What Animal Control Is (and Isn’t) 

Understanding Animal Control’s Role in Our Country 

When people hear the term animal control, many think it refers to a service that handles every animal‑related problem in a community. In reality, animal control has a very specific role, clearly defined authority, and important limitations that are established by law. 

Understanding what animal control is, and what it isn’t, helps residents know when to ask for help, what to expect when you do, and why certain situations may fall outside animal control’s authority. In later series articles, we will explore Berks County’s complex animal control history and offerings, but for now, this article is about animal control as a general nationwide service to set the stage for a future deep dive.  

What Animal Control Is  

Animal control exists to protect public safety, promote animal welfare, and enforce animal‑related laws and ordinances adopted by local and state governments. 

In Berks County, animal control responsibilities and coverage vary greatly based on the provider (which we will talk more about in Article 2). However, generally, animal control nationwide includes: 

• Enforcement of municipal animal control ordinances 

• Enforcement of state dog law 

• Handling and containment of stray dogs as defined by local ordinance/state law 

• Enforcement of the law for dangerous dogs 

• Here in Pennsylvania, the dog law changed in 2024, removing the authority for animal control officers to enforce dangerous dog law. That power now exists exclusively with the PA State Dog Warden or local police (more to come in Article 2).  

• Support and management of public safety during animal‑related emergencies (such as bites and rabies) 

Authority Is Defined by Law — Not the “Ideal Scenario” 

A common misconception is that animal control has broad or unlimited authority. In reality, animal control officers can only enforce existing laws, not best practices. 

Traditional animal control officers are legally authorized to enforce: 

• The specific animal control ordinances adopted by each contracted municipality/territory 

• State dog law 

That is the full scope of enforcement authority. 

If a situation does not violate a municipal ordinance or state dog law within an area of jurisdiction, animal control may not have the legal authority to take action, even when the concern is serious or distressing. These limits are not about willingness, they are legal requirements designed to protect animals, residents, and officers. In circumstances that fall outside the jurisdiction of an animal control provider, local police, Humane Society Policy Officers, or the PA Dog Warden may be required.  

What Animal Control Is Not 

Animal control is often expected to serve as a general animal welfare or emergency service for any animal perceived to be in need, but frankly most concerns fall outside its scope. 

Animal control is not: 

• A 24/7 emergency response service for all animal issues.  

• Every private agency that offers animal control services can set limitations on their scope of services and the hours in which they provide them (we will talk more about this in Article 2). 

• Addressing suspected cruelty or neglect when legal criteria are met.  

• Animal control officers/agencies have no authority to investigate or charge residents who are suspected of abusing or neglecting animals. That power lies with Humane Society Police Officers and local police officers (which we will cover more in Article 2 and the next series).  

• A substitute for responsible pet ownership or a provider of veterinary care 

• A mediator for neighbor disputes not tied to enforceable law 

• Authorized to remove animals from private property without legal justification 

• Able to intervene when no law has been violated 

Enforcement Is One Tool, Not the Only Tool 

While enforcement is sometimes necessary, effective animal control relies heavily on education and voluntary compliance. 

Best‑practice models prioritize: 

• Educating residents about animal laws and responsibilities 

• Often, there are cultural or socioeconomic barriers linked with animal housing and care. Educating and providing resources are the best ways to improve the welfare of animals in our community.  

• Encouraging compliance before issuing citations.  

• Best practices involve working with community members to get them into compliance over disciplinary action.  

• Using enforcement thoughtfully and lawfully, and focusing on safety and prevention over punishment 

Why This Understanding Matters 

When communities understand the true role of animal control: 

• Residents know when and how animal control can help 

• Officers can focus on legally actionable concerns 

• Animals receive appropriate, timely interventions 

• Public safety and community trust are strengthened 

Learn More About Animal Control Best Practices 

• Best Friends Animal Society:  Humane Animal Control Manual 
  https://bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/humane-animal-control-manual 

• National Animal Care & Control Association: NACA Guidelines 
  https://www.nacanet.org/naca-guidelines/ 

• HumanePro:  Animal Control Field Services 
  https://humanepro.org/topics/animal-control-field-services 

Next Up in Article 2: How animal control coverage works locally here in Berks County, and why service levels depend on municipal choices and the entities that provide them.