Dog servicesin Watauga, TX

Watauga, TX handles its own animal control. Watauga Animal Services, a division of the police department at 5203 Watauga Road, takes in lost and found dogs, handles adoptions and owner surrenders, and answers at 817-656-9614. The shelter is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. After hours, an aggressive, biting or injured animal goes to the city's non-emergency police and fire dispatch at 817-514-5897, and a public-safety emergency to 911.

Dogs in Watauga need a city license, and the city's fee ordinance lists a $20 fee for a licensing violation. If you have just moved here, the city's vaccinations page gives new residents 10 days to meet the rabies vaccination rules. Texas requires the vaccine by four months of age. There is no city dog park, and dogs may not run at large.

Plan ahead for storms and evacuations: Watauga's precautionary evacuation page says animals will not be allowed in mass-care facilities and that officials will release special instructions for evacuating pets. In summer, the National Weather Service's Fort Worth office warns that hot asphalt can blister a dog's paws, so walk early or late.