- Home
- Departments
- Animal Control
Animal Control
Pet Licenses
It is required by City Ordinance that every dog and cat older than four months living within city limits be registered with the Town of Van Horn. A current rabies vaccination must be provided in order to receive the pet license.
Get Your Pet Tag
A pet tag is your pet’s ticket home if they get lost. The tag allow us to get in contact with owners quickly and get them home. Your pet’s tag is valid for 1 year and the fee must be paid annually. If your dog or cat is picked up without a tag, the pet owner may receive a citation, so stop by City Hall and get your pet their new tag today!
Rabies
It is required by City Ordinance that every dog and cat four months and older be vaccinated against rabies. They must be re-vaccinated every year.
Rabies Clinic
A Rabies Clinic is held twice a year in the spring and fall. Dates will be posted as they become available.
Microchipping
Microchipping is now available for $25 per animal. It can be done by an animal control officer at City Hall. Call to set up an appointment, or get your animal microchipped during a Rabies Clinic held by the City.
File a Complaint/Report a Concern
If you need to file a report for an animal running at large, excessive barking, maltreatment, a biting incident, or other animal complaint, please contact City Hall at 432-283-2050. The City will coordinate with its Animal Control department to address the concern.
Animal Surrender
Our Animal Control department offers animal surrendering . Contact the City at 432-283-2735 to coordinate.
Animal Control Fees
Pet License: $5
Initial Pound Fee-without Pet License: $75.00
Initial Pound Fee-with Pet License-Repeat Offender: $50.00
Pound Fee (Daily): $10.00
Quarantine Fee (Confined at home): $10.00
Euthanasia/Surrender Fee ($5.00 Each Additional): $15.00
Microchipping: $25.00
The State of Texas enacted Senate Bill 5, known as "The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act", in effect beginning January 18, 2022. A new tethering law, the Act bans the use of chains or heavy weights as restraints for dogs outside, and also requires owners to provide adequate shelter, shade and clean water for the tethered animals.
A dog owner who breaks the law can be fined $500 (first offense) and repeat offenders could face a Class B Misdemeanor, up to 180 days in jail, or a fine of up to $2,000.
A copy of Senate Bill 5 is available here.