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.

---

Etymology

Origin of animal control

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Five days earlier, animal control officers in San Francisco captured a mountain lion within the city after an hours-long standoff.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2026

Despite search efforts, the primates had not been found as of Sunday evening, the city's health department, which handles animal control, told BBC News.

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

Animals that come from shelters, animal control facilities, humane societies and animal rescue organizations will still be able to be sold.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 18, 2025

“I found her and took care of her. I was even there when she got taken away by the animal control people.”

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz