Forest Oaks Civic Club

Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care

Animal Regulation and Care

The Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC) enforces city ordinances that encourage annual rabies vaccination and licensing of pets and requires that all dogs are confined in a yard or on a leash. BARC investigates animal bites and encourages spaying/neutering to control the unwanted animal population.

The kennel is open to the public 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Triennial Vaccination notice

The City of Houston has amended its ordinance to authorize the use of a triennial vaccination provided the requirements of the State of Texas are met. Your veterinarian will be familiar with these vaccination requirements. If your pet has been previously vaccinated with a triennial vaccine and it comes under the retroactivity clause of the state regulations, your veterinarian must certify this fact for our records, including the date of the vaccination. We will honor that certification for the remainder of the 3 year period.

Even though you will not be required to vaccinate your pet annually, Houston is still requiring annual licensing since many person have indicated they will continue to vaccinate their pets each year. Pet owners will continue to receive annual notices for license renewal but it will not be necessary to submit a vaccination certificate each year to renew the license. If you use the triennial vaccine you will receive a notice on the third year reminding you it is necessary to revaccinate your pet.
Remember, licensing fees for pets that have been spayed or neutered are substantially less than those for intact animals. Be sure to spay/neuter your pet and make certain your veterinarian has included the spay/neuter information on the vaccination certificate. If you have questions regarding the use of the triennial vaccine please contact your veterinarian. If you have any questions regarding licensing please contact the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC) at 713-238-2170, Licensing Section.