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1. What should I do if I see a stray animal?

Please do not attempt to capture the animal. Many bites occur when unfamiliar humans approach or try to handle distressed animals, Please contact Animal Control (903) 988-4120. When calling the City of Kilgore Animal Control (903) 988-4120, about a stray animal, please give a detailed description of the animal (breed, color, size, collar, tags, etc).  If you know where the stray animal belongs, let us know the address so we can make contact with the owner.  Please provide your name, phone number and/or address in case the Animal Control Officer needs to get more information.  Your information will be kept confidential.

2. Where do the Animal Control Officers take the animals they pick up?

Animal Control takes dogs to the Animal Care and Adoption Center in Longview TX. In Kilgore, we don't pick up cats, unless we see an injured one and then we will take it to the Animal Care and Adoption Center in Longview.

Wildlife picked up by Animal Control Officers is relocated and released in accordance with State and local laws.  Loose livestock such as horses and cows are taken into custody by the county Sheriff and/or deputies.  

3. Who do I call for an Animal Control issue on the weekend or after 5 pm?

Animal Control Officers are not normally on duty on the weekends and after 5 pm.  All animal related calls during these times need to be referred to the City of Kilgore Police Department.  You can call the Police Dispatch at 903-983-1559.  Once the Police Officer is on scene, they will determine if Animal Control needs to be notified. Please do not attempt to capture or handle any unfamiliar animal. 

4. My pet has gotten loose and is missing. What can I do to find them?

Immediately contact Animal Control and the Animal Care and Adoption Center in Longview TX to see if your pet has been brought in.  If your pet is not there, file a lost pet report with the staff.  You will need to come back to the shelter every 48 hours to see if your pet has been brought in.  Check with your neighbors to see if they have seen your pet.  You may also want to check the lost and found section of the local newspapers and place an ad there yourself.

5. I am having problems with skunks, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, etc. What can I do?

If wildlife is frequenting your property, you need to identify what is attracting them.  Wildlife is common in this part of Texas, and typically will not hang out at your house unless they are finding some type of food, water or shelter.  Pet food left out during the evening hours and open garbage containers are typical examples of this problem.  Removing access or their food source will often make them go away.  

If some type of wildlife is digging up your lawn, it is usually an armadillo or skunk digging for grubs, worms, etc.  Treat your yard with a pesticide to kill off their food source.

If you have crawl space under your house or damage to your roof that has open access holes, you are inviting wildlife to move in.  Cover and repair all areas of access with solid, sturdy material.  If we are unable to remove the wildlife we may suggest getting an exterminator.  

We do not trap and remove healthy wildlife unless it in a space occupied by people.  Wildlife trapped by accident or without approval will be released in the area in which it was caught.

6. Is it illegal for an animal to be left in a car?

It is illegal to leave any animal in any standing or parked vehicle in such a way as to endanger the animal's health or safety.  Any Animal Control Officer, Police Officer, of Firefighter is authorized to use reasonable force, including the breaking of a window, to remove an animal from the vehicle whenever the Officer reasonably believes that the animal's health or safety is, or soon will be, endangered, and said animal shall be impounded.  An Officer who removes an animal in accordance with this law is not liable for any resulting property damage.

7. I received a summons from an Animal Control Officer. How much will the fine be?

Contact the City of Kilgore Municipal Court at 903-988-4101 to determine the amount of the fines.  Remember, you have a date on the summons letting you know the latest date to respond to the Municipal Court.

8. When do I have to vaccinate my dog/cat against rabies?

Local ordinance requires that the owner or custodian of each domestic dog or cat shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies at four months of age and once a year after.  The vaccination must be administered by a licensed Veterinarian.  You need to retain proof of rabies vaccination in case Animal Control requests to see them.  Failure to vaccinate your dog or cat against rabies can result in a fine and/or summons to the Municipal Court.  Remember, vaccinating your pets is your family's first line of defense against rabies.  Your pets are more likely to have contact with a wild animal than you.  

9. What is rabies?

Rabies is an acute viral disease that attacks the nervous system, resulting in paralysis and almost certain death once the symptoms appear.  The rabies virus is present in the saliva of the rabid animal.  The most common way the disease is spread is by a bite from an infected animal.  Though rare, rabies also can be spread if the infected animal's saliva comes in contact with fresh scratches, open wounds or mucous membranes such as the lining of the eyelid.  If left untreated, it is almost always fatal.  You can find more information regarding rabies by clicking here.

10. My dog/cat got into a fight with a wild animal. What do I do?

If your dog or cat has been in contact with one of the following high risk animals: skunk, raccoon, bat, fox or coyote, contact the City of Kilgore Animal Control immediately for guidance.  If the wildlife animal is dead or can be caught, then it may be shipped for rabies testing.  Do not attempt to contain the wildlife animal yourself.  You are also advised to consult with your veterinarian.  Your pet may need vet care for injuries, and may need to be given a booster rabies vaccination if he is currently vaccinated, or a series of vaccinations if he is not currently vaccinated.

11. What do I do if I find an injured or 'abandoned' wildlife animal?

Leave it alone.  Mother animals do not normally abandon their young, but may leave them hidden while they look for food.  Mothers will typically come back for their young.  Moving the young wildlife is not only stressful for the animal and increases the chance of injury to the person or animal, but could also result in criminal charges under State Law.  If you feel that the animal is in danger, please feel free to contact the City of Kilgore Animal Control at 903-988-4120 or the Kilgore Police Department at 903-983-1559.

If you locate an injured animal, leave it alone.  If you feel it is in danger or suffering, please contact Kilgore Animal Control at 903-988-4120 or the Kilgore Police Department at 903-983-1559.  Again, if you try to rescue the injured animal, it could result in injury to yourself or more stress on the animal.