Animal Control vs. Wildlife Removal: Who Should You Call?

Serving Pompano Beach, Boynton Beach, and surrounding areas

When an animal problem occurs on your property, it may not be obvious whether you should call animal control or a wildlife removal company. Although both can help with animal-related concerns, they generally handle different types of situations.

Local animal control or animal services typically focuses on domestic animals, public safety, and enforcement of local animal regulations. Wildlife removal companies specialize in nuisance wildlife that enters homes, businesses, attics, crawl spaces, and other areas of private property.

If an animal is actively attacking someone or there is an immediate threat to human safety, call 911.

What Does Animal Control Handle?

Animal control responsibilities vary by county and municipality, but local animal services commonly responds to issues involving domestic animals, public safety, and animal welfare.

Situations that may be appropriate for animal control include:

• Stray or Lost Pets: Loose, abandoned, or lost dogs and cats may be handled by local animal services.
• Aggressive Domestic Animals: Animal control may respond when a dog or other domestic animal poses a public safety concern.
• Animal Cruelty or Neglect: Suspected abuse or neglect of domestic animals should be reported to the appropriate local authority.
• Animal Law Enforcement: Local agencies may enforce regulations related to licensing, dangerous animals, leash requirements, and animal welfare.
• Public Health Concerns: Animal bites and suspected rabies exposure may require coordination with animal control or local public health officials.

When Should You Call Animal Control?

Contact your local animal control or animal services agency when the problem primarily involves a domestic animal, animal welfare concern, or immediate public safety issue.

• Stray or aggressive dogs
• Lost or abandoned pets
• Suspected animal abuse or neglect
• Injured domestic animals in public areas
• Animal bites or other situations requiring local authorities

What Does a Wildlife Removal Company Do?

Wildlife removal focuses on nuisance wild animals around homes and businesses. This may include animals entering attics, crawl spaces, garages, roofs, or other areas of a structure.

Depending on the species and situation, professional wildlife services may include:

• Wildlife Removal: Appropriate trapping, removal, or exclusion methods may be used based on the animal and applicable Florida wildlife regulations.
• Property Inspections: A wildlife professional can inspect the property to identify animal activity, entry points, nesting areas, and other contributing conditions.
• Wildlife Exclusion: Entry points and vulnerable areas can be sealed or repaired after animals are safely removed to help prevent re-entry.
• Prevention Recommendations: Property owners may receive recommendations for reducing food, shelter, and access that attract nuisance wildlife.

When Should You Call Wildlife Removal?

A professional wildlife removal company may be the better choice when a wild animal is living in or damaging your home or business and there is no immediate emergency.

• Noises coming from the attic, walls, or crawl space
• Wildlife entering or nesting inside a structure
• Property damage caused by raccoons, squirrels, rodents, or other animals
• Animal droppings or nesting material
• Recurring wildlife activity around entry points

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What About Bats and Other Protected Wildlife?

Some wildlife is protected by state or federal law, which can affect how and when an animal may be removed. Protected wildlife should never be trapped, relocated, or disturbed without first determining which regulations apply.

Bats

Florida bats are protected year-round. When a bat colony is living inside a structure, exclusion is the legal and appropriate removal method. Bat exclusion is generally allowed from August 15 through April 15 and is restricted during Florida’s maternity season unless appropriate authorization is obtained.

Protected Birds and Other Wildlife

Many native and migratory birds, as well as threatened or endangered wildlife, are protected by state or federal regulations. Removal may require permits or coordination with the appropriate wildlife authority.

A professional wildlife provider can help identify the species and determine whether removal, exclusion, permitting, or referral to another wildlife resource is appropriate.

Wildlife Removal in South Florida

If nuisance wildlife has entered your home or business, Petri Pest Control provides professional wildlife removal and exclusion throughout Broward & Palm Beach Counties, FL.

Our team evaluates the species involved, where activity is occurring, and how animals are accessing the structure before recommending an appropriate solution.

Not sure whether your situation requires animal control or professional wildlife removal? Contact Petri Pest Control and we can help determine the appropriate next step.