The Round Rock Police Department’s Animal Control Unit works to protect both people and animals, helping maintain a safe and high quality of life throughout our community.
Animal Control Officers respond to and investigate a wide range of concerns, including barking dogs, animal bites, stray animals, and reports of abuse or neglect. When necessary, animals may be impounded or placed under quarantine to address public safety and health concerns.
Animal Control personnel are responsible for enforcing City ordinances and applicable state laws, and may issue citations when violations occur. Equally important, they focus on education—helping residents understand responsible pet ownership and applicable laws to promote compliance, prevent issues, and strengthen relationships between pet owners and the community.
To contact Animal Control, please call 512-218-5500 or email animals@roundrocktexas.gov.
The Round Rock Animal Control Unit provides the following services for our residents:
- Controlling loose livestock on roadways
- Enforcing leash-law and other ordinances
- Investigating dangerous -animal complaints
- Investigation of dog/cat bites
- Impounding stray dogs and cats
- Removing deceased animals from public areas
- Investigating animal-cruelty complaints
Where I can get information about bats?
You can get general information about bats from Bat Conservation International at 512-327-9721.
What do I do if a bat comes in contact with a person or an animal?
Call Animal Control immediately at 218-5500 if a bat comes in contact with a person or pet. Try to confine or keep track of the bat until Animal Control arrives to capture it for testing. Confine pets that have been exposed to bats and keep them away from people and other animals until the bat can be tested.
What do I do if I see a bat on the ground?
If you encounter a bat outdoors, even if it’s on the ground, please contact Animal Control at 512-218-5500. If the bat is on the ground, try to cover it with something to keep it contained. If the bat is on the side of a building, Animal Control will assess whether it needs to be removed or left undisturbed.
What do I do if a bat is trapped in a business or residence?
Animal control will only respond during normal business hours. They should open a window, turn the lights on, and vacate the room in an attempt to encourage the bat to remove itself. If that proves unsuccessful, they can contact a pest control or wildlife removal company for further assistance.
What do I do if a colony of bats has roosted in a building?
The City’s Animal Control Unit does not provide bat removal services when a colony has roosted in a building. Many pest control professionals can help you with this problem, and Bat Conservation International can provide you with information on how to evict bats yourself.
What do I do with a dead bat?
Animal control only collects bats that need to be tested for rabies. If you have a dead bat that does not require testing, you should dispose of it in your trash bin, and Round Rock Refuse will collect in on your next regularly scheduled trash pickup day.
In 2019, Round Rock City Council passed a ordinance requiring all residents of Round Rock to microchip their cats and dogs. This change replaces the old paper registration system, so it’s not a new fee. The microchipping ordinance promotes the safety and well-being of animals by making it easier for Animal Control officers to get your pets home to you.
To get your cats and dogs microchipped, you have multiple options:
- You may get them microchipped at any veterinary clinic. Almost every veterinarian in the area provides this service for a fee.
- You may schedule an appointment with Round Rock Animal Control by calling (512)218-5500, and we’ll do all the work for you.
Round Rock Animal Control charges $5 to microchip your pet. The entire process takes only a couple of minutes, and we’ll handle all the paperwork to ensure your microchip is properly activated with your contact information, so you can rest easy knowing that your pet will always find their way home.
Animals impounded by the Round Rock Animal Control Unit are sheltered at the Williamson County Regional Animal Center.
Round Rock Animal Control Officers will impound animals found “at large” or in violation of the animal control ordinance. If an animal is not claimed, it will either be put up for adoption, transferred to a rescue group, placed in a foster home, or euthanized.
Animal Impound Procedures
Owner Determination
- The Animal Control Officer determines if the animal has a visible identification tag or a microchip implant.
a. If so, the owner will be contacted for arrangements to return the animal.
b. If unable to determine the owner, the animal will be transported to the animal shelter.
Applicable Fees
- Fees are collected when the animal is returned to its owner. Please visit or call the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter for more information on applicable fees.
Community-policing initiative ‘BARK’ released in 2015 to improve safety while encountering dogs
Pick-up alert stickers in Police Department lobby
The Round Rock Police Department, in partnership with our Animal Control Unit, offers the B.A.R.K. Program (Be Aware of Residential K9s)—a proactive, community-based initiative designed to enhance awareness, improve safety during calls for service, and help protect pets.
The program provides residents with a BARK Alert sticker to place on primary entry points such as doors, gates, or windows. These visible alerts notify responding personnel that pets may be present, allowing them to approach more cautiously and reduce the likelihood of negative encounters. The sticker may also serve as a deterrent to potential burglars and help safeguard your pets.
Participation is encouraged for households with any type of pet, not just dogs. Stickers are durable, easy to apply, and can be removed or repositioned as needed.
Round Rock Police officers and Animal Control personnel receive extensive training in safely and humanely handling animals. Personnel are equipped with tools such as catch poles and other equipment designed to manage aggressive or frightened animals when necessary.
BARK Alert stickers are available at:
The Round Rock Police Department lobby
Community events
Through Animal Control personnel
For more information about the B.A.R.K. Program, please call 512-218-5500.
