Animal Control

The Dixie County Sheriff’s Office operates Dixie County’s Animal Control Unit. The Animal Control officer works diligently to keep abandoned animals off the streets and in a safe and secure environment.

The Animal Shelter is located at:
Dixie County Jail
386 NE 255 Street
Cross City, Florida 32628
(352)498-1231

The Dixie County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Unit handles animal bites. With less than 50% of the suspect animals vaccinated against rabies, an unvaccinated pet not only puts the animal at risk but also the bite victim and owner. Many pets have contact with area wildlife, such as raccoons, foxes, beavers, skunks, and bats. Rabies is a virus transmittable from animal to human, usually transferred by a bite from an infected animal. Rabies is preventable for people and pets; owners must get their animals to their veterinarian for immunizations. The Dixie County Sheriff’s Office advises people to leave the five common rabies carriers alone—contact (352)498-1231 if you see a sick animal.

Residents are advised to follow these suggestions:

• Keep children away from wildlife
• Keep pets away from wildlife
• Keep pets inside, if possible
• Do not feed wildlife
• Do not leave food or food sources outside and accessible to wildlife.
• Vaccinate pets: dogs, cats, and ferrets.