Department of Housing and Neighborhood Programs

Animal Services

Overview
The Animal Services Division is responsible for protection of our citizens by enforcing all city ordinances related to Animal Control. Pet owners who do not comply with the laws are issued citations and fined. We also have a responsibility for unwanted animals in our city. Stray animals are collected and housed at our facility, where we care for them and hold them for owner pickup. Adoption programs attempt to place these unwanted or abused animals in loving homes with responsible owners. Animal Service Officers respond to complaints about stray animals and animal abuse.


Adopt-A-Pet
Looking for a furry companion? We might just have the pet for you. Adopt-A-Pet places hundreds of quality animals in good homes every year. Stop in and visit our animals and up-graded facility. The kennels open at 11:30 a.m. every business day.

We have a number of healthy, adoptable animals who need loving homes. Although we take in all stray animals, we do not adopt out those with diseases. Visit our facility to meet some of our eligible animals. Our adoption fees range from $80-$100. Give a lonely dog or cat a home. You'll be saving his life and gaining a lifelong friend!

• Adoptable Pets

All Dogs must be confined on the owners property by a fence, pen or chain at least 6 feet long. Any loose animals in your neighborhood should be reported to Animal Services for their safety and yours. Dogs in an open vehicle or pickup must be confined within a crate or carrier, or inside vehicle cab.

Residents may not exceed four (4) animals per household unless a kennel permit is obtained.

Penned animals must be kept clean and sanitary and should not give off offensive odors. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS IS AGAINST THE LAW. This includes intentional cruelty, such as shooting or poisoning, and neglect. Cruelty to animals (including neglect) is a punishable crime in Little Rock. Cruelty includes physical abuse and abuse by neglect, which is failure to provide adequate shelter, food, water and medical care.

Animal bites or scratches that break the victim's skin must be reported to Animal Services immediately. The animal will then be quarantined for a period of 10 days regardless of vaccination status (Rabies is not common to pets in Arkansas but precautions must be taken). The owner of the animal is responsible for all costs. The keeping of exotic wildlife including carnivore, innately wild animals, non-human primates and venomous reptiles is prohibited.

Contact Animal Services for complete listing of applicable Animal Control Laws or additional information.

REMEMBER: As a pet owner, you are responsible for following all animal ordinances within this city. Failure to do so not only harms the animal, but can cost you up to $500 in fines.

Solid Waste Services is responsible for picking up and disposing of dead animals. To have an animal removed, call Little Rock Solid Waste Collection Operations at 501-562-5102.

What You Can Do To Help?
Be a responsible pet owner!

• Have your pet always wearing its tag
  
  
• Follow all animal ordinances for your pet's safety and for your own.
  
  
• Have your pet checked regularly by a veterinarian, and make sure your pet is current on all vaccinations.
  
  
• Provide adequate confinement for your pet. A properly fenced dog will not be in danger of being hit by a car or possibly contracting disease.
  
  
• Take heed of weather conditions. Just like humans, pets are sensitive to extreme temperatures.
  
  
• For more information on properly caring for your pet, call your veterinarian.
  
  
• Adopt-A-Pet! - We have a number of dogs and cats who need loving homes. Visit our facility to meet some of our eligible animals. Our adoption fees range from $80-$100. Give a lonely dog or cat a home. You'll be saving his life and gaining a lifelong friend!
  
  
• Volunteer! - Our volunteers are indispensable, and there are never enough of them. We need extra help in adoption services, foster care, and a variety of other animal services. Call our facility, or come by for a visit anytime.
  
  
• Children must be taught how to properly treat our furry friends. Teaching a child responsibility and respect for animals reduces the chance of animal bites and scratches, and makes them a responsible pet owner in the future. Call Animal Services or your veterinarian for more information on teaching children the basics of pet care and interaction.
  
  
• Our Animal Service Officers work to protect you. We appreciate your cooperation with these animal control situations.
  
  
• Your pet cannot talk. If he is lost, the only hope of identifying him is his city dog license. You should have a picture of your pet, as well as a description including height, weight, age, color and distinctive markings. These items will help us determine whether or not your pet is in our care.

Animal Services Advisory Board

Pam Adcock, Chairperson
Ward Seven Representative
Term Expires: 11-28-02

John Yarbrough, Vice Chair
Ward Three Representative
Term Expires: 11-28-03

Betty Fletcher
Ward Two Representative
Term Expires: 11-28-03

Ruth Jarrett
Ward One Representative
Term Expires: 4-02-04

Johnnie Pugh
Ex-Officio Member
Term Expires: 12-31-02

Dr. Darrell Riffel
Physician Veterinary Medicine
Term Expires: 11-28-03

Kaye Risser
Ward Four Representative
Term Expires: 11-28-02

VACANT
Ward Six Representative
Term Expires: 11-28-02

Linda Waters
Ward Five Representative
Term Expires: 11-28-02