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Pet and Animal Laws
The City of Allen has specific ordinances related to animals and fowl, summarized below. To report a violation, contact Allen Animal Services at 214.509.4378.
A person commits an offense if the keeping of any animal causes loud and unusual barking, howling or other noise that disturbs the peace and quiet of any person of ordinary sensibilities. A person who is disturbed by an animal may file a complaint with Animal Services. The owner will then be notified of the complaint, either in person or by mail, and given suggestions to keep the animal from disturbing the neighboring residences.
Dogs
Dogs are prohibited from running loose within city limits. Failure to keep the dog confined by a building, wall or fence of sufficient strength, height or construction to restrain the animal may result in the dog being impounded by Animal Services and/or the owner issued citations. All dogs are required to display a collar with rabies vaccination and city registration tags at all times. Cats
Persistent laxness in the supervision of cats so that their running at large results in an unreasonable disturbance to a person or persons is prohibited. Cats may be impounded if a complaint is received that the cat has caused a nuisance or hazard to the health or welfare of humans or the animal population. All cats are required to display a collar with rabies vaccination and city registration tags at all times. - Report an animal that is currently on the loose by calling 214.509.4378
- Report ongoing problems with loose pets
Any person aware of an animal bite or scratch to a human should report the incident to Animal Services immediately.
All dogs and cats that bite or scratch a human must be quarantined for ten days, regardless of whether they are vaccinated for rabies or not. The biting animal may be quarantined at various locations depending on the bite, including a veterinarian's office, the Allen Animal Shelter, or the animal's home.
All dogs and cats that bite or scratch a human must be quarantined for ten days, regardless of whether they are vaccinated for rabies or not. The biting animal may be quarantined at various locations depending on the bite, including a veterinarian's office, the Allen Animal Shelter, or the animal's home.
If a bite occurs
If the bite just happened or involved a stray dog/cat, please call us right away.- Allen Animal Services: 214.509.4378
- Allen Police Non-Emergency Line: 214.509.4321
Even if the bite happened a while ago or involved a family pet, please contact Allen Animal Services for a follow-up.
- Email Allen Animal Services with details of the bite: animalshelter@cityofallen.org
- Call Allen Animal Services: 214.509.4378
All dogs and cats four months of age or older are required to be vaccinated for rabies. Animals must receive a booster within twelve months of their first vaccination. Every animal must be re-vaccinated against rabies at least once every three years. A licensed veterinarian must do the rabies vaccination. A rabies vaccination certificate and rabies tag will be issued after the vaccination. The tag should immediately be placed on the animal's collar.
It is unlawful for the owner to permit or allow an animal to defecate upon public or private property and fail to remove and dispose of - in a sanitary manner - any feces left by such animal.
Pot bellied pigs and pygmy goats are not allowed in the City of Allen.
Backyard chickens are allowed on some residential properties within the City of Allen. City ordinance allows up to four hens to be kept in a coop located 20 feet from adjacent property lines. Residents must live on a property that does not prohibit backyard chickens, whether by HOA policy or deed restrictions.
Backyard chickens are allowed on some residential properties within the City of Allen. City ordinance allows up to four hens to be kept in a coop located 20 feet from adjacent property lines. Residents must live on a property that does not prohibit backyard chickens, whether by HOA policy or deed restrictions.