animal control

American  

[an-uh-muhl kuhn-trohl] / ˈæn ə məl kənˌtroʊl /

noun

1. a government entity that takes custody of stray domestic animals and facilitates their return to or placement in a home environment, defends animals from abuse and neglect, and protects the public from aggressive or dangerous animals.

   Someone needs to call animal control to deal with the feral cats in this neighborhood.

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Etymology

Origin of animal control

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

If confirmed, Amster will lead one of the largest shelter systems in the country, with six animal shelters and animal control officers who deal with roughly 60,000 animals each year.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

The owner told an animal control investigator that she feared for her 8-year-old child and wanted to surrender Valerio.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

Multiple monkeys are on the loose in St Louis, Missouri, sparking confusion and concern from the city's animal control officials, who said they do not know where the primates came from.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

Officer Martin said it was "just another day in the life of an animal control officer".

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025

“No. Someone from animal control is supposed to pick him up today or tomorrow.”

From "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty