Animal Services

a fileAbout Animal Services

Animal Services is a division of the Community Services Department designed to promote public health and safety through education, enforcement and legislation.

Adoption Center

The Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center is the City's local animal shelter that houses cats, dogs and other pets. The shelter includes a vet clinic, care areas and adoption areas. As a municipal shelter, we must accept all animals surrendered by Farmers Branch citizens, regardless of breed or condition. The shelter must also accept animals rescued as stray or abandoned within city limits, and those seized for abuse or neglect within Farmers Branch. 

After-Hours Help and Reporting Animal Concerns

Here's how to report an animal concern:

  • Report non-emergency animal-related issues such as loose pets, deceased animals, wildlife sightings and other concerns on FBTX Connect
  • Outside of lobby hours, please call 972-919-8770. Our phones are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  
  • For after-hours emergencies such as a sick, injured or aggressive animal, or wildlife in a home, please call 972-484-3620 for Farmers Branch dispatch

Allowable Animals

Animals typically considered domesticated are allowed in Farmers Branch. Animals not usually considered domesticated, such as monkeys, venomous snakes, horses, cattle and llamas are not allowed. See the ordinance for a more complete list of prohibited animals. 

Chickens

The City of Farmers Branch allows each resident or facility to keep no less than three and no more than six backyard chickens. You must submit an application, pay a non-refundable application fee, and get permission from the property owner if you are renting. There are also certain parameters for housing chickens on your property that must be followed in regards to coop height, dimensions, and location.

Additionally, you must attend a city educational program about keeping backyard chickens. More info

Events

The Animal Services Department holds pet-related events from time to time. We post events on our Events page as we schedule them or as we hear about community events. View scheduled events.

Feral Cat Trap-Neuter-Return 

The Feral Cat Trap-Neuter-Return Program (TNR) humanely reduces the feral cat population through sterilization instead of euthanasia. We return feral cats to the colony they came from so they can continue reducing the rodent population. You can call Animal Services to request a trap at 972-919-8770 or visit the Animal Adoption Center at 3727 Valley View Lane. More info

Microchips

Microchipping your pet is an act of love. It is also required in the City of Farmers Branch. If your pet is lost, or if someone finds it, a microchip is a way back home. It is a quick, simple and painless procedure for your pet. Call us and set an appointment to have a microchip implanted for $15, or your vet can implant one for you. Keep your records current during vet visits or using services such as 24PetWatch using this PDF form. We periodically host free microchipping events and post notifications on our Events page, Facebook and the city newsletter. 

Performance Measures

View Animal Services Performance Measures (under construction).

Pet Waste

Learn more about pet waste disposal on the North Central Texas Council of Governments website.

Wildlife

Many different types of wildlife live in Farmers Branch. You could encounter a coyote, birds, raptors, snakes or bats. There are several wildlife sanctuaries you can contact to care for wild animals you find before you contact Animal Services. More info