must be on a leash any time they are outside of a fenced-in yard.

9. What should I do if I find a stray animal?

Call Animal Services, and tell them where the dog is, the color of it and whether you are able to hold the dog for animal control to pick up from your residence. If at all possible, please bring the animal to the shelter.

10. What exactly is considered animal abuse?

According to city ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 6-38 Cruelty to Animals, cruelty consist of, but is not limited to:

• Instigating combat between animals and humans
• Crop ears or dock tails on an animal, except by a licensed veterinarian
• Not providing sufficient food, water and shelter
• Not providing necessary veterinary care
• Beat, hit strike, punch, bully, harass, intimidate or mentally abuse an animal
• Placing a collar or chain on an animal that would hamper or hinder the animal's movement
• Tie, chain, tether or stake a dog and endanger its health, safety or well-being

11. What can I do if I have seen someone abuse their animal?

Call Animal Services at 254-526-4455 and give the address where it is taking place and what you saw. If you can, take a picture to document the incident.

12. What is the rule about stray cats?

If a cat is off the owner’s property it is a stray and can be picked up.

13. Someone's dog bit me. What should I do?

Call Animal Services at 254-526-4455.

14. My animal escaped from my back yard. Where can I look for it?

You can find local area rescues and shelters that may have your animal. Some rescues also have links on their websites where you can post a lost (or found) animal.

15. How can I be sure my animal is returned to me in case it gets away?

Have an identification tag with active phone number, rabies tag and microchip.

16. My pet has died; how do I dispose of the body?

You can bring the deceased animal to Animal Services and they will incinerate the body for a fee. You will not be able to collect the ashes.  If you would like more information with cremation services, our office would be happy to provide that to you.  

17. Where do I go to pay a fine for an animal violation?

You have to go to Killeen Municipal Court at:

200 E Avenue D
Killeen, TX 76541

18. What do I need to do to adopt a pet from the city animal shelter?

You will need a photo identification and pay the adoption fee as posted at the time.