Animal traps are used to humanely remove animals from private property. Once safely trapped, residents should bring cats and dogs to the Pet Adoption and Protection Center. Animals will be scanned for microchips and if found to have one, their owners will be contacted.
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Residents can request a trap from Animal Services through the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) program. There is a refundable $50 deposit for each trap. Payment is accepted in cash, credit card or check payable to Animal Services Department. Cat traps must be returned within ten (10) days for deposit refund. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the $50 deposit. Extensions are not granted on cat traps. Cat traps are available on a first come-first served basis. Appointments are not necessary for pick up of traps.
The cat will be sterilized, will receive a rabies vaccine and the feline booster shot FRCPC and get an ear tip to show that he or she has been sterilized. You can then choose to have the cat returned to you or to the area where it was picked up. Cats not picked up from the Pet Adoption and Protection Center after several days will be released back to the community from which they came. Injured or diseased cats are not released back into the community.
Community cats can also be taken to local participating veterinarians for free as part of Animal Services' partnerships with the Miami Veterinary Foundation and the Humane Society of Greater Miami. Residents must schedule appointments directly with the veterinary provider of their choice.
Note: It is illegal to remove animals and "relocate" them without the property owner's permission and a period of confinement for the animals to become adjusted. Relocating or abandoning an animal in a public place is a misdemeanor of the first degree punishable by a fine of up to $5000, imprisonment, or both.
Animal Services does not provide dog traps to the public. You can report a stray dog in your area online or by calling 311, and an Animal Control Officer will be sent out.
The officer makes the decision to set up a trap if they were unable to catch the dog. If the officer places the trap to capture an animal, and you are present when the trap is placed, you can be trained on how to re-set the trap if it gets locked without the animal inside.
Should you decide to purchase a dog trap, you are responsible for the humane capture and care of the animal or you can report the stray.
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