The Animal Control Division provides support services to the Patrol Division. The division is staffed by four civilian employees. The primary function of the Animal Control Officer is to enforce city ordinances regarding pets and any other restrictions applying to wild animals or farm animals in the city.
Animal Control Officers respond to calls relating to stray dogs or cats, barking dogs, and investigate reports of animal cruelty and animal bites.
All stray dogs and cats are taken to the Dickinson Animal Shelter. The shelter is located on the grounds of the Public Works Building at 3405 Public Works Boulevard (off of Energy Drive in east Dickinson). The pound currently has twelve dog runs. Each run has a doggie door allowing the dogs to wander in their own outside kennel. There are also 12 cat cages within the pound.
All cats and dogs within the city limits must be licensed and have proof of current vaccinations. To obtain a pet license, go to City Hall (99 2nd ST E) during normal business hours. The license is valid for two years. For information about vaccinating your pet, contact a local veterinarian.
Cats and dogs must also be on a leash when the pet is unattended in an open yard or off of the owner’s property.
No person shall harbor or keep more than three (3) animals upon a premises within the city limits unless the person obtains a special use permit (ex kennel operations, grooming businesses).
- 5.08.002 Nuisance Dog or Cat (barking, at large, no license/vaccination) – $50
- 5.08.004 Keeping Dangerous Dog or Cat Prohibited – Class B Misdemeanor
- 5.08.012 Disposition of Dog or Cat Waste by Owner – Class B Misdemeanor
- 5.12.060 Keeping Wild Animal Prohibited – Class B Misdemeanor
Definitions:
“Class B Misdemeanor” – A crime punishable by a maximum of 30 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
“At Large” – An animal off the premises of the owner, and not under the control of the owner or a member of his immediate family by a reasonable length leash, cord, or chain.
“Dangerous Animal” – An animal which because of its poisonous bite or sting, size, or propensity to viciousness or aggressiveness would constitute a hazard or threat to the safety of other animals or humans.
“Nuisance Animal” – Frequently frightens, annoys, barks at, or chases any person or vehicle. Does not have current rabies vaccination. Does not wear a city license and/or rabies tag; female in heat not kept indoors; not vaccinated against rabies and/or distemper; not wearing a city license, damages any property not owned by the dog’s owner; runs at large off of the owner’s property.
Current Impounds
To view our current impounds, visit our shelter’s Facebook page:
The Dickinson Police Department prefers to practice a “no-kill” policy on all impounded animals. With the help of area animal rescue groups, almost all animals are adopted by a new, caring family. Cats and dogs are held for 5 days at the shelter for the owner to claim. If no owner shows up after the ten-day waiting period, the pets can be adopted. All City of Dickinson Animal Shelter adoptions can be arranged by contacting an Animal Control Officer.
To adopt a homeless animal, call:
Dickinson Animal Shelter – 701-456-7039
You may also view the animals looking for a home by visiting: