FAQs

  • What do I do if I encounter wildlife?
    • The diversity of both marine and terrestrial wildlife in Mobile is part of what makes the City so unique. In fact, Mobile Bay is home to one of the most productive and diverse environments in the nation. With this in mind, it is likely that the citizens of Mobile will encounter more wildlife than the citizens of other inland cities. The most common types of nuisance wildlife are snakes, opossums, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and raptors (the birds, not the dinosaurs). In most situations, it is best to just leave wild animals alone and let them move on. For more information click here to find out more information about how to manage wildlife and your property. 
  • Animal Bites

    • How to avoid a bite:

      • Look for warning signs: 

        • Aggressive: hackles up, growling or barking, ears erect, body stiff or tense, a stiff-legged stance with tail held high and possibly moving rapidly. 

        • Frightened: ears back, body crouched, head held low, and tail tucked between his legs. 

        • Never touch or approach an animal you don't know to be friendly. 

        • Never threaten or tease any animal. 

        • Even a small dog or cat can inflict a painful bite. 

        • Teach children to be safe. 

    • If you are bitten or scratched by an animal: 

      • Seek immediate medical help. Ask the physician about a tetanus booster and/or rabies vaccination. Ensure that the physician sends the required bite report to the Mobile County Health Department. 

      • Remember as many details as possible. Write down a description of the animal, the time and location of the incident and try to remember where the dog went. 

      • Alabama law requires that all animal bites be reported. Call 251-208-5311 to make a report. The animal will need to be quarantined for rabies observation. 

  • My pet is lost!
  • I have a found a pet!
  • Kitten season
  • Report a stray animal
  • Why should I vaccinate my pet?
    • 5 reasons to vaccinate your pet
      • Vaccinations prevent many pet illnesses.
      • Vaccinations can help avoid costly treatments for diseases that can be prevented.
      • Vaccinations prevent diseases that can be passed between animals and also from animals to people.
      • Diseases prevalent in wildlife, such as rabies and distemper, can infect unvaccinated pets.
      • In many areas, local or state ordinances require certain vaccinations of household pets.
  • Am I required to get my pet a rabies shot?
    • Yes! State Law and City Ordinance both require that all cats and dogs are vaccinated annually or triennially if it is a three-year vaccine. 
  • How do I reclaim my pet?
  • How do I learn about backyard chickens?
  • Am I allowed to tether or chain my dog in the backyard?
    • Yes and no. In 2020, the City of Mobile passed a Humane Tethering ordinance that regulates how a dog may be tethered. For more information on tethering, click here. pdf
  • How can I surrender my pet?
    • We do not currently accept owner surrenders. However, we do offer several resources to help you keep your pets if possible or rehome them on your own if you cannot keep them. Visit our Owner Surrender Support Page here.
  • What is rabies?
  • What can I do about stray cats?
    • For more information about our Community Cats program, click here.
  • How do I know if my address is in the City limits?