Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of animals are accepted at the shelter?
The Lubbock Animal Shelter is an "open-intake" animal shelter. That means we accept any animal that needs shelter, regardless of age, health, species, breed or behavior, and no matter whether it is a stray or an owned animal. However, we cannot guarantee that an animal will not be humanely euthanized at the shelter.
What may happen to animals that are brought in to shelter?
The shelter takes full responsibility for animals that are brought in. Animals brought in to the shelter may eventually be:
- Reclaimed by their owner (strays are held a minimum of 3 days)
- Adopted to a new family
- Transferred to Breed rescues, or
- Humanely euthanized
The decisions made about what will happen with a specific animal depend upon the information we have about the animal, the health and behavior of the animal, and the space available at the shelter at that time.
Our staff will provide the best possible care to every animal during its stay at the shelter.
Giving Up a Pet?
If you think you may need to give up your pet because of your circumstances or due to an issue with the animal, please consider the decision carefully.
If you decide you must surrender your pet to the shelter, be aware that the shelter will take over all ownership rights and responsibilities for the animal immediately, and you will no longer retain any ownership rights to that animal. That’s why it is so important to consider your decision carefully.
Please bring all the information you have about your pet (shot records, spay/neuter confirmation) when you bring the animal in to the shelter. The information in these profiles will help us care for, and make decisions about, the animal you can no longer keep.
Unfortunately we CANNOT guarantee adoption or transfer.
Can the general public take animals to the shelter for spaying and neutering?
No. AS does not spay/neuter stray animals. The only animals state law requires to be spayed/neutered are animals adopted from the shelter. AS have a low income assistance program that provides a $90 voucher to assist citizens inside Lubbock city limits with the cost of a spay/neuter at participating local vets. There is a qualifying form (based on household income) that may be mailed or picked up at the shelter.
Does Animal Services provide cat and dog traps?
Cat traps are provided on a first come/first served basis at the shelter. There are a limited number and recommend citizens call first to see if one is available. The traps can kept for 10 days. Field Officers may deliver cat traps to the elderly or handicap if they are unable to come to the shelter.
Dog traps are set by the Field Division in problem areas at the discretion of the Field Supervisor and due to the large size of the traps. There are a limited number and recommend citizens call first to see if one is available.
All animals caught in traps need to be reported immediately and officers will pick up the animal. The person trapping, must be present for officers if the area is not accessible, such as enclosed areas (backyards).
How many animals am I allowed in one household?
The number of animals per household is 4 dogs and 4 cats with one litter under 16 weeks of age by City Ordnance. Four of each animal is the limit. Citizens may not use different combinations like 6 dogs and 2 cats and still have 8 animals. Four of each species is the limit.
How can find out if Animal Services picked up my lost pet?
AS recommends those individuals who have lost animals come to the shelter and search for their animal. If the animal has identification, AS will try to locate the owner, but only owners can correctly identify their animal. Those needing to search for stray pets can do so after noon on weekdays. AS opens at 8 AM for animal drop offs and trap pickups.
What are the Animal Services hours of operation?
Monday through Friday: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday: 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
CLOSED Sundays
Those needing to search for stray pets can only do so after noon on weekdays.
What is tethering?
Tethering means to chain, tie, fasten or otherwise secure an animal to a fixed point so that it can move or range only within certain limits.
It shall be unlawful for any person to tie or tether a dog or other animal to a stationary object for a period of time or in a location so as to create an unhealthy situation for the animal or potentially dangerous situation for a pedestrian.
For more detailed information, please read Section 4-7 of the Animal Services Ordinance.
Animal Services Ordinance
Where is an individual allowed to sale or give away pets?
No owner or person shall display for commercial purpose, offer, sell, trade, barter, lease, rent, or give away, any like animal, on any roadside, public right-of-way, commercial parking lot, or any flea market. This provision does not prohibit the sale or purchase of animals from a person’s private residence.
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