Frequently Asked Questions & Suggested Responses
Where is Animal Control located?
Animal Control is located at 3140 N Street which is in the Lincoln Lancaster County Health
Department. The facility is near Woods Park at 33rd and O Streets.
Where is the Capital Humane Society located?
The Capital Humane Society is located at 2320 Park Blvd, which is approximately near
6th and South Street. Their phone number is 441-4488.
What are the hours of operation?
Animal Control Officers are on routine patrol from 7:00am - 11:00pm five days a
week, 8:30am - 5:00pm on Sat/Sun. There is also an officer on stand-by duty after 11:00pm/5pm on Sat/Sun
to respond to calls such as
injured animals, bites, confined animals, and trapped wildlife. The office is open five days a
week from 8:00am - 4:30pm. The office is closed on all City Holidays and on weekends.
You can call the office from 7:00am - 11:00pm (M-F), or 8:30pm - 5:00am (Sat/Sun) for general information, license
questions, to report lost and found animals, changes in address or ownership, or assistance.
Phone 441-7900 TDD 441-7825 Fax 441-8626
What services do you provide?
We regulate uncontrolled domestic animals, investigate bites and attacks by aggressive
animals, investigate reports of animal nuisance and cruelty, pick up stray and unlicensed animals,
rescue injured animals, pick up dead animals, keep records of lost/found cats and dogs, licensing
of cats and dogs, enforce city ordinances, remove wildlife, give animal information and referrals,
and promote responsible pet ownership through education.
How do I file a complaint?
To have an Animal Control Officer respond to a complaint, call the office at 441-7900. A
dispatcher will dispatch an officer to investigate your complaint. If the officer sees a violation
when he/she arrives, appropriate action will be taken. Because most animal ordinances are
considered misdemeanors, our officers cannot take any legal action unless they actually
witness a violation in progress. This does not mean nothing can be done about a violation.
Citizens can fill out complaint forms and send them to Animal Control at 3140 N Street. An
Animal Control Officer will then followup on the complaint or issue a citation. Information will
then go to the City Attorney who will decide if charges will be issued.
How you can help us resolve difficult problems when an officer does not observe a
violation?
If you provide good photographic evidence which shows a dog running at large for
example,
an Animal Control Officer may be able to issue a citation based on such evidence. If still pictures
are taken, the photos should have the date, time, location, address of animal owner, and name of
owner, if known on the back of the photo plus who took the photo. Videos need to have the
date and time shown on the tape and attached paper explaining what is being shown, the location,
address of animal owner, and name of owner if known. In case of a dog at large, the
photographic evidence should clearly show the animal off the owners property.
Who do I call if I am missing my animal?
Come to the Humane Society or call the Animal Control office at 441-7900. We
will try to determine if an animal fitting the description of your animal was picked up and
impounded. Please be mindful that it is very difficult to identify mixed breed animals due to
discrepancies and variations in descriptions. The best way to ensure the safe return of your lost
animal is to have a city pet license on the animal. In most cases, animals wearing tags can be
returned to the owner instead of being impounded. If no one is home, the officer will leave a note
on the door advising that the animal was picked up. If the officer is unable to access the pet tag
information immediately and cannot leave a note, the owner will be notified by telephone as soon
as the information is obtained. If the animal is wearing tags, the owner will be notified within
twenty-four (24) hours. Please remember, animals will sometimes lose their tags or have them
removed by someone. Even if your animal leaves home wearing a collar and tags, there is always
a chance the collar may not be on when the animal is picked up. Impounded animals are held for
three days when picked up. You should also contact the Humane Society at 441-4488. Even
though they do not pick up animals, they will frequently take in a stray animal that has been found
by a citizen and brought to their facility. They are located at 2320 Park Blvd near the intersection
of 6th and South Streets.
What does it cost to reclaim my animal?
The impoundment fee to reclaim an animal is $35.00 for the first impoundment and $13.00 for
each day the animal is held at the Capital Humane Society shelter. Only cash and checks are
accepted for impoundment fees - SORRY, NO CREDIT CARDS.
What are the rules on animals running loose?
No animal is permitted to roam free off the owner's property. This includes dogs,
cats, and other animals. There are several ordinances that apply:
The "Animal at Large" ordinance states no animal is permitted to roam free. If an
animal leaves the owner's or custodian's property, it must be under the control of a responsible
person and wearing a city pet license, if applicable.
A dog can be loose on the owner's property if within a fenced enclosure or tied/picketed or
if the owner is present outside, the dog is in visual sight, and under his/her direct and effective
voice control. It is illegal to just open the door for the dog to go to the "bathroom" and
wander about the neighborhood.
The "leash law" covers dogs only. This ordinance states that when a dog is being walked on
any city sidewalk, city street or public right-of-way, it has to be on a leash or lead at all
times. Dogs being walked on a leash must also be wearing a city pet license.
Cats are only allowed to roam if they are wearing a current city pet license and have been spayed or
neutered.
When do animals need licenses and where can I get one?
All dogs, cats, and ferrets over the age of 3 months need a rabies vaccination and only dogs and cats need city pet
license at 6 months of age. The rabies vaccination is given by your veterinarian. City tags
may be purchased at the City Treasurer's Office, the Capital Humane Society, and Animal
Control. To purchase a city tag, you must present proof of a valid rabies vaccination. If the
animal has been spayed or neutered, you must also present written proof in order to get the tag at
a reduced rate. The price for tags is $34.00 for an un-spayed or un-neutered animal and $17.00 if
proof is presented showing the animal is spayed or neutered. Anyone bringing a dog or cat into
the city has 30 days to purchase a city pet license if they intend to keep the animal in the city for
more than 30 days. Licenses are due 1 year from the date of purchase.
How many animals can I own?
You are allowed to have up to 3 adult dogs (more than 6 months old) at one
residence. A permit to own more dogs is available to those being annexed
or in special zoned areas. There is a limit of 5 adult cats that can be kept at a residence.
A maximum of 15 adult cats is allowed with two types of permits. Multi-cat household permit is required
for more than 5 adult cats with the requirement all be spayed or neutered. If 2 or more adult
cats are being housed at a residence that are not altered (not spayed or neutered),
a cattery permit is required. All cats must be licensed and individuals with a permit can not
allow their cats to run at large. These permits are available at Animal
Control and do require a yearly inspection.
Can I have a pot-bellied pig for a pet and what animals are illegal to own?
Animal Control has restrictions on the types of animals that can be kept in the city. A pot-
bellied pig is swine which is prohibited in Lincoln. Before acquiring any animal other than a dog
or cat, be sure to check with Animal Control to make sure you can legally keep the animal in your
neighborhood. Generally speaking the following are illegal: all poisonous snakes and reptiles
including alligators and similar animals; all primates; all bears; all wild or exotic cats including
hybrids; all wild canines and hybrids such as wolf crosses; and all wild native and exotic animals
such as raccoons, skunks, otters, opossums, bats, deer, and antelopes.
Can I adopt a pet from Animal Control?
No, Animal Control does not adopt pets, this is a function of the Capital Humane Society.
During the required holding periods for impounded animals, you can sign up on a waiting list for
animals at the Humane Society. At the end of the holding period you will be notified and could
adopt the pet at that time. Please check with the Humane Society regarding fees for adopting
animals.
I've been bitten by an animal - what should I do?
All animal bites are to be reported. This is a matter of public health and
enforcement of these regulations is the responsibility of Animal Control. Any animal that bites
someone must be placed in quarantine for a 10-day period and cannot be removed from the city
unless permission is granted by Animal Control during this period. If you or any family member
are bitten, call Animal Control at 441-7900 immediately. An Animal Control Officer will
respond to complete the paperwork. If medical treatment is required, the doctor or hospital
providing the treatment should report the incident. Every attempt should be made to identify the
animal so the owner can be contacted and the necessary paperwork completed. If a wild animal is
involved and cannot be located, you will be advised by the Department of what treatment is
necessary.
My animal bit someone - what do I do?
As outlined previously, the bite should be reported by calling Animal Control at 441-
7900. The animal must be placed in quarantine for a period of 10 days. This quarantine is
required even if the animal has been vaccinated for rabies. You may be able to keep the
animal at your home under certain circumstances and if the license and rabies vaccination are
current. If you don't have a current license or a current rabies vaccination, you can either
board the animal at a veterinarian's office or have it quarantined at the Humane Society.
Boarding fees at veterinarian's vary and are the responsibility of the animal owner. The fee for
boarding an animal at the Humane Society is $13.00 per day and is also the responsibility of the
animal owner. After the bite report is completed, Animal Control will followup on the
observation and release the animal from quarantine at the end of the quarantine period.
What are the liabilities concerning property damage or personal injury and my pet?
Any property damage or personal injury caused by an animal is the responsibility of the
owner of the animal causing the damage or injury per state statute. There is an ordinance
relating to property damage or injury to another animal. However, there is no ordinance relating
to personal injury or medical cost. Your options for recovery of personal injury expenses are
home owners or health insurance coverage, small claim court, or a personal attorney.
What constitutes a "barking dog?"
The "Barking Dog" ordinance states that it is illegal for any dog to bark in a manner that
disturbs the peace of the neighborhood. We are aware that dogs will bark when they see
something or someone. However, they should not bark at every person walking by. We look for
a cause of the dog's barking or whether the dog is barking for no reason. When Animal Control
receives a complaint, a license and rabies vaccination check is done. The normal procedure is to a
send letter to the dog owner and make him/her aware of the complaint and a letter to the
complainant advising what the next steps are. If the barking continues the complainant must
complete documentation forms on the barking. An Animal Control Officer will then respond and
try to get as close to the area as possible without letting the animal see or hear him/her. The
officer will sit and listen to determine if a dog is barking in the area. Once the officer hears a dog
barking, he/she will then try to determine if there is anything in the area causing the dog to bark.
He/she will look for a letter carrier, children at the corner bus stop, etc. If there is something or
someone causing the dog to bark, the officer will wait for the area to clear and see if the dog
stops barking. The officer will also contact neighbors to determine to verify your complaint. The
officer will approach the residence and contact the dog owner, making them aware of the
situation and advising them of the steps they must take to prevent the barking in the future (based
on the officer's observation of the possible causes or the dog's behavior), and depending what the
results of the investigation are, issue a citation. The complainant must be willing to testify in court
for a citation to be issued.
What constitutes "cruelty to an animal?"
Pet owners must provide proper food, water, and adequate shelter for animals at all times.
The animal must be fed at least once every twenty-four (24) hours and have clean, fresh, drinkable
water available at all times. Shelter must be a structure that is adequate to provide protection
from the weather, keep the animal dry, and well maintained. The size of the shelter must be in
proportion to the size of the animal. Inflicting inhumane pain or suffering or failing to provide
veterinary care also constitutes cruelty. Violations should be reported by calling Animal Control
at 441-7900.
What constitutes a "potentially dangerous dog, a dangerous dog, and a vicious
animal?"
A potentially dangerous dog is defined as any dog which, without provocation, attacks or
threatens to attack human beings or domestic animal on public or private property.
A dangerous dog is any dog previously declared a potentially dangerous dog, inflicted a severe
injury on a human being on public or private property, or killed a domestic animal while at large.
A vicious animal is an animal which has killed a human being or inflicted a severe wound or life
threatening injuries, or has bitten a person or persons in a 12 consecutive period 3 times (3
incidents) or had been previously declared a dangerous dog.
Can I trap stray cats or wild animals that come in my yard?
Yes, as long as you use a humane trap that does not injure the animal. The City provides
traps to citizens for catching wild animals such as raccoons, opossums, squirrels,
etc. Generally speaking, a wild animal must be damaging your property or be a threat to a human.
To get a trap, you must come to Animal Control and pick up the trap. There is a $10.00 fee for
using the trap, however, due to the cost of replacing lost traps, a $20.00 deposit is required. You
will be given instructions for setting the trap. If a skunk is caught, Animal Control is to
be called. If you wish to release the wild animal yourself, staff will provide you with instructions
on how to do so. Officers will pickup any wild animal caught in the trap upon notification
and you may reset your rented trap. Your $20.00 deposit will be returned to you as soon as the
trap is returned to Animal Control. Some citizens purchase their own traps from local sources.
Only the use of humane box traps are permitted to be used within the city. We are no longer renting
traps for cats.
Due to the threat of injury to our personnel, there are some situations involving wild animals that
cannot be handled by the City. Some services we cannot provide are climbing into attics, going
under structures, climbing trees, and disassembling any structures to get or remove animals.
There are a few private companies in the area that provide these services, and one or more of
these companies should be contacted in these situations. Costs for these services are at the home
or property owner's expense.
Does the city have a "poop scooper" ordinance?
Yes, the city does require the owner to clean up after his dog when walking or jogging with his
pet. The owner must carry something to pickup and carry the dog waste which must be properly
disposed of. There is also a sanitation
ordinance which requires the owner to clean up the animal manure or feces every 5 days on his
property and properly dispose of it.
Can I take my pet to the dog runs? Where are the dog runs?
The city provides 2 dog runs for owners to take their dogs to. One is located at
70th Street and Holmes Park Road and the other is located at 1st Street
and Cornhusker Highway on the west side of Oak Lake.
My pet has died, how do I dispose of the body?
Deceased animals may be buried if you have an acceptable place available. An owner may
bury the household pet on his residential property if such animal weights less than 150 pounds.
The animal must be buried with 24 hours and covered by 2 feet of soil at the natural ground level.
If this is not possible, the Humane Society provides a disposal service to citizens. The fee for
Animal Control is $40.00 for delivery of dogs and cats to the Humane Society. To have an
animal picked up call Animal Control at 441-7900.
Can I turn my pet into the Humane Society to find it a new home?
Yes, we do transport owner's animals to the Humane Society. We usually encourage people
to turn their animals in at the Humane Society because they stand a better chance of finding a new
home there. There is a $20 charge to the owner that turns their pet over to Animal Control.
My pet is old and sick and needs to be put to sleep - does the City do this?
No, this is not a service provided by the City. We do not have the authority or facility to
perform this service for pet owners. This must be done by a licensed veterinarian or the Humane
Society.
Can my dog ride in the open back of a pick-up?
Yes, it is currently lawful for any owner or custodian of a dog to allow such dog to ride in
any motor vehicle or in any portion thereof that is open in such a manner to permit such dog to
jump out of the vehicle or to be thrown therefrom by the acceleration of, stopping of, or accident
involving such vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to, the open bed of a truck, the interior of
a convertible vehicle with the top down or removed, the rear storage portion of a station wagon
with the tailgate open, and the trunk or hatchback portion of any vehicle with the trunk or
hatchback open. It may also ride in any portion of a motor vehicle which is fully enclosed, except
for open windows. Even though it is legal, it is suggested by Animal Control not to take your
pets with you in your vehicle.
However, if the dog is injured from being transported in this manner, you can be cited for
cruelty, which has minimum fine of $250. Additionally, if the dog bites someone while left in the
back of the pickup and not in an enclosure, you can be cited for having your dog at large.
Can an Animal Control Officer enter my yard to remove an animal?
Yes, an Animal Control Officer is authorized to enter private property under certain
conditions. An officer may enter the property to investigate cruelty to animal violations, and
to investigate any violation observed in progress. This means if an officer is chasing a stray
animal, and the animal runs into the owner's yard, the officer may enter the property and remove
the animal if the owner or custodian is not there to properly confine the animal.
What's the difference between Animal Control and the Humane Society?
Animal Control is a city agency and is a Division of the Lincoln-Lancaster County
Health Department. As such, we are governed by all city policies and procedures. Animal
Control Officers patrol the city streets, enforce animal related ordinances, and provides animal
related service to the public.
The Humane Society is a privately owned non-profit organization and is independent
from city control. The Society does have a shelter or kennel contract with the City of Lincoln for
the boarding of impounded animals. The Humane Society operates primarily with private
donations and private grants.
Where do I go to pay a fine for an animal violation?
Fines can be paid at the Clerk of Court's office which is located at 575 S. 10th
Street. For information on the amount of a fine, you should contact the City Clerk's office at
441-7411.
How does Animal Control respond to calls?
Animal Control gives priority to situations that are involving the public health and safety of a
person or a domestic pet. Loose aggressive dogs, bite animals at large, injured or sick stray dogs
or cats, possible cruelty situations, and dogs running in heavy traffic or schoolyards are responded
to before nuisance concerns. Overall average response time for all types of calls is approximately
30 minutes.
Can you recommend a veterinarian? Which one is the cheapest?
We cannot recommend one vet over another. We suggest that you ask friends and family to
recommend a vet to you with whom they have been satisfied. As for the price, if you have specific
procedures in mind, we suggest that you contact the various vet clinics.
