Animal Services Frequently Asked Questions

Responsible pet owners result in good canine and feline citizens. Pet owners are encouraged to:

• Identity your pets with tags and/or micro-chipping. If your pet is ever lost, identification will be crucial for returning them home to you.
• Spaying or neutering your pets will reduce the likelihood of them running away from home. This easy, cost effective step often improves animal temperament and response to training. In the big picture, it also helps reduce the number of stray and unwanted animals.
• Ensure your pet is up to date on all veterinarian recommended vaccinations. This gives your pets the best chance for a long healthy and happy life and reduces the spread of contagious diseases.

Be considerate and ensure that the manner in which you keep your pets does not result in a nuisance to others.

No. All cats and dogs in City Limits must be vaccinated against rabies annually. New residents who have not had their dogs and/or cats vaccinated must do so within 10 (ten) days of moving to Denison.

City ordinance states potbellied pigs and pygmy goats may be kept only as pets.

Potbellied pigs are the only type of pig that can be kept inside City Limits. They must be vaccinated and have a valid application on file with Animal Services. No more than two potbellied pigs can be kept by one household. They must be kept indoors except for outdoor bathroom and exercise breaks.

Pygmy goats are the only type of goat that can be kept inside City Limits. Proof of vaccination and a valid application must be on file with Animal Services. No more than two pygmy goats can be kept by one household.

Yes. It is against City ordinance to abandon, neglect, or cause suffering to an animal. Call Emergency Services (903) 465-2422 to report suspected abuse.

Yes. Call Emergency Services (903) 465-2422.

The Animal Services Manager or their representative can officially designate a dog as a dangerous dog. If a report is received and the designation made, the dog owner, City Manager, Police department, and Fire department are notified within three days of designation. All parties are given a description of the dog and what conditions must be met because the dog is dangerous. The owner of a dangerous dog must register the dog as such and pay a fee, restrain the dog at all times with a leash and a muzzle, stay with and keep the dog in a secure enclosure at all times (i.e. fenced yard), and obtain liability insurance or show financial responsibility in the amount specified by state law to cover damages from injury that could be inflicted by the dog.

DAWG is the City’s partner in homing and housing animals waiting to be homed. All adoptable animals at DAWG will be spayed or neutered and have their necessary shots by the time you take them home! Visit DAWG's website or call (903) 361-4211 for more information.