Animal Welfare & Rescue

Animal Welfare and Rescue Officers perform a variety of duties for the residents of New Braunfels, including investigating animal cruelty cases and dog bites, inspecting local animal shops and grooming parlors, providing sanitary shelter for lost and stray animals, implementing and enforcing the animal licensing program, and providing veterinary medical care as needed. Officers also promote the rabies vaccination program and responsible pet ownership throughout the community. When necessary, the department may also leave door hangers if staff need to follow up with a homeowner.

As colder temperatures move in, take a few extra steps to keep your pets safe, warm, and healthy. Here are some simple ways to help protect them during extreme cold:

Make sure your pet has a warm, dry, covered shelter in a garage, shed, or enclosed carport, and check the shelter daily to ensure the bedding stays dry and comfortable.
Provide your pet with plenty of food and fresh, unfrozen water each day.
Short-haired breeds may benefit from wearing a coat or sweater when outdoors to help protect them from the cold.
Bring pets inside when temperatures drop to extreme levels or when a freeze warning is in effect.
Pets left in extreme temperatures without proper food and shelter are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and even death.

To report an animal concern, call the Animal Welfare & Rescue Division at (830) 608-2183. Calls are answered by the staff at the Humane Society of New Braunfels.

You can also submit your concern online using the Animal Welfare & Rescue online complaint form.

What is the benefit of registering my pet?

A found pet can be reunited more quickly with its owners.
Your registration shows your pet has been vaccinated for rabies.
Your lost pet gets longer care time if they are taken to the Animal Shelter.

Who needs to register?

If you reside in the city limits of New Braunfels.
If your dog or cat is older than 4 months and has received their rabies vaccine.

How do I register my pet?

Use this online registration form and submit the form from your phone, tablet, or other electronic devices.
Attach a current rabies certificate and picture for each pet you are registering.
There is no fee for registration at this time, but registration is required per City Ordinance.