The Environmental Health Division strives to protect the citizens of Dallas County from disease associated with food, animals, vectors, water, and hazardous waste. Services the division offers include:
Animal Control
The primary goal of Animal Control program is to prevent and control the threat and spread of rabies virus in the animal and human population. Dallas County animal control officers are state certified and are charged with the responsibility of responding to animal bites to human and other animals, public trapping request for stray, wild and domestic animals, and dangerous dog and dangerous animal complaints in the unincorporated areas of Dallas County.
In addition, the animal control program assists Dallas County Sheriff's Department 24-hours, 7-days per week, by providing animal capture and recovery as a means to protect public health and safety, pet safety, and to prevent animal abuse.
Dallas County animal control officers participate in pet adoptions and animal rescue programs, as well as providing community outreach services in municipalities by providing equipment and manpower.
If you have a complaint and/or concern regarding dog bites, dangerous dogs, lost pets, pet adoptions, etc., please call (214) 819-2115.
Approval of Septic Systems
After on-site sewage facility (OSSF) applicants submit required paperwork to the division for approval, the design of the system is reviewed. Once approved, a permit is issued and the applicant is given the authorization to construct. Installation of the system will then be inspected.
Additional Resources:
Food Service Sanitations and Education
Dallas County food establishments are inspected to ensure they meet and maintain the required standards of sanitation.
Investigation of Public Health Complaints
On-site investigations regarding conditions that may be a danger to the public are conducted in relation to complaints based on:
- water quality
- public nuisances
- illegal dumping
- animal control
To report a public health complaint, call (214) 819-2115.
Licensed Facility Sanitation
Licensed Dallas County facilities such as daycare centers, group homes, foster homes, and residential treatment centers are inspected to ensure that they meet and maintain the required standards of sanitation, safety and communicable disease control.
Mobile Food Unit (MFU) Inspections
Starting September 1, 2023, Dallas County Health and Human Services Environmental Health will begin permitting mobile food units (MFUs) by appointment only. A MFU permit issued by Dallas County is for Health and Safety inspection only.
Vector Control
An integrated mosquito management program that includes surveillance, larvacide, adulticide and public awareness is used to control the mosquito population.
Learn more about West Nile Virus (WNV) and Chikungunya Virus.
More Information
DCHHS recommends consulting with local municipalities. Visit www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us
To find laws pertaining to food and drinking establishments, refer to:
To find laws pertaining to private sewage facilities, refer to:
To find laws pertaining to animal control, refer to:
To find laws pertaining to nuisances and general sanitation, refer to:
To find laws pertaining to abatement of public nuisances, refer to:
To find laws pertaining to litter, refer to:
To find laws pertaining to interactive water features and fountains, refer to:
