Animal Control

The Animal Control division provides humane education to the public, promoting responsible pet ownership and humane treatment of all animals through enforcement of city ordinances and state laws.

The City of Stafford Animal Control Officer under division Code Compliance. The Animal Control Officer is responsible for:

  • Enforcing municipal and state laws regarding animal control
  • Providing shelter and care to impounded animals
  • Ensure proper registration and vaccination of animals
  • Respond to animal control calls
  • Investigate animal bites
  • Proper disposal of animals
  • Rabies testing when needed

Animal Registration & Vaccination

All dogs and cats five months of age or older are required to be licensed and registered annually. Registrations expire on December 31st. View the Animal Registration Form (PDF).

Dogs and cats, four months of age or older, must be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required before an animal can be licensed and registered.

License and vaccination tags are required to be affixed to a collar and worn by all registered animals. The vaccination tag should be clearly marked with the owner's address and phone number.

Animal Control Ordinances

The City of Stafford has approved several municipal ordinances related to animal safety. Any violation of the Animal Control Ordinances may result in citations and fines. View City's Code of Ordinances on animals.

  • Dogs at Large: Any dog found unaccompanied and running at large will be impounded until the owner has been established and shelter fees paid.
  • Dog Bites and Rabies Quarantine: Any dog that bites a person or another animal will be quarantined, at the owner's expense, for a period of 10 days.
  • Dangerous Dogs: Must be kept in an enclosed area or under a leash at all times. Dangerous dogs include any dog that has bitten, scratched, or attacked any person or animal which was not provoked.

View a brochure about the Animal Control Division (PDF).

Adopt-a-Pet

Things to Consider Before Adoption

The Missouri City Animal Services Division cares for and attempts to find suitable homes for the many stray, abandoned, and orphaned cats and dogs found on the streets of Missouri City. Before adopting a pet, we suggest you consider the following:

  • Consider your budget. Adopting a pet requires you to consider the amount of time and funding it takes to provide food, shelter, and medical care for the animal.
  • Consider your lifestyle. Consider all issues related to the effect the animal may or may not have and how you may need to adjust.
    • Are you away from the house for a considerable amount of time?
    • Do you travel a lot?
    • Will you have the time to train, socialize and offer companionship to a new animal?
  • Consult the whole family. Everyone who has to live with the animal should be in agreement before adopting the animal. Everyone should consider his or her involvement in the care of the animal. If you have small children, consider who will care for the animal once the kids lose interest.
  • Don't make a spur-of-the-moment decision to adopt. Seeing a cute, furry animal "in the store window," or your children hounding you, are not good reasons to adopt.
  • Evaluate your living accommodations. Do you rent or lease? If so, there may be a pet deposit or pets may not be allowed at all. Consult your leasing company or landlord before adopting.

If you wish to adopt a pet, email the Animal Services Division or call 281-403-8707. The animal control officer will offer availability information to you and make an appointment for you to come to the shelter for viewing. Here is a copy of our Adoption Form (PDF), should you decide to bring home a new friend.