Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I call if my animal is missing or was impounded? You may contact the City of Ennis Department of Health Services by dialing 972-875-6444  between the hours of 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F, or visit us in person. We are located at 105 S. Preston St. Ennis, TX 75119. You may also contact the SPCA of Texas Ellis County Animal Care Center by dialing 214-742-7722 (option 6). They are located at 2570 FM 878 Waxahachie, TX 75165 and their hours of operation are Tuesday thru Sunday 11am-4pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. Please be ready to give a detailed description of your animal that includes the color, sex, size or any other distinguishing features.

What is the cost to reclaim my animal from the SPCA of Texas Ellis County Animal Care Center? Please contact the SPCA of Texas Ellis County Animal Care Center by dialing 214-742-7722 (option 6) for more information regarding animal redemption fees.

Can my dog run at large? No, it is unlawful to allow your dog to run at large. All dogs must be leashed and kept under control when not properly contained by a fence. It is also unsafe for the dog as it could get hit by a car, become lost or stolen, or get in a fight with another dog. Violators may receive a notice, written warning or citation.

Can my cat run at large? There are no leash laws regarding cats in Ennis. They are allowed to roam, but be aware they may face dangers if allowed to run free. A cat may come in contact with indigenous wildlife such as a coyote, get hit by a car, be poisoned either intentionally or unintentionally, become trapped in a live trap, or be exposed to harmful diseases such as feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency, or rabies. Cats can also come in contact with known carriers of rabies, such as a skunk and may be exposed to rabies by a bite, scratch or even nose to nose contact. The life expectancy of an indoor cat is three times that of an outdoor cat.

Should my dog be registered with the city? No. Dogs in the City of Ennis are not required to be registered with the city; however, dogs and cats are required to be vaccinated annually for rabies by the time they are 3 months of age by a licensed veterinarian. This is required by Texas State Law and City Ordinance. The vaccination may be good for one or three years and you must present a current rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian if requested by an Animal Control Officer. Note: A rabies tag is not valid proof that your dog or cat has been vaccinated for rabies.

Is there a limit on the number of dogs I can have? Yes. In the City of Ennis by City Ordnance you may have up to 4 dogs. If you wish to have more than 4 dogs you must apply with the Department for a multiple dog ownership permit. There may not be any violations pertaining to noise, cleanliness, animals at large, operating a business, etc. There is an annual permit fee of $10.00 for this permit.  There is no multiple ownership permit for cats, however each cat must be vaccinated for rabies annually and may not become a nuisance animal to other people.

Are chickens allowed within the city limits Ennis? You may have chickens in an enclosure; however, if your property is zoned for residential use then they are not allowed within at least 25 feet from any inhabited dwelling and the enclosed area must be kept under sanitary conditions. Chickens are also not allowed to run at large, become a nuisance or create a noise disturbance.

Is livestock allowed within the city limits of Ennis? You may have enclosed livestock; however, if your property is zoned for residential use they are not allowed within at least 250 feet from any inhabited dwelling and the area where the livestock are kept must be maintained in a sanitary condition. All livestock are prohibited from running at large, becoming a nuisance or create a noise disturbance.