Trapping Policies

Grand Prairie Animal Services provides traps available to rent.

View Animal Trapping Rental Agreement(PDF, 383KB)

Trapping Rules:

1. Traps can be set Monday through Thursday and late on Sunday evenings. Traps cannot be set on any holiday or weekends.
   
   
2. Traps are not to be set during inclement weather conditions, such as low temperatures below 40^oF, highs above 90^oF, rain or when severe weather is expected.
   
   
3. Traps will need to be monitor daily and contact Animal Services when the animal is trapped that morning or during the business day before 3 p.m.
   
   
4. Traps are to be placed in a protected area safe from harsh elements or danger. A trap may be placed in an attic, shed, garage, or under a safe structure, but will need to be removed from these areas prior to Animal Services servicing the trap.
   
   
5. Traps cannot be placed in direct sun, the location must remain shaded at all times.
   
   
6. Animal Services has a LIMITED number of traps that can be leased out.
   
   
7. Animal Services will require permission to enter the property to remove trapped animal(s) and the trap, if applicable.
   
   
8. The intent of trapping is to safely contain an animal so that it can be safely transported somewhere else. It should be used as a last resort and not in any way to make the animal suffer. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to ensure that the animal is trapped and maintained in a humane manner until it can be transported. Trapping an animal is stressful on the animal to begin with and adding additional external stimuli such as animals or people harassing the animal, excessive heat, cold, or rain can add to the trauma, causing the animal to become injured or die as a result. Since you are the one trapping the animal and preventing it from leaving the area you are responsible for the outcome. If an animal becomes injured or dies as a result of negligence in trapping the individual may be liable civilly or criminally. The intent of trapping is to safely contain an animal so that it can be safely transported somewhere else. It should be used as a last resort and not in any way to make the animal suffer.
   
   
9. Use bait that is attractive to your target animal but not so attractive to non-target animals. Bait placement is important for some animals. For animals reluctant to enter the trap, trail baiting, leaving a small trail of food or scent for them to follow, can help guide them into a trap. Make sure the animal cannot reach through the sides of the trap.

Contact Wildlife Specialists

Wildlife Rehabilitators for Dallas County

Wildlife Rehabilitators for Tarrant County

If you have found an orphaned or injured baby wild animal, please follow the steps on proper capturing and transporting of the animal.