Animal Control

Services

Enforce the provisions listed in the City Code.

Enforce all applicable animal control laws of the State of Michigan.

Respond to all dog bites and citizen complaints.

Impound all dogs caught at-large and provide for field return as appropriate in accordance to City Code.

Investigate and follow up on dangerous animal complaints.

Investigate dog-person incidents at City or other approved off-leash dog areas including dog parks, beaches, public parks, etc

Issue citations to any person whose animal is in violation of any city ordinance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Emergency Issues or Stray Animals:

If you are experiencing an emergency, always call 911.

To report stray animals or other issues, contact DACC at (313) 922-DOGS.

How do I report stray animals?

Call DACC at (313) 922-DOGS. Staff will ask for the callers information (first and last name and phone number), and will document the location, color, species, and possible breed of animal for follow-up purposes.

What do I do if someone left an animal on my property?

Property Owners/ Landlords/ Property Managers will frequently find a pet left behind at their property by a previous renter or inhabitant, or by someone taking advantage of a vacant property.

When that happens you must call 313-922-DOGS (3647) and report the issue. The Call Center operator will enter your call into the system, give you a reference number for the call, and advise you to email documentation needed to [email protected]. Animal Control will need that documentation to gain access to the animal. Once the documentation is received an Animal Control Supervisor will contact you to make an appointment for Animal Control Officers to meet you at the property.

Where are you located?

We are located at the intersection of Russell Street and Ferry Street. Our address is 1431 E Ferry Street, Detroit, MI 48211.

What are your hours of operation?

Our animal control team is available from 7 am to 7 pm, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.

Our animal shelter is open to the public for stray intake from 10:00 am - 3:30 pm, 7 days per week and open for adoptions, animal reclaims, and foster pickups from 10:00 am - 5:30 pm, 7 days per week.

How do I report that my dog is missing?

Contact us at (313) 922-DOGS. Staff will document the animal's information (species, breed, age, name, color, sex, identifying marks/clothing), where and when dog was lost, and caller’s contact information. The caller should also check 24petconnect.com and post their lost pet there.

How do I report a dog that is being neglected/abused?

Please call Michigan Humane’s Cruelty Hotline at (313) 872-3401.

I can’t keep my pet anymore. What should I do?

Contact us at (313) 922-DOGS. Staff will document the animal's information (species, breed, age, name, color, sex), and caller’s contact information. Staff will often have other questions to help find the best placement for your animal. Depending upon kennel space, we may not have the capacity to accept surrendered animals, but we will always take the time to provide resources and assistance to our utmost ability. DACC will only accept surrendered animals from citizens of the City of Detroit.

We also encourage you to contact Michigan Humane. If they have the space, they may accept owner surrenders. They can be reached at 1-866-MHUMANE (648-6263).

What is a City Dog License?

A dog license serves two purposes: Proving that you are the rightful owner of your dog and that your dog has a current rabies vaccination. You will be given documentation and an aluminum license which is worn by the dog to identify the dog in the event it gets loose or separated from you.

Do I have to renew my City Dog License each year? Even if he/she has a 3 year Rabies?

Yes. Even if your dog has been given a three-year rabies vaccine, you will still need to renew your license yearly.

Does my dog have to wear his/her City Dog License?

Yes. The dog should always wear a collar and license at all times. Additional identification like a tag with the owner's name and phone number, as well as permanent identification like a microchip, are also highly encouraged.

How do I get a license for my dog?

You can purchase a dog license online at www.detroitmi.gov/doglicense OR pay for it in person at Detroit Animal Care located at 1431 E Ferry Street, Detroit, MI 48211 when the shelter is open. Residents may make payment via cash, check, or money order made payable to City of Detroit. The license is $10 if your dog is spayed/neutered and $15 if your dog is sexually intact. Licenses require current proof of rabies vaccination. A vet is available to give rabies vaccination at Detroit Animal Care during public hours. The rabies vaccine is $25.

How do I report a dead animal for collection?

The Department of Public Works (DPW) collects dead dogs and cats. Please contact DPW at (313) 628-4268.

My animal died in my house. What should I do?

Please contact the Department of Public Works (DPW) at (313) 638-4268. Dead animals should be placed at curbside for collection if you will not be home. DPW will not go onto private property to collect dead animals if no one is home.

How do I report stray cats in my neighborhood?

We ask that you do not attempt to capture a stray cat, as they may be frightened or feral. Always use caution around unknown animals.

DACC only accepts stray cats or kittens if they are critically ill or injured, or if they are orphaned/nursing babies, and only if they were found within Detroit city limits. If you see multiple cats in a neighborhood, please call us for assistance.

However, most cats you see outdoors don't need to be caught or brought to an animal shelter. Most roaming cats are "Community Cats", which are unsocialized outdoor cats which were not abandoned but were born and raised outside. While they may be seen as a nuisance, harming or removing them is both inhumane and ineffective, often leading to more cats moving into the area. Instead, reducing access to food sources like trash is the most effective deterrent.

DACC offers a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, which humanely manages these populations through sterilization and vaccination. If you're interested in participating in the TNR program, please contact us.

My dog has bitten/been bitten by another dog. What should I do?

If you or your dog are bitten by an animal and the bite is serious enough to require medical attention you should go directly to a health care provider.

After seeking medical attention please contact Detroit Animal Control to reach an Animal Control Investigator and complete a bite report at (313) 922-DOGS (6347).

How do I report issues with rodents?

Please call the City of Detroit (313) 876-0974 for rodent control issues.

How do I report issues with wildlife (opossums, raccoons, squirrels, birds, foxes, skunks, etc.)?

Unless a wildlife animal has bitten a human or companion animal, Detroit Animal Control is not licensed to receive wildlife. Please contact a nuisance wildlife control company. They will assist with the wildlife and evaluate the property to help you prevent future problems. We have a listing of State of Michigan Licensed Professional Wildlife Removal Companies located in Wayne County on our website for your convenience. You can also click here for more information.

My neighbor’s dog barks all the time, what can I do?

Citizens who wish to make a barking complaint should first speak to the dog owner about the barking. Our 36th District Court Judges want to know court is last resort, not the first step to solving the issue. Barking is especially considered a nuisance from 10:00 pm - 6:30 am. There is no enforcement for a dog that is barking during the daylight hours.

Once dog owner is notified, you should keep a log of the disturbance. Include the date, time, and duration of barking. Wait at least two weeks to see if dog owner will comply. After two weeks, call Detroit Animal Control's main line (313) 922-DOGS (6347) and ask to speak to an Animal Control Investigator (ACI). The ACI will ensure you have spoken to the neighbor and have documented the nuisance barking, as well as come out to review log sheet. Once the ticket is issued the Investigator will contact the complainant to come to court to testify. If the barking case is successful a Judge will order the dog owner to keep the dog in the house between certain hours.

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