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1. Does my dog or cat need a license?

The City does not issue pet licenses. Owners are required to have proof of rabies vaccination as well as identification on their pet or be microchipped.

2. How many pets can I have?

The ordinance states that a structure can house no more than three animals (of any combination of cats and/or dogs).

3. Does my pet have to be on a leash in my own yard?

Yes. Pets can not run at large and must either be on a leash under the control of a person of suitable age, be securely tethered in their own yard or be effectively confined within an enclosure, building or motor vehicle.

4. What are the rules about cleaning up after my pet?

Owners must clean up after their pets on all public and private property. Pet owners are also not allowed to let excrement accumulate in their own yards for more than 7 days.

5. If there is an animal running around my neighborhood can I catch it?

Yes. It is legal for any person to seize an animal running at large. You are required to report that you have the animal within six hours to the police. If you know who the animal belongs to, you are required to give this information to the police.

6. If my pet is missing what should I do?

Call the Buffalo Police Department at 682-5976 (after hours call 682-1162) Records are kept of all impounded animals. After 5 days, records are maintained at the animal shelter where pets are impounded. Animals are held for five business days and then put up for adoption. Animals that are not claimed or adopted could be destroyed.

7. My pet has been impounded. How do I retrieve it?

If your pet is impounded and you live in the City you must first purchase a license for your pet which means the rabies vaccination must also be current. Once this is taken care of, you must pay the impound fee and the animal shelter maintenance costs. The current impound fees are: 1st offense, $25, 2nd offense, $50 and 3rd offense $75 (in 6 months)

8. What happens when a dog or cat bites someone?

This should be reported to the Buffalo Police Department by dialing 911 or 682-1162. If the injury is serious enough to require medical attention, any treating physician is required to file a report with Chief of Police.

The incident will be investigated and the animal in question will have to be quarantined for a period of 10 days. To be quarantined the animal must be kept inside the home or at a veterinary hospital at the owner's expense.

If the attack is unprovoked, the animal could be deemed: "potentially dangerous." The owner is notified of this determination in writing. If the animal attacks someone again, it must be removed from the City immediately.

9. What can be done about that barking dog in our neighborhood?

It is against the City Ordinance to allow pets to bark or whine excessively. Often the reason these pets are barking or whining is that they have been left unattended. Pet owners should be aware that pets left alone for long periods of time have a greater tendency to bark.  If you are going to be out of town, make sure someone is taking proper care of your pets while you are gone. Call the Police Department at 682-1162 to report violators.

10. Can I have a mountain lion or chickens in the city limits?

No, wild animals are not allowed in the city limits.