Animal Control

Holly Springs Animal Control investigates:

  • Animal cruelty cases
  • Reports of rabid animals
  • Animal bites

Animal Control officers also capture stray and lost animals and enforce the leash law and Town ordinances regulating dogs, cats, and other animals.

Pets / Domesticated Animals

  • Dogs must be physically leashed (electronic collars and verbal command are not considered leashed) when off an owner’s property. Town ordinances prohibit dogs and cats from running at large.
  • Stray animals will be taken to the Wake County Animal Center at 820 Beacon Lake Drive in Raleigh. The shelter can be contacted at (919) 212-PETS (7387). Animals may be reclaimed within five days / 120 hours.
  • State law requires owners of all cats and dogs to have their animals vaccinated against rabies by four months of age and to maintain the vaccination status throughout the animal’s lifetime. One shot is not enough; rabies vaccinations must be kept current. Learn more on the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services website. State law also requires vaccination tags to be displayed on cats and dogs at all times. Tags also are helpful in identifying and locating lost pets.
  • The Town regulations for noise from a barking dog are relevant at all times of the day and night. If an officer deems a barking dog to be a public nuisance or determines that the barking is excessive, a citation may be written to the pet owner.
  • If you are bitten by a domesticated animal, North Carolina law requires that you report it to the Police Department, and the animal’s owner will be required to show proof of a current rabies vaccination. In addition, any domesticated dog or cat that has bitten someone is required to undergo a 10-day observation period at the owner’s home. In some situations, the animal may be required to be observed at a local veterinary hospital or at the Wake County Animal Shelter at the owner’s expense.
  • The Town requires an animal owner to remove any feces deposited by his or her pet on someone else’s property and on public property. The ordinance does not address urine.

Wildlife

  • While Animal Control responds to wildlife found in living quarters, residents will be directed to seek a wildlife removal company for wildlife found in attics or crawlspaces.
  • Animal Control responds to wildlife outside if the animal is sick, injured, or aggressive.
  • Some species of wildlife can be considered nuisances merely by their presence in residential settings. Animal Control does not intervene in cases where wildlife may cross roads, nest and feed in and around homes, make noise, and leave droppings. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission offers tips for coexisting with wildlife, including coyotes, Canada geese, beavers, black bears, and deer. The commission’s Interaction Helpline can be reached at (866) 318-2401. Click here to find information on what to do if you find injured or orphaned wildlife. 
  • A license is required to trap wildlife. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission provides a list of licensed trappers. The Town of Holly Springs does not provide trapping services for nuisance wildlife.
  • If a deceased animal is found on a resident’s property, it is the property owner’s responsibility to dispose of the deceased animal. Deceased wildlife found along roadsides should be reported to Public Works for removal.

Click here to read animal regulations in the Town of Holly Springs Code of Ordinances.