The Round Rock Police Department, with the Animal Control Unit, has a new community-based initiative called B.A.R.K., Be Aware of Residential K9’s. The BARK Alert Program is designed to assist with improved measures in officer safety, and empower citizens with an additional tool that alerts emergency service personnel of their household pets when responding to calls for service. The new initiative works as a deterrent for potential burglaries and helps to protect pets.

Through the BARK Program, the Department issues residents a BARK Alert sticker to display on main entry points of their homes such as; doors, gates, and windows. The use of the alert sticker is encouraged for households that have all types of residential pets. The notice can be removed and reattached if needed.

Round Rock Police continues to take action to improve encounters with dogs in the field. Our Sworn personnel received over 700 total training hours in dealing with aggressive animals. The Department has issued and trained officers with animal catch poles, which is a tool that allows officers to humanely restrain an aggressive animal. The BARK Alert sticker is another tool created for residents, to help improve officer awareness of the dogs they may encounter while responding on scene.

The BARK Alert sticker is available to the public at the Police Department lobby, during pet vaccination clinics conducted by local veterinarians and Round Rock Animal Control, community events, upon animal registration as required by City Ordinance, and from any Animal Control Officer. For more information about the BARK Program call 512-218-5500.