Animal Services

Overview

The Animal Services Division is responsible for protection of our citizens by enforcing all City ordinances related to Animal Safety and Welfare. Pet owners who do not comply with the laws are issued citations for their appearance in Municipal Court. In addition, Animal Services Staff has responsibility for stray animals in Little Rock. Stray animals are collected and housed at the Animal Village where care is provided for them or they are held for owner pickup, adoption or rescue. Adoption programs attempt to place these animals in loving homes with responsible owners. Animal Service Officers respond to complaints about stray, injured, neglected and abused animals.

Adopt-A-Pet

Looking for a furry companion? We might just have the pet for you. Adopt-A-Pet places hundreds of quality animals in good homes every year. Stop in and visit our animals at the Animal Village. This shelter was built with the animals care in mind. The kennels open at 9:30 a.m. every business day.

We have a large number of dogs and cats in need of a loving home. Visit our great facility to meet some of our adoptable animals. Adoption fees range from $80-$100. This fee pays for sterilization as well as shots and initial medical care. Give one of our wonderful dogs or cats a home. You'll be saving a life and gaining a lifelong friend!

Adoptable Pets   Download Adoption Application

Hours of Operation

The Animal Services office and shelter is located at 4500 Kramer Street, just off the 4600 block of South University Avenue and First Tee Way.

Office Hours: Tuesday - Saturday / 8:00am to 5:00pm

Kennels open to the public at 10:00 AM

Basic Animal Control Laws

Every dog or cat four (4) months or older must be vaccinated for Rabies and be licensed by the City of Little Rock (the animal must wear the license on a collar or harness at all times).

All dogs must be confined on the owner’s property by a fence, pen or by tethering to an approved trolley system. Any loose animals in your neighborhood should be reported to Animal Services for their safety and yours. Dogs in an open vehicle or pickup must be confined within a crate or carrier, or inside vehicle cab.

Residents may not exceed four (4) dogs and four (4) cats per household unless a kennel permit is obtained.

Penned animals must be kept clean and sanitary and should not give off offensive odors. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS IS AGAINST THE LAW. This includes intentional cruelty, such as shooting or poisoning, and neglect. Cruelty to animals (including neglect) is a punishable crime in Little Rock. Cruelty includes physical abuse and abuse by neglect, which is failure to provide adequate shelter, food, water and medical care.

Animal bites that break the victim's skin must be reported to Animal Services immediately. These animals must be quarantined for a period of ten (10) days regardless of vaccination status (Rabies is not common to pets in Arkansas but precautions must be taken). The owner of the animal is responsible for all costs. The keeping of exotic wildlife including carnivore, innately wild animals, non-human primates and venomous reptiles is prohibited.

Contact Animal Services for complete listing of applicable Animal Control Laws or additional information.

REMEMBER: As a pet owner, you are responsible for following all animal ordinances in Little Rock. Failure to do so not only harms the animal, but also can cost you up to $500 in fines.

Solid Waste Services is responsible for picking up and disposing of dead animals. To have an animal removed, call Little Rock Solid Waste Collection Operations at (501) 562-5102.

Potentially Dangerous Breeds

In February 2008, the Little Rock City Board of Directors passed an ordinance requiring individuals within the City of Little Rock who are owners of certain breeds of dogs to register these animals. The dogs that must be registered are those with a primary breed that is American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier or Staffordshire Terrier. These must be registered at the Little Rock Animal Village, 4500 Kramer Street, Little Rock by May 20, 2008. The Animal Village will be open on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of March, April and May for this registration. The requirements and documents needed for registration are:

• Proof of Spay or Neuter (or Veterinarian documentation of medical condition that would not allow sterilization)
• Photo with owner will be taken at the Animal Village. Dog must be present at registration so that the photo can be taken.
• Micro Chipping of Dog
• Current Rabies Vaccination
• Current City License
• $150.00 Fee (per Animal) for Registration is Required
• All Dogs of these Breeds must be Confined by a Fence or in a Structure.

Download Application for Potentially Dangerous Dogs

Note: A maximum of Two (2) dogs of these breeds will be allowed to be owned.

Be a responsible pet owner!

• Make sure your pet is always wearing its tag.
• Follow all animal ordinances for your pet's safety and for your own.
• Have your pet checked regularly by a veterinarian, and make sure your pet is current on all vaccinations.
• Provide adequate confinement for your pet. A properly fenced dog will not be in danger of being hit by a car or possibly contracting disease.
• Take heed of weather conditions. Just like humans, pets are sensitive to extreme temperatures.
• For more information on properly caring for your pet, call your veterinarian.
• Adopt-A-Pet!: The Animal Village has a number of dogs and cats that need loving homes. Visit our facility to meet some of our eligible animals. Our adoption fees range from $80-$100. Give a lonely dog or cat a home. You'll be saving a life and gaining a lifelong friend!
• Volunteer!: Our volunteers are indispensable, and there are never enough of them. We need extra help in adoption services, foster care, and a variety of other animal services. Call our facility, or come by for a visit anytime.
• Children must be taught how to properly treat our furry friends. Teaching a child responsibility and respect for animals reduces the chance of animal bites and scratches, and makes them a responsible pet owner in the future. Call Animal Services or your veterinarian for more information on teaching children the basics of pet care and interaction.
• Animal Service Officers work to protect you. The Animal Services Staff appreciates your cooperation with animal control situations.
• Your pet cannot talk. If he is lost, the only hope of identifying him is his city dog license or a microchip. You should have a picture of your pet, as well as a description including height, weight, age, color and distinctive markings. These items will help us determine whether or not your pet is in our care.

Coming Soon!

Little Rock Animal Services will be offering a volunteer workshop. This workshop will entail an intense look at Animal Services and the Animal Shelter to give citizens an in-depth look at the challenges that face staff daily in public safety, animal welfare, animal care as well as adoptions. This program will allow staff to better care for the animals in custody of the City as well as inform citizens on ordinances and proper animal care.

The program will be offered in four (4) parts:

1. Animal Services and Basic Care: This segment will teach all the different aspects of Animal Services to include history and current policies. This portion of the program will also include basic tips to caring and socializing our adoptable animals.
2. Animal Care: This segment of the training will get into the other aspects of cleaning kennels, laundry, dealing with the dogs in the sheltered kennels and proper health care.
3. Customer Service: Will teach volunteers to interact with the public and assist in adoptions, relinquishments and reclaiming lost pets.
4. Temperament evaluations: Will assist staff in making sure the animals ready for adoption are ready for a family and ensure that those coming into adopt are able to pick the best dog or cat for their family.