Animal Control & Rescue Services

Animal Control Officers (ACOs) enforce City ordinances related to animals within Bryant city limits and provide rescue assistance for animals in distress. Explore programs, ordinance highlights, and service information below.

The Responsibilities of Bryant Animal Control Officers

Animal Control Officers (ACOs) enforce the Laws and Ordinances pertaining to the keeping of animals within the City Limits of Bryant. ACOs also rescue animals from a variety of situations including: animals left in hot vehicles, animals trapped in fencing or other objects, animals that have been hit by vehicles, and cruelty investigations. ACOs also assist with the relocation and/or removal of nuisance animals such as feral cat colonies and wildlife.

To report any problem or concern to animal control contact us at 501-943-0489 or for non-urgent inquiries via email: animalcontrol@cityofbryant.com.

Bryant Neuter Initiative Program (SNIP)

SNIP is a program to help offset the cost of spay/neuter by paying a portion of the cost for City of Bryant residents ONLY to have their own dog or cat spayed or neutered. SNIP is a program that is paid out of public funds, and is only available to residents living within the Bryant City limits only.

The First 48

Data shows that most animals are picked up within 1/4 mile of their house and are nearly twice as likely to be reunited if NOT taken to the animal shelter. We encourage citizens to hold onto a found pet for the first 48 hours if the pet can remain close to where it was originally found while actively searching for their human family.

Need food and supplies? Ask friends, neighbors or family members to loan you supplies such as kennel, bowls, etc. We can also help out with food or bedding if needed. The shelter is open 6 days a week—reach out and we can help.

Impounded & Surrendered Animals

Animals may be impounded by animal control officers for a variety of reasons, the most common being found running at large in violation of the leash law. Animals that are impounded are taken to the shelter for safekeeping and held for 5 days to give the owner time to claim them. Animals which are not claimed by their owners are evaluated and placed up for adoption as appropriate.

If you would like to request that we accept your animal for rehoming, please visit the Adoption Center/Shelter page for information and to apply to bring an animal into our program.

City Ordinance Information

The items below are highlights of City ordinance information regarding animals. For a complete copy of the animal ordinances, please contact the City Clerk's Office.

Confinement (the “Leash Law”)

All animals kept as dogs and livestock are required to be confined to the owner’s property at all times. When off the owner's property, they must be under physical control by a leash, lead, or inside of a vehicle or pet carrier.

Vaccinations and City License

All dogs and cats must be vaccinated to protect against the rabies virus and dogs must be licensed with the City. To get your pet licensed, please visit our Licensing & Permits page.

Licensing & Permits

Kennel Permits

If a resident intends to own or keep more than 4 dogs on their premises, they are required to obtain a Kennel Permit. The annual fee is set by City ordinance and requires an annual inspection. Contact Animal Control for details, or visit Licensing & Permits.

Deceased Stray / Wild Animals

Stray or wild animals that are less than 100 lbs in size are collected by animal control during regular business hours. If over 100 lbs and in the City right-of-way, please contact Bryant Public Works at 501-943-0999 and press 6.

Deceased Owned Animals

Owned pets that have passed away may be removed from your home or property and cremated at a minimal charge. Please contact us to make those arrangements.

Pet Waste

All areas in which animals are kept shall be cleaned regularly. Owners of animals that defecate on public or private property without the owner's permission are required to remove the waste immediately.

Barking and Noise

Any animal restrained on a property shall be kept so that any noise emanating from them shall not disturb any person residing within a reasonable distance.

Exotic / Wild Animals as Pets

Residents having wild or so-called "exotic" pets are required to obtain a Wild Animal Permit from Animal Control. To learn if you are required to have a permit, contact us at animalcontrol@cityofbryant.com.

Apply for Wild Animal Permit

Livestock

There are no city ordinances prohibiting or restricting the keeping of livestock. However, there are some restrictions within many housing and commercial developments. Refer to your property owner's association for guidance or your subdivision regulations.

The City offers a voluntary registration program for livestock to assist officers in locating animal owners in an emergency.

Animals for Sale or to “Give-Away”

Offering animals for sale or "for free" in the public right of way, parks, or parking areas within Bryant city limits is prohibited. Organized adoption events hosted by animal shelters or rescue groups are allowed with the Animal Control Director’s approval. For adoption event approval, contact the Animal Control Director at tpower@cityofbryant.com.