Dog servicesin Sunnyvale, TX

Sunnyvale, TX shares its open land with coyotes, bobcats and other wildlife, and the town's wildlife page advises keeping cats and small dogs inside at night. Pet registration here is available but not required: the town's welcome guide says the rabies tag that state law requires already serves as identification, so keep it on your dog. Texas requires that vaccine by four months of age.

Tying a dog out is mostly off the table. Sunnyvale's animal code prohibits tethering except during temporary repairs to a fence or enclosure, or for a short time when you are with the dog but cannot hold it. Otherwise a dog must be behind a fence, wall or building, or on a leash under your direct supervision. The code allows no more than five dogs over four months old at one address, and barking for 15 minutes or more, on and off or nonstop, can lead to a citation after a warning.

Lost dogs, found dogs, adoptions and owner surrenders all go to Sunnyvale Animal Services, a division of the police department at 371 Long Creek Rd. It is open for adoptions 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to noon on weekends. The same number, (214) 862-4525, works for regular calls and emergencies.