Bureau of Animal Care and Control

Mission

The mission of the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Animal Care and Control is to serve the residents of the City of Pittsburgh by providing care, control, education, and resolutions to situations dealing with domestic animals and wildlife.

Departmental/Bureau Overview

The Bureau of Animal Care and Control provides assistance to the employees of the Public Safety Department, other City Departments, and the Allegheny County Health Department in situations involving animals, both domestic and wild. The Bureau assists the Pennsylvania Game Commission in tracking the rabies virus; enforces the Dangerous Dog Law; enforces City and State codes dealing with animals; issues citations and appears in court; keeps City parks animal-nuisance free; works with non-profit animal shelters; and provides consultation to other municipalities concerning animal issues. Animal Care and Control agents capture stray animals, assist in pet/owner recovery, resolve neighbor disputes over animals, assist the elderly and physically-challenged with animal concerns, advise and teach residents of their responsibility as pet owners, advise non pet owners of their rights, capture and release State and non-State- mandated wildlife, as well as capture domestic animals and wildlife. The Bureau also quarantines animals, provides removal of deceased animals, and assists the police and the District Attorney’s office with inhumane investigations. The Bureau of Animals Care and Control’s core services and programs include:

• Title Six of the Pittsburgh Municipal Code enforcement
• Collecting stray domestic animals
• Assisting in the resolution of neighbor disputes regarding animals
• Advising residents of their rights and responsibilities in relation to pet ownership
• Safely releasing non-rabies vector wildlife species to approved wildlife rehabilitation centers
• Implementing quarantine procedures for bite cases
• Removing and disposing of deceased animals
• Assisting residents with animals they may not be physically able to handle
• Managing the City of Pittsburgh’s spay and neuter program
• Issuing citations and attend court hearings for Title Six summary offenses and/or act as a witness for cruelty or neglect cases
• Assisting police officers with investigation or removal of animals
• Attend community meetings/events to educate residents about urban wildlife 2026 Accomplishments
• Continued development on their record management software, incorporating new functionality and report production.
• Combined, the Bureau has captured and removed over 252 stray cats and 597 stray dogs from traps, running loose and unsafe situations throughout the city.
• Notable Rescues:
• On February 19, officers rescued a 5-month old puppy that was thrown into a dumpster on the Southside of the city. The puppy was unharmed and taken to Humane Animal Rescue.
• On June 8, officers rescued an injured peregrine falcon and escorted it to the wildlife center at Humane Animal Rescue.
• On June 5, officers assisted Mt. Oliver PD with the capture of a stray 6-foot albino boa.