The City of Denton Animal Control Officers enforce Chapter 6 of the City of Denton Code of Ordinances. The animals at the City of Denton Animal Control Center are generally picked up by an animal control officer because the animals are running at large. Some animals, however, are brought to Animal Control by concerned citizens who find stray animals.
Some animals come from owners who can no longer keep their pets.
Dogs and cats picked up by an officer or brought to Animal Control as strays are held at the Animal Control Center for 96 hours. If the animal is not redeemed by an owner, they become available for adoption and may be transferred to approved humane organizations and animal rescue groups. Dogs and cats released to Animal Control by owners are immediately available for adoption or transfer. Animals that are not adopted are euthanized. In accordance with Chapter 6 Section 6-31 of the Code of Ordinances, every owner of a dog or cat kept in the city which is over 4 months of age shall, within thirty days of the time the person becomes the owner of the animal and each year thereafter, register the animal with Animal Control.