Overview

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Animal Control Division strives to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors and the humane treatment of all animals in Hays County.

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division patrols more than 680 square miles, except for the incorporated areas of the cities of San Marcos, Kyle, and Buda. Current hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Hays County partners with the City of San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter, which is the live intake facility for all of Hays County. Any stray or impounded animal picked up by HCSO Animal Control will be housed at the San Marcos Animal Shelter. For current hours of operation and additional information, call or visit their website.

Livestock Owners are encouraged to register their brands with Hays County. In the event of estray livestock, every attempt will be made to locate the owner(s). Livestock may be impounded. If you are missing any livestock, call Hays County Animal Control.

Just a reminder to all of our dog owners, Hays County has an animal restraint law: Your dog must be restrained at all times by fence, chain, or leash.

Hays county has an abundance of wildlife. We encourage all to respect and enjoy our wildlife and help protect it for future generations; however, wildlife can be dangerous and may carry diseases. Texas has a list of high-risk species for carrying rabies and all of them call Hays County home: raccoons, coyotes, skunks, foxes, and bats. If you or anyone you know come into physical contact with or gets bit by one of these animals, please contact:

Hays County Animal Control

810 S. Stagecoach Trail

San Marcos, Texas 78666

512-393-7896

Supervisor: John Trinidad 

San Marcos Animal Shelter and Animal Services
750 River Road
San Marcos Texas 78666
512-805-2650

City of Kyle Animal Control

Kyle Public Safety Center

1700 Kohler’s Crossing

Kyle, Texas 78640

512-268-3232

City of Buda Animal Control

405 E. Loop Street, Building 100

Buda, Texas 78610

512-312-0084

Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens Hays County

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Kenny Murchison

District 20, Region 5

PO Box 66
Giddings, TX 78942
512-705-3226

Counties: Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Travis, Williamson

Safe Outdoor Dogs Act

The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, which is a statewide policy governing the restraint of dogs outdoors, went into effect January 18, 2022. It was signed into law on October 25, 2021.

Points to remember:

• Hays County has an animal restraint law; your dog must be always restrained
• Report all animal bites
• Respect wildlife
• Don’t leave your pets unattended in your vehicles

Estimated Vehicle Interior Air Temperature v. Elapsed Time Outside Air Temperature (F)

 <IMAGE HERE>

Courtesy Jan Null, CCM; Department of Geosciences, San Francisco State University

Additional Resources

Hays County Animal Control Ordinance (PDF download)

Need help with your pets so you don't have to surrender them to the shelter? Use the Hays County Pet Resource Center page for information and tips on how to keep your pet with your family.

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