Our Animal Services division is dedicated to protecting the community from dangerous animals while promoting responsible pet ownership and ensuring the humane treatment of all animals. Through fair, consistent enforcement of local and state laws, we work to create a safer environment for both residents and animals alike.
What We Do
Animal Services officers respond to a wide range of community concerns with professionalism, compassion, and expertise. Whether it’s a stray animal, a potential cruelty case, or a wildlife issue, our team is prepared to act quickly and effectively.
We handle:
- Animal bites and dangerous animal reports
- Suspected animal cruelty or neglect
- Stray and nuisance animals
- Injured or sick animals
- Wildlife and potentially dangerous species
- Loose livestock and animal behavior concerns
Our officers conduct investigations, resolve disputes, and ensure animals receive proper care—including transport to shelters or veterinary facilities when needed.
How to Report an Animal Concern
To ensure the fastest and most appropriate response, please use the guidelines below:
HIGH PRIORITY: Call 911 immediately
This includes:
- Animal bites or attacks
- Loose, aggressive, or threatening animals
- Animals posing an immediate danger to people or other animals
MODERATE PRIORITY: Call Non-Emergency: 561-732-8116
For situations such as:
- Non-aggressive stray animals
- Injured animals
- Found animals
NON-EMERGENCY: Email: AnimalServices@bbfl.us
Use email for:
- Ongoing nuisance issues
- Animal welfare concerns not requiring immediate action
- Delayed or non-urgent complaints
Please include detailed information so our team can review and take appropriate action.
Note: Unless actively occurring, unleashed animal complaints should be submitted via email.
Per the City of Boynton Beach Ordinance 97-47 Sec. 4-11:
- The owner of the animal, or the property owner where the animal is located, is responsible for removal.
- If the animal has no identifiable owner, or is located in a roadway or public right-of-way, call 561-732-8116.
BBPD Dispatch will contact a service provider for removal.
Enforcement & Public Safety
Ensuring compliance with animal-related laws is a key part of our mission. Officers:
- Enforce local ordinances and state statutes
- Issue warnings, citations, and violation notices
- Investigate complaints and gather evidence
- Work closely with law enforcement, veterinarians, and legal teams
- Prepare cases and participate in court proceedings
In cases of severe neglect or abuse, Animal Services has the authority to remove animals and pursue legal action.
Education & Community Outreach
Prevention starts with education. Animal Services actively engages with the community by:
- Promoting responsible pet ownership
- Providing humane education resources
- Conducting presentations and outreach programs
- Sharing information on animal laws and safety practices
From emergency response to education and enforcement, our mission remains clear:
to safeguard our community while promoting compassion, responsibility, and respect for all animals.
