Trapping Rules

1. Traps can be set 7 Days a Week. Animal Services Officers are available to pick up trapped animals during regular business hours only. Please do not set traps on Holidays.

2. Please contact the shelter at 972-744-4480 to inform the staff as soon as possible. If you cannot get a hold of the staff please leave a detailed message with your name, address, phone number, and location of the trap on your property.

3. Traps are not to be set during inclement weather conditions, such as low temperatures below 40^oF, highs above 90^oF, during  heat or weather advisories, rain or when severe weather is expected.

4. Traps will need to be monitor daily and contact Animal Services when the animal is trapped that morning or during the business day.

5. Traps are to be placed in a protected area safe from harsh elements or danger. A trap may be placed in an attic, shed, garage, or under a safe structure, but will need to be removed from these areas prior to Animal Services servicing the trap.

6. Traps cannot be placed in direct sun, location must remain shaded at all times.

7. Animal Services will require permission to enter property to remove trapped animal(s) and the trap, if applicable.

8. The intent of trapping is to safely contain an animal so that it can be safely relocated. Trapping should be used as a last resort and not in any way to make the animal suffer. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to ensure that the animal is trapped and maintained in a humane manner until it can be transported. Trapping an animal is stressful on the animal to begin with and adding additional external stimuli such as animals or people harassing the animal, excessive heat, cold, or rain can add to the trauma, causing the animal to become injured or die as a result. Since you are the one trapping the animal and preventing it from leaving the area you are responsible for the outcome. If an animal becomes injured or dies as a result of negligence in trapping the individual may be liable civilly or criminally.