El Paso Animal Services encourages responsible pet ownership

Photo via El Paso Animal Services Facebook page.

EL PASO, TX (KTSM) – The City of El Paso Animal Services is celebrating National Pet Responsibility Month by encouraging pet ownership in the community, according to a release sent out by the city.

The city says El Paso Animal Services is putting a spotlight on the city’s animal ordinances under Title 7 of the city code to promote the national celebration:

• Leash and Confinement: It is forbidden for large animals. All pets must be safely confined in their homes, and when outside, they must be on a leash or in a carrier. Exceptions include vaccinated cats, sterilized cats and community cats processed through the trap-neuter-return protocol.
• Registration, Vaccination and Microchipping: Dogs, cats and ferrets are required to be registered, vaccinated and fitted with an implanted microchip. Rabies vaccines are mandatory, administered only by a licensed US veterinarian.
• Annual updates: Registrations must be renewed annually, and rabies vaccines must be administered before the expiration of the first and each subsequent vaccination period. The microchip information must be updated within seven days whenever there is a change in the phone number, address or property for the animal. In addition to the mandatory rabies vaccines, it is highly recommended to vaccinate dogs and cats against parvo, distemper and FVRCP.
• Identification: Pet owners must ensure their dogs or cats wear a collar or harness with their current registration tag whenever outside their home.
• Breeding permits: It is illegal for breeders to sell cats or dogs without a permit in El Paso. For now, there are no breeders registered in the city.

“These ordinances are designed to promote responsible pet ownership, ensuring the safety and health of our beloved pets and the entire community,” said Terry Kebschull, director of El Paso Animal Services. “By adhering to these regulations, we create a safer environment for animals and residents.”

The community can report suspected animal ordinance violations to 311 and for a complete list of El Paso City ordinances, visit elpasotexas.gov/city-clerk.