Animal Control
File an Animal Complaint Online!
The Gulfport Police Department Animal Control Division provides an easy way to file an animal complaint conveniently from your home or business. These complaints should be of a non-emergency nature and are routed directly to the Animal Control Officers and their Supervisors.
For all complaints that require immediate attention please call (228)868-5959 or 911 for EMERGENCIES.
Trapping of Small Animals
A Citizen may request an Animal Trap from the Gulfport Police Animal Control Division to capture small animals that are running at large. You can request an animal trap by two different ways.
- You can call Dispatch at 228-868-5959.
- Any time day or night you can log onto the Gulfport Police Department’s Website at www.gulfportpolice.net and click on the “Citizen Forms” tab and choose the “Animal Complaint Form” tab to submit your request.
Due to the amount of requests and the number of traps available you may be put on a waiting list that will be handled by date they are received.
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Common Questions about Ordinances |
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How many Dogs and Cats can I own in the City of Gulfport?
No more than six (6) domesticated animals (dogs and/or cats) over the age of six (6) months shall be allowed in the yard or premises of the residence of the owner of such animals at one time, and such animals shall, at any and all times, be leashed or enclosed in a fenced area, which fenced area may include an area enclosed by electronic fencing, and not allowed to run at large. More than six requires a conditional permit.
How large does my animal’s enclosure need to be?
The animal cannot be confined or restricted in its movement so as to allow less than two (2) square foot of area for every pound of body weight of the animal, unless the confinement is temporary while the animal is being transported, and such confinement shall not exceed twenty-four (24) hours at one time and the animal shall be allowed to move about and exercise at least every two (2) hours during that twenty-four (24) hour period. The Humane Society of South Mississippi, Inc., veterinary hospitals, boarding kennels, and pet shops are exempt from complying with the provisions of this section, but must follow all state and federal guidelines for its operation and must be licensed and permitted by the City of Gulfport.
Can I chain my dog to a tree in my yard?
Any person who owns or has custody or control of a dog shall not restrain such dog by means of a tethering device attached to a fixed point. Dogs may be tethered using a running cable trolley system for periods of no more than four hours in any twenty-four hour period provided that the running cable trolley system is a suspended cable of at least ten feet in length which is attached to the tether by means of a pulley, loop or other moveable device. All tethering devices shall be attached to the dog in such a manner as to prevent injury or strangulation to the dog and entanglement with other objects and shall not be attached to the dog by means of a choke-type collar or a prong collar, or by means other than a properly fitted collar, harness or other device made expressly for such purpose.
Can I sell animals on public property?
No, animals may not be sold on public property, roadside, in parking lots, or at any other outdoor type sale by persons not in compliance with City of Gulfport Permit Ordinances or State and Federal Regulations.
Does my animal have to be vaccinated?
Yes, all dogs and cats over the age of three (3) months old must be vaccinated for Rabies by a person licensed to do so. After vaccination the dog or cat must wear a metal tag with information engraved on it of the vaccination. For more information about the tag that must be worn ask your veterinarian.
My dog barks often, is this illegal?
It shall be unlawful for any owner or person to possess, own, keep or harbor within the corporate limits of the city, any dog which whines, yells, howls, yelps, barks, or makes any other noise or action habitually and continuously so excessive as to disturb the peace of any family or inhabitant of the city of Gulfport.
Are loose or at large animals illegal in the City of Gulfport?
Yes, Animals are considered “at large” or loose when they are not being lawfully kept on the owner of the animal’s property and not under the owner’s control. If you observe animals running at large please call the Gulfport Police Animal Control Division.
These are only a few of the ordinances regulating animals within the City of Gulfport.
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