Animal Control


To report any animal related issues or concerns, please call Ford County Communications Center at (620) 227-4646 so an Animal Control Officer may be dispatched.


Pet Adoption


There are many wonderful pets at the shelter awaiting homes. The adoption fee for dogs is $80, which includes the cost to have the dog spayed or neutered, examined by a veterinarian, tested for heartworms, and updated on all necessary vaccinations. Dogs which are spayed or neutered prior to entering the shelter can be adopted for $40. The adoption fee for cats is $71, which includes the cost to have the cat spayed or neutered, examined by a veterinarian, tested for feline leukemia virus disease complex, and updated on all necessary vaccinations.

Spayed & neutered Cats


Cats which were spayed or neutered prior to entering the shelter can be adopted for $41.The shelter occasionally has other domestic animals available and has in the past had goats, various poultry, ferrets, rabbits and even iguanas available for adoption.

Animal Control Officers


The Dodge City Animal Shelter currently has one full-time and one part-time Animal Control Officer (ACO) employed. The ACOS are responsible for enforcing the City of Dodge City's animal control ordinances. ACOs are much more than the old stereotype of a "dog catcher". They not only capture stray animals but also conduct criminal investigations, prepare reports and testify in court in an attempt to improve the lives of animals within Dodge City. Dodge City's ACOs are graduates of the Kansas Animal Control Association Academy and members of both the Kansas Animal Control Association and the National Animal Control Associations.

Helpful Links


Animal Control Ordinances


Animal Control Ordinances are strictly enforced within Dodge City to ensure the safety and welfare of both animals and people. Dodge City Animal Control Ordinances are Class A Misdemeanors and may be punishable by fines up to $2,500 and up to one year imprisonment. A complete list of animal control laws can be obtained from the Dodge City Animal Shelter, Dodge City City Hall, or by clicking on the link below:
Brief synopsis of some ordinances which residents may not be aware of are;

City Ordinance 3382 - Prohibiting Ownership of Pitbull Dogs within the City Limits


No dogs having the appearance or characteristics of being predominately pitbull shall be allowed within the city except those registered with the Dodge City Animal Shelter.

City Ordinance 2-108 - Tethering of Dogs Restricted


It is illegal to tether a dog for more than one continuous hour, except that tethering of the same dog may resume after a hiatus of three continuous hours. Dogs must be tethered in a manner as to prevent injury, strangulation, or entanglement.

City Ordinance 2-115 - Running at Large


It is unlawful to allow any companion or domestic animal to be a large. This includes cats.

City Ordinance 2-121 Rabies Vaccination Required


All dogs, cats, and ferrets over four months of age must have a current rabies vaccination.

City Ordinance 2-122 Registration Required


Every dog over three months of age must be registered with the city annually by purchase of a city dog license. Dog licenses are $5.00 each and may be purchased at the Dodge City Animal Shelter or the Dodge City Police Department.

City Ordinance 2-127 Domestic Animals


"Domestic Animals" are defined by city ordinance as those animals commonly considered livestock, such as horses, cattle, goats, and poultry. Only persons possessing a current permit issued by the Dodge City Code Enforcement Office can keep livestock within the city. Issuance of permits is based on zoning, acreage, facilities on the property and history of animal control complaints.

City Ordinance 2-200 Kennels


It is unlawful for any person or business to keep more than four dogs over twelve weeks of age on a property unless in possession of a kennel permit issued by the city.