Local Ordinances for Wichita Pet Owners

Vaccinations

All cats and dogs, five months or older, in Sedgwick County must be vaccinated against rabies every year.

Licenses

All dogs in Wichita and most surrounding communities must be licensed. If you live in a suburban community, call your city hall for information. Licenses are available from most veterinarians. Click here for more details.

Identification Tags

If pets are picked up by Animal Control and are not wearing an identification tag or microchip ID, the shelter will not know who to call and the dog may be euthanized or adopted before the owner can claim it. Make sure your dog or cat wears a collar with an ID tag and rabies vaccination tag, or has a microchip.

• The ID tag should list the pet's name, the owner's name, and current address and telephone number, including the area code.
• A permanent ID is possible with insertion of a tiny computer chip under the animal's skin.
• Microchip IDs can be placed in all kinds of pets, including birds. Ask your veterinarian for details.
• Before buying a pet from an individual who is a stranger to you, it's a good idea to have the animal scanned by your veterinarian to make sure it is not stolen.

How Many Pets Can You Keep?

Wichita residents may keep up to two dogs and two cats per household and may keep additional puppies and kittens until five months of age. If you want to keep more than this number, you need to contact Department of Environmental Services at 268-8351 for an Animal Maintenance Permit--$20 per year renewable in April. Click here for more details.

Tethered Dogs

It is illegal to have a dog tethered the city limits of Wichita for more than one hour. Persons who break this law may be subject to penalties of up to $500 and/or six months in jail.  Click here for more details.

1. Download Tethering Brochure

Vicious Dogs

Vicious dogs, regardless of the breed, are not allowed in the City of Wichita. A dog may be declared vicious through a hearing or by Animal Services. If you have a concern about a particular dog, call Animal Services. Click here for more details.

Leash Law for Dogs

In Wichita, dogs must be on a leash at all times. Properly leashing your dog protects not only people who may come in contact with the animal, but the dog itself. Click here for more details.

• If your dog is in a fenced area, it may be unleashed. In an unfenced area, your dog must leashed.
• In unincorporated areas of Sedgwick County, dogs must remain on the owner's property.
• If an Animal control officer captures a dog running loose, the owner is issued a citation. For information on fines and reclaiming your dog, contact Animal Control.
• To complain about dogs running loose, call Animal Control. Be prepared to give a description of the animal, its home address and owner's name (if known), and where the animal is when the call is made, and whether the dog consistently runs loose or causes problems.
• Note: Pets are banned from the River Festival, whether leashed or not.

What Happens If I Hit An Animal With My Vehicle?

Pets are often struck by cars more than strays because they haven't developed a fear of vehicles. There are certain legalities you need to follow in the unfortunate event of hitting an animal.

• If the animal you hit is blocking traffic, you are required to stop and immediately call the police.
• If the animal is not blocking traffic, call city/county Animal Control depending upon the location.
• Never attempt to move the animal yourself. Animal control is trained to properly handle injured or dead animals.

Animal Bites

If you are bitten by an animal, immediately clean the wound. Pull it open and hold it under running water, flush it long and vigorously to wash out any virus. Then call Animal Control and go to your doctor. Your doctor and the Health Department will decide if you need rabies vaccinations. Click here for more details.

• Rabies can be transmitted through saliva, other bodily fluids and claws. If you, anyone in your family or pets are licked, bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal, call: Wichita Animal Services, 268-8378.
• Bite reports from both the county and the city are investigated and, if necessary, the animals are confined and examined for rabies infection.
• If tests reveal the animal is rabid, a series of injections can prevent the affected person from contracting the disease if the shots are administered within the first few days after contact. Untreated, rabies is almost always fatal.

Exotic Animals

Wichita allows some farm animals within city limits but they have to be confined to the owner's property. These include:

1. Geese
2. Rabbits
3. Pigeons

For information regarding animal maintenance standards and the number and types of animals allowed, contact the Department of Environmental Services at 268-8351.

Important Animal Services

City of Wichita Animal Services
(316) 268-8378
www.wichita.gov

Sedgwick County Animal Control
(316) 660-7070
www.sedgwickcounty.org/animalcontrol/ 

Wichita Animal Shelter
3303 N. Hillside, Wichita 67219
(316) 838-9623,
Receives animals from both city and county
www.wichita.gov

Kansas Humane Society Shelter
4218 Southeast Blvd., Wichita 67210
(316) 524-9196
www.kshumane.org

Wichita Emergency Veterinary Clinic
737 S. Washington, Wichita 67211
(316) 262-5321