Dog servicesin Murphy, TX

In Murphy, TX, lost pets, loose dogs, bite investigations and adoptions all go through Murphy Animal Control, a division of the police department. Its shelter sits behind the Community Center at 203 N. Murphy Road. Hours change by day: Monday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to noon. Call 972-468-4226, reach police dispatch at 972-468-4236, and call 911 for an emergency.

The same page links to the city's pet registration form. Loose dogs and barking both cost money here: the city's fine list sets $180 for an animal at large and $180 for a barking dog.

For a backyard setup, Murphy's animal code does not allow an invisible or wireless fence as the main fence, or a fence in disrepair, and it bars tethering a dog in a way that breaks state law or could harm the dog or the public. The same code requires food, water, shelter and protection from the weather.