Animal Ordinance Information

Spay & Neuter Assistance

A spay/neuter voucher is available to residents who meet certain income guidelines. The voucher is good for $100 towards the sterilization procedure and accompanying rabies vaccination and microchipping.

View the household income guidelines below and complete the Spay & Neuter Voucher Form to apply.

Spay & Neuter Voucher Form

Contact Animal Control

To reach Animal Control, please call 479-709-5000. Contact this number to:

Speak with the Animal Warden
Report a dangerous or vicious animal
File a compliment or complaint

The Ordinance

Mandatory Spay & Neuter

Vicious Animals

The Fort Smith Police Department Animal Services Unit (ASU) strives to protect the citizens of Fort Smith from dogs that pose a threat to their safety. Therefore, ASU wardens enforce city ordinances pertaining to these animals that are considered to be either aggressive or vicious. (FS City Ordinance, Section 4-7)

If a call is received that a dog was acting aggressively toward another domestic animal or person, the dog may be classified as aggressive or vicious, depending on the circumstances of the case.

If your dog has been classified as aggressive, we will provide documents to you that inform you of the classification as well as an order of compliance form which outlines the steps you will be required to take in order for you to lawfully keep your dog in the city limits of Fort Smith. You will be given forty-five (45) business days to be in compliance with this order.

You have the right to appeal this initial classification by sending an appeal request, in writing, to the ASU Sergeant, at the Fort Smith Police Department. Be sure to include a phone number so they can contact you. The appeal letter must be received no later than five (5) business days from the date you are given the ‘dangerous/vicious’ documents. The Animal Control supervisor will then contact you to schedule a date, time, and location for an appeal hearing.

If your dog is classified as aggressive, you may be allowed to pick it up during the compliance period, but only after ASU wardens have inspected the area the dog will be kept and the dog has been micro-chipped. If the animal warden is confident the dog classified as dangerous can be properly restrained on your property, you will be allowed to pick it up after paying the impound fee and having the dog micro-chipped.

If your dog is classified as aggressive, the dog will not be released until complete compliance with the order of compliance is achieved, and after paying the impound and license fees.

If your dog is classified as vicious, you may not allow the dog to remain in the City of Fort Smith and shall provide proof that the animal has been removed from the corporate city limits upon request by an animal warden or police officer.

Spay & Neuter Exceptions

Spay & Neuter Vouchers

Leash Law

Impounded Animals

Any altered animal impounded by the city may be released to the owner upon verification that the animal is microchipped and any associated fines or fees are paid.
Any unaltered animal impounded by the city will be spayed or neutered, and may be released to the owner upon verification that the animal is microchipped and any associated fines or fees are paid.
Any unaltered, unclaimed animal delivered to the shelter or impoundment facility will not be released or adopted out until the animal is microchipped and altered.

Microchip Requirement

Secondary ID Requirement

Lack of ID

Animal Services Unit

The Fort Smith Police Department’s Animal Services Unit serves the citizens of Fort Smith with professional service in all areas concerning the welfare of animals. The Animal Control personnel handle matters such as – picking up dead animals, capturing and impounding animals running at large, checking the welfare of animals, and dealing with dangerous and vicious dogs in the city of Fort Smith.

ASU wardens typically work from 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM, 7 days a week, excluding holidays. These animal wardens work as part of the Support Services Division of the Fort Smith Police Department.