Dog servicesin DeSoto, TX

Dogs picked up in DeSoto, TX go to the Tri-City Animal Shelter, which serves DeSoto, Duncanville and Cedar Hill from 1150 E. Pleasant Run Road in Cedar Hill. It is open to the public 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, at 972-291-5335. For a loose dog or another animal problem, call DeSoto Animal Control at 469-658-3075. It works 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, with emergency-only service on Sunday.

At home, DeSoto allows no more than four dogs or cats, in any combination, over four months old, under its animal limits rule. Dogs must be restrained at all times, on a leash, inside a fence or inside your home, and a leash can be no longer than six feet. The city also wants a current rabies tag on the collar or harness, and Texas law requires that vaccine by four months of age. A dog that is impounded must be microchipped.

In city parks, open 5 a.m. to midnight, dogs stay on a cord or chain no longer than six feet. Animal Control names snakes, coyotes, raccoons, bobcats, skunks and foxes among the wild animals residents may run into, and the city's rabies page lists skunks, raccoons, bats, coyotes and foxes as animals commonly tied to rabies risk. A bite that breaks the skin must be reported to Animal Control; after hours or on weekends, call 972-223-6111.