Barking Dogs Complaint Process

Barking dogs impact the quality of life in our neighborhoods and are a common problem for any municipality. The City of Arlington has implemented the following procedures to assist residents in resolving this common issue:

First Complaint

The City of Arlington recommends neighbors attempt to resolve the problem through open communication.

Residents may request Animal Services forward a Notice of Complaint Letter and a training tips brochure to the owner of the animal.

Second or Subsequent Complaint

The City of Arlington recommends the use of mediation as an alternative means of resolving disputes without government intervention. Mediation is available through Dispute Resolution Services of Tarrant County, Inc. (DRS).

In addition, residents may file a Noise Complaint Affidavit with Arlington Animal Services. After review of the affidavit and supporting documentation, Arlington Animal Services may recommend the issuance of a citation. If the case is heard before the municipal court, a judge may require mediation services.

Noise Complaint Procedure

The process for filing an animal noise complaint is as follows:

  1. Complete the affidavit and have it notarized. The body of the affidavit for an animal noise nuisance must contain the following:
    • The name of the owner and/or give an accurate description of the owner
    • The address of the animal owner
    • A description o the animal(s)
    • Must include date(s), times and duration of the noise nuisance
    • And any other details, including a statement if you have videotapes/audiotapes and photographs that were taken without provoking the animal to bark. 
    Animal Noise Complaint Affidavit(PDF, 38KB)

  2. The notarized affidavit, with a list of the names and addresses of any persons who also observed the violation, should be mailed or delivered to: 

    Arlington Animal Services

    1000 S.E. Green Oaks Blvd. 

    Arlington, TX 76018

  3. Arlington Animal Services will review the affidavit and, if it appears that an offense has occurred, a citation may be issued on your behalf. If the owner of the animal requests a court hearing, you will be summoned to testify against the individual who violated the law.

 

Is your pet making all the noise?

Keeping animals under control is a key element in maintaining a livable neighborhood. Please help both your neighbors and the city by being a responsible pet owner. Below are some answers and tips to common questions.

What is good about a barking dog?

  • Warns residents of intruders
  • Helps keep intruders from entering the residence
  • Alerts people of potential problems
  • It's a defensive measure for dogs

What are the effects of barking dogs on other people?

  • Disturbs neighborhoods since once barking dog often starts others
  • Keeps people from sleeping
  • Upsets people who are ill, night workers, etc.
  • Barking dogs can create neighborhood resentments, arguments, etc.
  • Continuous barking can be harmful to the dog

What can be done about barking dogs?

  • Determine the cause of barking: another animal in the are, dog is bored/lonely, dog may be cold, ill, hungry, injured, passerby such as mailman, children, joggers, etc.
  • If the problem is cats that should not be on your property, contact Animal Services to lease a live animal trap for a $50 refundable deposit. City ordinance requires that cats must be confined on their owner's property or secured by a leash.
  • If the problem is squirrels or other wild animals, use the training tips below or contact us to lease a live animal trap.

Training Tips

  • Remove visual barriers so dog can see
  • If the dog is bored, obedience training and more attention from the owner will help. The dog will be able to have thoughts and experiences occupy their time and interests. 
  • If the dog is reacting inappropriately to the neighbor's use of their yards, training will help. The dog needs to understand that you do not need to be protected.
  • Stop the behavior by vocally showing your displeasure, then praise proper behavior.
  • If you are home, hush the barking with a strong, "NO!", do not soothe the dog as quiet soothing sounds reinforce and encourage bad behavior. Let the dog know you appreciate the warning, but you are now in charge.
  • If the barking occurs when you are gone or at night, the best solutions is to confine the dog indoors. Dogs can better protect you and your family if they are with you and not confined to the backyard. 
  • If the dog must remain outside, you may want to invest in a "bark collar" that emits a noise or shock that is attention getting or irritating to the dog when it begins to bark.
Back to top