Animal Control

Animal Control Officers

The Great Falls Police Department has Three Animal Control Officers (ACO's).  Animal Control Officers are on duty Monday through Friday (9:00 am to 5:00 pm).  They also cover on-call hours outside of their normal working hours, weekends, and holidays, for emergencies as determined by our Dispatch Center.  Animal complaints can be made any day and anytime through our Dispatch Center.  

They are responsible for work in the collection, impoundment, and care of stray or vicious dogs, cats and other animals. They enforce city ordinances and state laws relating to control of animals. All of which is designed to control the domesticated animal population.

Duties include:

• Handling animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals
• Investigating cruelty cases
• Testifying in court
• Patrolling assigned areas for strays; impounding dogs, cats, and other animals
• Receiving and responding to complaints and inquiries on the phone or in-person
• Issuing citations, based on state and local laws
• Explaining city ordinances
• Quarantining live animals and retrieving dead animals
• Issuing special animal permits and monitoring compliance
• Assisting Animal Shelter personnel regarding assessment and vaccination of impounded animals

At the bottom of the page, there are several supporting documents that can assist you in dealing with a problem animal issue.