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1. If I have an animal emergency after hours, where do I call?

Please call Big Spring/Howard County Dispatch Center at (432) 264-2550.

2. Do I need a permit to sell animals (dogs, cats) in a public place?

It is against Big Spring City Ordinance to sell animals in public places.

3. If I adopt an animal, do I need to have it spayed or neutered?

Yes. All pets adopted from the Big Spring Animal Shelter MUST be spayed or neutered per State law. Failure to do so will result in a citation being issued.

4. What can I do if I have a problem with stray cats or wildlife like a skunk?

Cat and wildlife live traps can be requested by contacting Animal Control at (432) 264-2563. At this time residents are placed on a waiting list for live traps. When a trap becomes available, an Animal Control Officer will assist in setting up and demonstrating the traps operation. When an animal is caught in the trap, the officer will return to your location to remove the animal.

5. How long will my dog or cat be held if it gets impounded by Animal Control?

Dogs and cats that are not identifiable (collar, microchip, etc.) will be held for 72 hours. Dogs and cats that are identifiable will be held allowing shelter personnel to attempt to locate the animal's owner or place the animal.

6. Can I call the Animal Shelter to check if my dog or cat was impounded?

Yes. You can call the shelter at (432) 264-2474 to check if any animal matching the description of your pet has been impounded. You can also check the city's Animal Shelter Photo Gallery.

7. What can I do if I have an animal noise complaint?

Notify Animal Control of the location of the animal by calling (432) 264-2563 during normal business hours or (432) 264-2550 after hours. An officer will respond to that location and attempt to resolve the issue.

8. As a resident within the city limits of Big Spring, how many pets can I have?

Within the city limits, residents are allowed to have a total of eight pets. More than eight pets will require a permit.

9. What should I do if I have a problem involving bees, insects, or rodents?

Residents should contact a local pest control company for issues with bees, insects, or rodents.

10. I live outside the city limits. What are the regulations for animals/pets in Howard County?

Citizens living outside the city limits can request that information from the Howard County Law Enforcement Center. Residents of Forsan and Coahoma should check with their appropriate City Hall office for applicable ordinances.

11. What is the procedure for adopting an animal?

Please visit the City of Big Spring Animal Shelter located at 3605 East 11th Place Monday through Friday, between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you select an animal for adoption, you will take the adoption paperwork to the Howard County Law Enforcement Center located at 3613 West Highway 80 to complete the adoption process.

12. What do I need to bring with me to adopt an animal?

You will need the kennel number of the animal you wish to adopt and payment for the adoption fees. You will also need to bring either a drivers license or state ID.

13. Can I bury my dog/cat within the city limits?

All deceased animals must be properly disposed of as referred to in Article 5 Section 3-22(k) of the Big Spring Code of Ordinances. Requests for disposal of small animals can be made by contacting the City of Big Spring Animal Control division.