FAQs • Fate, TX • CivicEngage

I found an abandoned baby rabbit/bird/squirrel/other wildlife, what should I do?: Many times these animals are not "orphans" at all and are either already old enough to be on their own or are still being cared for by parents who purposely stay away to prevent attracting predators. The best thing to do is to call the DFW Wildlife Coalition at (972) 234-WILD [9453] or visit their website for more information. They can help you determine if the animal is in need of assistance and to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator, if necessary.

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Animal Control

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1. What happens when an animal is picked up?

Once the animal is safe and contained All American Dogs (AAD) scans it for a micro chip. If chipped, AAD immediately contacts its owner.
If the animal is not chipped, AAD posts the animal with pictures on their Facebook page.
All animals are vaccinated upon entry to the AAD facility. This increases healthy outcomes for the animals under AAD's care.
Animals are held for a minimum of 5 days before being placed up for adoption. AAD is currently placing 90% of its animal into new forever homes!

2. Where can I see pictures of recently found animals?: To see pictures and descriptions of recently found animals please visit our Animal Care Service providers' Recently Found Pets Facebook photo album. If you do not have Facebook, you can call (972) 382-DOGS [3647].

3. I found an animal and don't know who its owner is, what should I do?: Please call our Animal Care Services provider at (972) 382-DOGS [3647] or complete our I Found a Stray Animal Form. If a weekday, someone will contact you within 24-hours. If a weekend, someone will contact you at the start of the next week.

4. How do I file a complaint about an animal issue or irresponsible pet owner?: To file a complaint or request service, please call (972) 382-DOGS [3647] or complete our online form. We will need to know the exact physical address of the complaint, description of the animal (if known), and the nature of the concern.

5. How do animal cruelty calls work?

Animal cruelty calls are handled by the City of Fate contractor, All American Dogs (AAD). Their process is as follows:
First AAD validates the concern. If the concern is valid AAD starts the documentation process (photos and a report for the police department).
AAD then presents its findings to the local police department and aids them (if needed with the court to seize the animal).
Once AAD has custody of the animal, they take the animal to their vet for a medical evaluation which will be presented to the judge to aid in the decision on where to place the animal.
If the judge decides to place the animal with AAD, they will then find the animal a new forever home!

6. Who provides Animal Care Services in the City of Fate & what are the hours of operation?

Animal Care Services is provided through All American Dogs, an outstanding private entity who has contracted with the City of Fate to provide animal care services.

Response to routine service calls are made between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Only EMERGENCY SERVICE CALLS will be provided after these hours and on the weekends. Examples of Emergency Service Calls include: (a) an injured domestic animal when the owner is not known or present, (b) a domestic animal bite to a human when the owner is not known or present, and (c) a domestic animal which has or is showing aggressive or dangerous tendencies (for instance, the animal is rabid). Examples of routine service calls include: (1) a cat in a tree, (2) a deceased animal, or (3) an animal running at large.

7. What do I do if my neighbors animal is causing a major noise issue?: Per Fate Code of Ordinances 4-4 a person disturbed by an animal that unreasonably barks or makes other unreasonable noises may file a complaint with the City's Animal Care contractor. A complaint must include the (1) name and address of the complainant, (2) exact address of the disturbance, (3) type of animal causing the disturbance and (4) the times that the animal is causing the disturbance. The Animal Care Officer will then deliver a notice to both the owner of the animal and the complainant. If after 10 days the disturbance continues, the complainant may file a complaint in writing with the Municipal Court of Fate. The Animal Care Officer cannot file the complaint with the court on behalf of the complainant.

8. What happens when a dog bite is reported?: The City's contractor, All American Dogs (AAD), first secures the animal. They then get information on the bite victim and dog owner. They then verify the animals shot records. If the animal's shots are current and the owner has the ability to secure the animal for 10 days, then a home quarantine may be authorized. If the animal's records are not current, then the owner must quarantine the animal within 24 hours at a certified facility, which can be a local vet or at the AAD facility. Lastly, AAD will finalize the bite report upon completion of the quarantine period.

9. I found an abandoned baby rabbit/bird/squirrel/other wildlife, what should I do?: Many times these animals are not "orphans" at all and are either already old enough to be on their own or are still being cared for by parents who purposely stay away to prevent attracting predators. The best thing to do is to call the DFW Wildlife Coalition at (972) 234-WILD [9453] or visit their website for more information. They can help you determine if the animal is in need of assistance and to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator, if necessary.

10. What pets are available for adoption?: Most of the animals needing new homes can be seen on our Animal Care Service providers' Animals Needing a Home webpage.

11. How do I give up my pet for adoption?: The City's Animal Care Service provider does offer the option to surrender your pet as long as their shelter has available capacity. Surrendering your pet is unfortunately not free - $175 per pet. The funds collected are used for food, vet visits, medication and to help cover the costs to care for your pet. No profit is made from the surrender fees and in almost all cases money is lost. This service is typically provided to pet owners who are able to demonstrate that they've attempted everything possible but no other option exists. If you would like to proceed with surrendering your pet you may call (972) 382-DOGS [3647].