The primary responsibilities of the officers assigned to the Miami-Dade Police Department Animal Services Unit are to prevent and punish animal cruelty cases, protect the public from rabies and problems associated with stray dogs and cats, and pick up stray and injured animals.

Officers issue citations for failure to:

• license a dog
• vaccinate a dog or cat
• properly control a dog
• prevent cruelty to dogs or cats
• control a dangerous dog
• as well as several other animal-related violations.

The Animal Services Unit also offers pets for adoption and free spay/neuter services for the pets of Miami-Dade County residents. The unit is funded solely by dog license tag sales, shelter fees, enforcement fines, private grants and donations.

Visit the ASU Web site

Visit the Everglades Outpost Web site