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1. Am I allowed to have chickens in the city limits?

Yes, you may keep up to 12 hens as long as they are kept in a proper enclosure. However, no roosters of any kind may be kept in the city limits. The other fowl prohibited in McKinney are:

• Ducks
• Geese
• Guineas
• Peacocks
• Turkeys

2. Do I need to register my dog with the city?

At this time animals do not need to be registered with the city.

3. Does McKinney have a "pooper scooper" law?

Yes, pet owners are required to pick up after their pets. Failure to do so could result in a citation.

4. Does McKinney lend traps to residents?

We will provide residents with box traps free of charge for 10 days. A current driver's license or ID is required and someone must be home to receive the trap. At the time of delivery residents will be asked to sign a damage / loss waiver and the officer will explain the operation, baiting and placement procedures. Once captured, Animal Control will remove the animal. Due to the dangers involved with handling wildlife do not try to relocate animals on your own.

5. How often should my pet be vaccinated against rabies?

Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age and on a one-year or three-year basis thereafter depending on the type of vaccine used. All dogs and cats must receive a second rabies vaccination within one year of receiving their first vaccination, regardless of the type of vaccine used or the age at which the animal was initially vaccinated.

For an animal to be considered currently vaccinated against rabies, at least 30 days must have elapsed since the initial vaccination and not more than 12 or 36 months (depending on the vaccine used) can have elapsed since the last vaccination.

6. How many animals am I allowed to have?

No residence within the city shall house more than four dogs and four cats over the age of three months.

7. I am having problems with wildlife around my yard. What should I do?

Due to McKinney’s rapid growth into areas that once were rural, residents often encounter local wildlife. Some of the animals that may be encountered include: opossums, raccoons, skunks, snakes, foxes, bobcats, bats, squirrels and armadillos. Although most wild animals pose no threat to humans if left alone, there are steps you can take to protect your pets from harm:

• Secure pets indoors at night
• Supervise pets at all times
• Do not leave pet food, water or food storage areas easily accessible
• Do not put trash out until the day of pick up
• Refrain from walking pets during nighttime or early morning hours

For more information on wildlife in Texas please visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

8. I have birds in my attic. Can Animal Control help?

Animal Control does not go in attics or on roof tops. Should you have problems with birds you will need to contact a pest control company.

9. I think Animal Control picked up my dog. What do I do?

All animals picked up within the city limits are currently housed at the Collin County Animal Shelter.

10. What do I do if my neighbor's dog barks constantly?

Notify Animal Control at 972-547-7445 to file a complaint during normal business hours Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If the complaint is outside normal business hours, call the McKinney Police Department non-emergency number at 972-547-2700.