It is against the law for dogs and cats to run unrestrained within the City Limits.
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Animal Control Information / Dog And Cat Tags
Leash Law
It is against the law for domesticated animals such as dogs and cats to run unrestrained within the City Limits. They must be confined to their guardian’s property or walked on a leash. Guardians of dogs and cats can receive a misdemeanor citation for allowing their pets to run at large.
Impoundment
Dogs, cats or other animals found running loose will be picked up by the City’s animal control officers and confined to the SPCA Animal Shelter, located at 327 U.S. 70 East in Garner. Call 919-772-3203 for information. Learn more about the SPCA of Wake County.
If residents cannot locate their pet at the SPCA shelter they should check the Wake County Animal Shelter at 820 Beacon Lake Road in Raleigh, telephone 250-1475. To report animals running at large, call 919-831-6311 or 919-996-1449.
Wild animals caught by Animal Control officers are released back into the wild if healthy. Sick animals are taken for treatment by a veterinarian or, if necessary, euthanized by the SPCA.
Food and shelter are required
The City requires that all pet owners provide adequate food, water and shelter for their cats and dogs. The shelter must consist of an enclosure with at least three sides, a roof and a floor. Proper ventilation and sufficient room for the animals are also required. Failure to comply with the ordinance is a class-one misdemeanor, punishable by fine and incarceration.
"Pooper Scooper" Law
The person responsible for any dog must remove feces deposited by the dog from any private property unless the owner of the property has given permission allowing such use of the property. Removal of animal feces is not just a courtesy, it is an environmental necessity.
When animal feces are not removed as required by law, rain water carries it into the storm drains. The City's stormwater system is separate and does not treat water. This gravity-directed system merely carries stormwater complete with litter, including animal feces, on its natural path to the creeks and streams that feed into the Neuse River -- a source of drinking water for millions of North Carolinians.
The animal feces that you see going into that stormwater drain will wind up in our creeks, streams and the Neuse River. This pollution leads to the development of oxygen-robbing algae and other problem organism which can cause fish kills and human health threats.
Rabies Law
Every dog and cat four months of age or older must be inoculated against rabies. All dogs must wear a valid rabies tag at all times. Cats, however, are not required to wear rabies tags provided the guardian of the cat retains proof of inoculation.
Nuisance Animals
According to the City of Raleigh Animal Control Ordinance, a nuisance animal is described as one that is:
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Found repeatedly running at large;
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Damaging property;
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Fouling the air with odors;
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Habitually making loud noises or barking;
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Endangering the public health;
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Vicious;
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Causing unsanitary conditions of enclosure or surroundings, or;
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Offensive or dangerous to public health by virtue of number or type.
Dog and cat tags
All dogs and cats over four months of age must have a City tag. A tag will not be sold without certification that the dog or cat has received a current rabies shot. Cost of the dog and cat tags is $7 each for spayed or neutered animals (Verification from veterinarian is required.) and $14 for fertile animals.
Tags may be purchased-
Online: Online Payments
Mail: Call toll free 1-888-PETFIND (738-3463) for instructions.
In Person: From many area Veterinarian offices or from the 1st Floor Revenue Services Lobby in the Avery C Upchurch Municipal Complex located at 222 W Hargett Street.
Dog and cat tags go on sale Dec. 1 of each year and are valid through Dec. 31 of the following year, with no grace period. For more information or for a dog/cat tag application, call 1-888-PETFIND (738-3463).
Dead animals
Solid Waste Services is responsible for removing dead animals from City streets and sidewalks. Call 919-996-6890 weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for this service. After 3 p.m. weekdays or on weekends and holidays, call the Emergency Communications Center at 919-829-1930.
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