Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Valid ID
- Proof of ownership (photos, vet records, microchip registration)
- Rabies vaccination record
Impounded dogs and cats are held for a minimum of three (3) days, excluding the day the animal is impounded and any day the Animal Care Services facility is not open.
For additional information, please refer to City of Edinburg Ordinance §91.10.05.
Yes, the Edinburg Animal Holding Facility accepts injured stray animals found within city limits. However, please note that we are not a veterinary clinic and do not have licensed veterinarians on staff. We strongly encourage the public to take owned or found injured animals to a licensed veterinarian for immediate medical attention, as this offers the best chance for recovery and care.
No. We do not perform adoptions at this facility. Animals eligible for adoption are transferred to our contracted partner, Palm Valley Animal Society, for adoption, fostering, or rescue.
Palm Valley Animal Society - Laurie P. Andrews Center
2451 N. Expressway 281, Edinburg, TX
(956) 720-4563
The Edinburg Animal Holding Facility supports community health and safety by:
- Reducing stray and aggressive animals on the streets
- Enforcing city animal ordinances
- Supporting rabies prevention and education efforts
While we do not handle adoptions directly, you can help animals by:
- Adopting from Palm Valley Animal Society
- Fostering pets in need
- Donating to local rescue partners
- Reporting stray or injured animals promptly
Yes. Under City of Edinburg Municipal Code §91.10.12, dogs are not permitted to run at large. Owners must keep their dogs under control, typically by a leash, enclosure, or secure fence, to prevent the animal from roaming freely in public areas.
Residents who have lost a pet may contact the City of Edinburg Information Center by dialing 311 or the Edinburg Animal Holding Facility at 956-316-2185 during business hours to inquire whether their pet has been impounded.
Yes. Owners may surrender their pets to Animal Care Services by:
- Dialing 311 – City of Edinburg Information Center, or
- Calling the Edinburg Animal Holding Facility: 956‑316‑2185
An appointment will be scheduled to bring your pet to the holding facility located at 1301 N. Doolittle, Edinburg, TX.
Before surrendering an animal, staff will explain the owner surrender procedure in detail. While waiting for your appointment, Animal Care Services recommends exploring options to rehome your pet with neighbors, friends, or through social media.
Yes. Under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 826, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Pet owners are responsible for keeping proof of vaccination.
- Spaying or neutering your pets
- Keeping pets properly contained
- Ensuring pets wear ID tags or microchips
- Adopting from Shelters
- Educating others about responsible pet ownership
Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease of the central nervous system caused by the rabies virus. The virus is most commonly found in wild animals such as skunks, bats, raccoons, and foxes, but it can also affect domestic animals. Rabies is spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually via a bite.
Once clinical symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal. Immediate medical care after a potential exposure can prevent the disease from progressing.
Source: Texas Department of State Health Services – Rabies Information for Texas (DSHS)
For concerns involving wildlife, please contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – Hidalgo County Game Wardens:
- Game Warden Cantu: 956-280-6085
- Game Warden Merez: 512-650-7341
- Game Warden Patrick: 956-500-6271
- Game Warden Rakosky: 956-330-3535
Edinburg Animal Care Services (Police Department Line): 956-289-7700
City of Edinburg Information Center: 311
For life-threatening emergencies, dial 911.
Opossums are nocturnal, omnivorous mammals native to North America. They are the only marsupials found north of Mexico and are about the size of a house cat.
Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – Opossum Species Information
Opossums are generally non-aggressive and avoid humans. When threatened, they may hiss, bare their teeth, or “play dead,” but they rarely attack people or pets.
Source: National Park Service – Virginia Opossum Behavior
While all mammals can get rabies, opossums are considered a low-risk species for rabies infection compared with other wildlife. Laboratory data from Texas report very few confirmed rabid opossums relative to other animals.
Source: Texas Department of State Health Services – Rabies Information for Texas
Opossums are scavengers and may be attracted to:
- Pet food left outdoors
- Garbage or compost
- Sheltered areas such as woodpiles, sheds, or crawl spaces
Source: Parker, Texas – Opossum Wildlife Guidance
Opossums eat insects, rodents, and other pests, and help break down carrion, making them beneficial to the ecosystem.
Source: National Park Service – Virginia Opossum Behavior
- Do not touch, feed, or try to capture the animal
- Keep children and pets away
- If the animal appears injured, sick, or poses a risk, contact Animal Control or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator
Source: Parker, Texas – Opossum Wildlife Guidance
If You Are Bitten by an Animal
- Seek medical attention right away.
- Call the Edinburg Police Department at (956)-289-7700.
- Provide a description of the animal, including breed (if known), color, size, and distinguishing marks.
- Contain the animal only if it is safe to do so.
- Note the location where the animal was last seen.
- Once captured, Edinburg Animal Care Services will quarantine the animal for rabies observation and complete a written report.