Animal Control
Overview
Who We Are
Animal Control was established to enforce the care of our animal population within the city limits of Nixa. We are NOT dog catchers! We are here to be the voices for the animals that have none. We care for the safety and welfare of your pets.
How We Work
We hold lost dogs in our city kennel for up to five days, including one Saturday. An impound fee will be collected when the animal is picked up. Dogs not picked up will be sent to our local no-kill partner agency, 4 the Love of K9s Animal Rescue.
We will also capture and hold lost miniature pigs.
We Do Not capture or hold feral cats.
What We Do
Clean Kennels
Maintain the city kennel to exceed State Department of Agriculture standards.
Lost or Stray
Catch and care for dogs abandoned or allowed to run loose.
Keeping It Clean
Pick up dead animals from public property.
Animal Human Interaction
Investigate animal bites and cases of neglect.
Pet Licensing
Submit necessary paperwork and proper reports.
Enforcement of Animal Laws
Enforcement of City and State Laws, which include: animal cruelty and neglect, city tag requirements, animal limitations, dangerous dogs, rabies vaccinations, and the city leash law.
Need after-hours assistance?
Dispatch is available 24/7 by calling: 417-725-2510
To claim or pick up your dog you will need to call Nixa Animal Control at 417-725-2510.
Nixa Animal Control is not a licensed Adoption Agency, so please, only contact our office for release if you are the owner of the animal.
Hours of Release: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding holidays.
If you have any question about releases you may contact Community Services Supervisor BJ Sartin by email at bsartin@nixa.com or by phone 417-725-2510.
Department of Agriculture Animal Care Facility Act
This Act requires state-licensed dog pounds to hold a dog not less than (5) days including (1) one full Saturday. At any time the hold is complete, the dog can be rescued from a state-licensed Rescue or euthanized. This hold is for release to Rescue facilities only. If you are the owner of the animal, you may still claim it during the above-mentioned hours of operation 7 days a week.
Impounded Animals
We reunite dogs with their humans
Pet Tags
City ordinance requires all dogs and mini pigs kept inside the city to have pet tags updated every year. Pet tags can be purchased through the Parks & Recreation Department, and they can also sell you a Dog Park Pass with proof of proper animal vaccinations. Pet tags only cost $2 if the animal is spayed or neutered, and $3 if not.
Please remember to renew pet tags annually to ensure
Tips To Keep Your Dog Safe
Don’t leave your pet in a vehicle in extreme weather (hot or cold)
Make sure your pet is properly vaccinated, including rabies shots
When walking your pet, keep it on a leash
Purchase a pet tag for your dog or mini pig at The X Center, so we can identify your pet if it should get lost
Spay or neuter your animals
Remember, proper shelter is required for all pets in Nixa (see Nixa city code section 6-12)
Consider micro-chipping your pet
Animal Control FAQs
Can I catch diseases from my animal?
Yes. Animals carry many different diseases that can be passed on to humans, including but not limited to: worms, mange, and rabies.
Can I vaccinate my animal for rabies myself?
No. By State Law, animals must be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
Can my animal be tethered/chained?
In short, yes; as long as requirements for the chaining of the animal are met. The chain must be at least five times the length of the dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. The collar must not be a pinch or prong type collar. The animal must be provided with a constant source of water, as well as an appropriate shelter.
Do I have to get my dog/cat spayed/neutered?
No. However, as a responsible pet owner, it is highly recommended that all pets be spayed/neutered as they become of age.
Does the 7 in 1 shot cover rabies?
No. The 7 in 1 shots cover canine distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo, Corona, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus for dogs. For cats, shots cover feline Leukemia, feline distemper, and respiratory viruses.
Does the Animal Control Unit catch feral cats?
No. Our agency does not have the appropriate facilities to hold and maintain care for feral cats.
Does the City of Nixa have a limit on the number of animals a person can own?
Yes. Please refer to the Animal Ordinances to review the full ordinance concerning animal limitations.
Does the City of Nixa lend out animal traps?
No. The City does not have extra traps.
How often do I have to get my dog vaccinated for rabies?
City Ordinance states that dogs must be vaccinated by four months of age, and then once every three years after that.
If the City of Nixa has a leash law, why can cats run loose?
The City of Nixa currently does not have a leash law for cats.
What counts as an appropriate shelter?
The City’s ordinances state that an appropriate shelter must be at least three sided, and have a roof and a floor that is not the ground. Plastic shipping containers and pet kennels do not count as an appropriate shelter.
What do I do if my animal is impounded?
Contact Animal Control dispatch at 417-582-1030 and request Animal Control to determine if your dog has been impounded. For up-to-date information on dogs currently impounded, please click on the “Claim Your Dog” tab.
What is considered an “animal at large”?
It shall be unlawful for any person within the corporate limits of the city to allow a dog or pup to run at large. Any dog shall be deemed at large when it is off the owner’s property and not physically restrained by a competent person. All owners of dogs shall confine the dogs to an enclosed area on their property, or confine their dog to a leash or chain in such a manner as to at all times have full control of the dog.
Why must my animal be quarantined if it has had its rabies shot?
The disease rabies is 100% fatal. If an animal bites a person or other animal, we must use maximum caution to maintain the health and safety of every party involved. There are too many human factors that can cause the vaccine not to work. State law mandates that all dogs must be quarantined for a minimum of ten days or 240 hours from the time of the incident.
Foster & Adopt
If you are interested in adopting or fostering a dog, please contact For the Love of K-9’s Animal Rescue. You can find them on Facebook by clicking the button below.
After holding lost dogs at our animal care facility for at least 5 days (including one full Saturday), Nixa Animal Control will release unclaimed animals to 4 the Love of K9s Animal Rescue. This rescue organization works to find new homes for each of the dogs and thanks to their efforts, our kennel is no-kill.
