Animal Control - Officer Training
The Animal Control unit is composed of five specially trained officers, who provide service to the City of Waco, as well as assists the McLennan County Sheriff’s department as needed. All Animal Control Officers must attend a 2 to 3 day course that is provided by the Department of State Health Services.
The officer then obtains their certification through the Texas Animal Control Association (TACA). Each officer has to complete 40 hours of continuing education to maintain their “certified’ status with TACA.
Our Mission Statement
The mission of the Waco Police Department Animal Control Unit is to provide the citizens of the City of Waco with effective Animal Control services by active enforcement of state and local laws, the humane sheltering and disposal of stray, dangerous, and unwanted animals, the promotion of responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, and to strive toward the ultimate goal of the elimination of the need to euthanize healthy, surplus or unwanted animals.
Calls for Service
- Animal bites that break the skin
- Loose aggressive or vicious animals
- Cruelty/neglect cases
- Wildlife/Animals in traps (*linked page)
- Questions regarding ordinances (*linked page)
Animal Control Officers are also able to issue written warnings/citations for violations they observe.
