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1. Does the City of Denton have a leash law?

Yes, it can be found under Section 6-8 of the Code of Ordinances. An owner, harborer, or person in possession of any animal to permit it to run at large in the city or trespass on the property of another. It is also unlawful to leave an animal unattended while restrained by a leash in any public place.

2. Do I have to pick up my dog’s poop when I walk them?

Yes, you must remove and dispose of any deposits your dog makes while out per section 6-10 of the City Ordinance.

3. What can I do about my neighbor’s dog that barks and howls all the time?

Please call the City of Denton Animal Services at (940) 349-7594 to report this type of behavior, as dog owners have a legal responsibility to their neighbors to restrain their animals from this behavior if it interferes with reasonable use and enjoyment of adjacent property by its occupants per section 6-9 of the City Ordinance.

4. Do I have to vaccinate my pet?

Yes, any cat, dog, or ferret 4 months or more in age must be vaccinated against rabies per section 6-13 of the City Ordinance

5. Do I have to register my pet?

Yes, Any cat, dog, or ferret 4 months or more in age must be registered with Animal Services per section 6-14 of the City Ordinance.

6. What is the cost to adopt an animal?

The cost for adopting a dog or cat from the Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Facility is normally $60. There are some situations in which this fee may be reduced, due to special circumstances involving that animal. The fee includes:

• Spay/Neuter
• Pre-surgery testing
• Species specific vaccinations
• Rabies vaccinations
• Micro-chip registration

For Denton residents adopting, the registration fee is waived per section 6-18 of the City Ordinance

7. Can I keep chickens on my property?

Yes, No more than 8 hens may be kept on any single parcel of property in a residential neighborhood. Any structure used to contain the chickens must be a minimum of 50 feet from any residence, business or commercial establishment or office, school, hospital or nursing home. No rooster shall be kept within 150 feet of the same locations listed. 

Yards, pens, coops, sheds, or other enclosures must be maintained to not give off any offensive odors or attract other insects or animals that endanger public health, safety or welfare, or to create a public nuisance per section 6-26 of the City Ordinance.

8. What should I do if I find a baby bird?

If you find a baby bird in the wild, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions before taking matters into your own hands. To learn more, consult our flyer to learn best practices when dealing with baby birds.

• "I've found a baby bird. Now what?" PDF

9. What should I do if I find a baby mammal?

If you find a baby mammal in the wild, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions before taking matters into your own hands. To learn more, consult our flyer to learn best practices when dealing with baby mammals.

• "I've found a baby mammal. Now what?" PDF