Animal Control
.Lost Pets
Pet Laws
PET REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Are your pets current on their vaccinations? All domestic pets in Castle Hills more than four (4) months old must be registered with the City. The registration fee for each domestic animal is $10.00. Owners must present a current certificate of rabies vaccination by a licensed veterinarian for registration.
LEASH LAW – Applies to both cats and dogs
HAVE A HEART
The City can help you with nuisance animals. If you are having a problem with raccoons, skunks or feral cats, the City has several “Have-A-Heart” cages available that you can borrow for $1 per day. There is a deposit fee required in the amount of $55 which will be promptly refunded upon returning the cage. Upon trapping the nuisance animal, call Animal Control Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. and we will remove the cage and animal from the property.
DOG AT LARGE
Call and report this violation to the dispatcher answering the phone at 210-342-2341, Monday through Friday. Dispatch will immediately page animal control.
Our Facility
Perhaps one of the most important duties Rick Harada has is holding the title of Animal Control Officer. Rick is a full-time employee so the time spent on animal control varies. Some weeks he may spend as little as eight hours on Animal Control, while others can be as much as 25 hours. He is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the city animal shelter.
Rick has worked with a variety of animals. He is responsible for catching strays, trapping wild animals, caring for animals while in city care and custody, and adopting or transferring animals to a rescue facility. He checks for tags and microchips and notifies owners and veterinarians when he picks up a pet. Twice a day, everyday, kennels are cleaned, animals are fed, and he exercises them. Dogs are bathed and medication administered upon the advice of a veterinarian. He runs ads in newspapers, posts pictures of impounded animals for the public to see on the facility bulletin board.
Rick has expanded his relationships with pet supply shops, grocery stores, and other vendors so that he often receives food, services, and supplies at no cost or reduced cost to the city. Rick’s involvement with animals on-the-job, and his pursuit of knowledge on his own has given him a sensitivity and appreciation of animals that is reflected in his handling of them. All of this is greatly appreciated by the owners and adopters of animals who show up without appointments and see the shelter as it is without any advance preparation.
Rick has taken our animal shelter from marginally acceptable to outstanding, especially for a small facility on a shoestring budget. Rick excelled in the remodeling of the new shelter. He constructed a cover to protect the animals and employees during loading and offloading in inclement weather, to contain animals when entering and leaving the shelter, and for extra covered storage space. He built pens that are separated with sealed block walls that allow for cleaning and sanitizing and modified cat carriers so the animals are secure and comfortable. He insulated the shelter and installed heating and cooling and ceiling fans to distribute air. To combat the intense heat, custom awnings provide shade at the windows. During intense winters, towels and blankets are provided for the animals to sleep on and in. Towels and blankets are changed and washing daily.
To say the least, the City of Castle Hills takes pride in Rick Harada and our animal control facility.
