FAQs • Fort Pierce, FL • CivicEngage

Why are Animal Control Officers allowed on my property without my permission?: Animal Control Officers are empowered to enter onto private property and demand animals and/or tags to be displayed. The Animal Control Officer may also enter into a fenced enclosure for the purposes of, but not limited to, apprehending a rabid animal, assisting an animal at large, assisting an animal in need of medical attention, cruelty investigations, or vicious animals not properly contained. In these situations, the Animal Control Officers are granted immunity from prosecution for a reasonable good faith trespass on private property.

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Animal Control

1. How many animals am I allowed to have?: You are allowed to have a total of five (5) dogs, cats or other domesticated animals.

2. Do I have to register/license my animal?: Yes, all dogs and cats over the age of four (4) months old must be licensed within 30 days of you acquiring the animal and/or establishing residency within the City.

3. Am I allowed to have horses or other livestock?: Yes, with a special exception permit. A special exception permit may be issued by the Animal Control Manager as long as the livestock does not create a nuisance, health hazard or danger, and if the livestock is not being raised for public consumption.

4. I am a part-time resident, does my animal have to be registered/licensed?: If you reside within the City of Fort Pierce for six (6) months or more, you are required to obtain a license for your animals.

5. Am I allowed to have exotic animals?: Yes, with a special exception permit. A special exception permit may be issued by the Animal Control Manager as long as the exotic animal does not create a nuisance, health hazard or danger, and if the exotic animal is not being raised for public consumption.

6. How can I reach Animal Control?: For general questions or concerns, you may reach the Animal Control office at (772) 467-3149 during our normal office hours of Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Animal Control Officers may also be requested by dialing 911.

7. I need an Animal Control Officer immediately, what number should I call?: If you need immediate assistance, you should dial 911 to request an Animal Control Officer.

8. What is a Community Cat?: Community Cats, which are cats spayed or neutered and vaccinated against rabies are permitted outdoors. A Community Cat is identified by its ear tipped, all other cats are considered strays and are prohibited.

9. Do I need to have both a city and county license for my pet?: No. All cats and dogs over 4 months old must be licensed with the City within 30 days of acquiring the animal and/or establishing residency with the City of Fort Pierce. A county license is not required.

10. Why are Animal Control Officers allowed on my property without my permission?: Animal Control Officers are empowered to enter onto private property and demand animals and/or tags to be displayed. The Animal Control Officer may also enter into a fenced enclosure for the purposes of, but not limited to, apprehending a rabid animal, assisting an animal at large, assisting an animal in need of medical attention, cruelty investigations, or vicious animals not properly contained. In these situations, the Animal Control Officers are granted immunity from prosecution for a reasonable good faith trespass on private property.

11. Am I allowed to breed animals?: Yes, but you must first obtain a breeders registration certificate.

12. Will Animal Control remove pest or critters from inside my home?: No, Animal Control is unable to assist in the removal of bees, rats, bats and other like species. You must contact a pest control company or wildlife removal company to obtain these services.

13. Animal Contol picked up my pet, how can I get it back?: All non-injured pets that are picked up by Animal Control are brought to the Humane Society located at 100 Savannah Road to be impounded. You may reach the Humane Society at (772) 461-0687 to see if your animal has been impounded.

14. Am I allowed to have chickens?: Yes, chickens are permitted and special exception is required. The allowance is 6 chickens, which must be kept in a coop.

15. Does the City have a lifetime registration?: No, the City of Fort Pierce requires pet owners to register their pet every year. This helps keep our contact information and pet information current and up to date.

16. Are there any dog parks in the City?: Yes, there are two dog parks within the City:
1) Maravilla Dog Park is located at 2622 Oleander Blvd., Fort Pierce, FL 34982. The park is open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset.
2) Savannas' Dog Park is located at 1400 E Midway Rd., Fort Pierce, FL 34982. The park is open 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

17. Can I bring my dog to the beach?: No, there are not any dog friendly beaches within Fort Pierce. The closest dog friendly beach is Walton Rocks Beach located at 6700 S Ocean Dr., Jensen Beach, FL 34957.