Topeka Police Department Animal Control

10/07/2026

🦇Bats are commonly found in both urban and rural communities across Kansas, and they carry a risk of rabies to both humans and pets. Vaccinating your dogs and cats helps protect both your two and four-legged family members.

🔗Learn more about rabies: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1497/Rabies

🔗Learn more about bats: https://www.batcon.org/about-bats/bats-101/

🔗Bats in Kansas: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2467/Bats-in-Kansas

🔗What to do when you find a bat in your home: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/60100/Bats-Rabies-and-You-PDF

09/22/2026

FOUND GOAT

📍 Found 9/22/26

This goat was spotted at Heritage Motors and was safely picked up and transported to Shawnee County’s contracted holding facility.

Please contact Topeka Animal Control at

785-368-3166

Thank you

09/21/2026

Good morning, Topeka!

We have seen an increase in requests for Animal Control to pick up lost and stray animals. Due to our current call volume, it has been extremely difficult to get to everyone in a timely manner.

When it is safe and reasonable to do so, please exhaust all options to try to get the animal back home before requesting Animal Control pickup.

If you find a lost animal, please:

-Check for a collar or identification
-Have the animal scanned for a microchip
-Ask nearby residents if they recognize the animal
-Post on local lost-and-found pet pages and neighborhood groups
-Give the owner an opportunity to be reunited with their pet when possible

Please call Animal Control when you are unable to safely contain the animal, the animal is injured or sick, poses a safety concern, is aggressive, or when you have exhausted reasonable efforts to locate the owner and still need assistance.

Our officers will always do their best to respond to calls based on urgency and available resources. We appreciate your patience and your help in keeping animals out of the shelter whenever possible.

Thank you, Topeka!

09/15/2026

With the summer weather, we are continuing to see an increase in dogs running at large. We want to remind our community how important it is to keep your pets safely contained.

Keeping your dog in your yard helps prevent:

-Disease transmission
-Traffic hazards
-Accidental bites
-Lost or injured pets
-Dangers to your pet and our community

City of Topeka Ordinance 06.05.090 prohibits dogs and pot-belly pigs from running at large.

“At large” means an animal is not on the property of its owner and is not under the physical control of the owner by a leash or similar device. Voice or remote control alone is not considered adequate control.

Keep your pets safe. Keep them contained. Keep Topeka safe.

09/06/2026

Happy National Read a Book day!

Did you know you can call the city shelter and set up a time to volunteer and read to the animals? 📖🐶🐱

(If you are under 16, you will need to be accompanied by an adult)

So why is this such good information? Let me explain

-It helps calm anxiety.
Reading can be incredibly soothing for animals who may be stressed or overwhelmed. (And honestly, I’d even say it’s pretty calming for the reader, too!)

-It helps socialize animals.
Spending quiet, positive time with people helps animals become more comfortable and can give them an even better chance of finding the right family.

-It helps build literacy and confidence.
Reading to an animal gives children a chance to practice without the fear of judgment. They can read at their own pace, build confidence, and know they’re doing it for a cause. ❤️

So grab a book, find a comfy spot, and start reading!

You never know… your next audience might have four paws and be waiting for their forever family.

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend

09/06/2026

Say hello to Zeke!

Our ACO team was dispatched to a call involving two abandoned dogs, and they didn’t waste any time getting these pups the help they needed.

Animal Control acted quickly and transported both dogs to our city veterinarian for immediate medical care. Once they were stabilized, they were transported to Helping Hands Humane Society, where they continued receiving the care and support they needed to get back on their paws and ready for their next chapter.

And now… Zeke is ready for a forever home! 🏡

If you’re looking to add a loving companion to your family, please go meet Zeke. We promise, you won’t regret it!

Zeke, a seven-month-old German Shephard mix, was rescued from a neglect situation and is now available for adoption at Helping Hands Humane Society. ⬇️

09/01/2026

Date:8/31/26
Time: 1330 hours
Description: White/Tan/Boxer mix/Adult
Location: Se 25th st/Se Minnesota Ave

Animal control picked up a dog with description above. Due to the condition of the dog, the dog is seeking medical treatment at our contracted vet.

If you are missing a dog matching the description above, please leave a voicemail for animal control at 785-368-3166 and we will contact you back as soon as possible.

Thank you

08/30/2026

Happy Sunday, Topeka!

A quick reminder from our team: we’re heading into another hot week. We can do this, Topeka! We’re so close to cooler weather! 🍁

Please be mindful of our neighborhood pets, check in on our elderly neighbors, and make sure we are following all ordinances pertaining to Topeka City Code 06.05.100 to help ensure our pets have a safe week ahead.

We strongly recommend taking animals outside for short bathroom breaks and exercise and then bringing them back inside whenever possible. We also understand that this isn’t always realistic for every household. If your pet must remain outside, please make sure they have:

💧 Fresh, clean water available 24/7
🌳 Adequate shade to escape the heat
🏠 Proper shelter and protection from the elements

Under 06.05.100, please make sure your animals have the proper provisions to stay safe during extreme temperatures.

Remember, elderly animals, young animals, and certain breeds can be especially vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heat-related illness. Please keep a close eye on your pets and watch for signs that they may be struggling with the heat.

🚨 If you see an animal suffering in the heat without proper provisions or showing signs of heat exhaustion, please contact our dispatch at 785-368-9203.

Let’s look out for one another and our four-legged neighbors.

08/21/2026

Happy Friday, Topeka!

The Animal Control Unit wants to give you a few quick reminders about why keeping your dog on a leash is so important for your pet, other animals, and our community.

🐶 Even the best-behaved dogs can be unpredictable when they’re off leash. Here’s what can happen:

🐶 Your dog can get distracted and wander away.

🐶 A loose animal can run up on your dog, potentially causing a fight or unwanted interaction.

🐶 Your dog can get too close to the road or run into traffic.

🐶 They can find something off the ground that could be dangerous or toxic to eat.

🐶 Cars can be unpredictable, and your dog may not know how to safely avoid traffic.

🐶 A jogger may look like a playmate! An excited dog may chase or jump on someone who is simply passing by.

One look away can be fatal. A leash gives you that extra layer of control when the unexpected happens.

And remember, this isn’t just a recommendation, it’s the law. City of Topeka Ordinance 06.05.090 prohibits animals from running at large. This also includes public parks.

Let’s please leash our animals, keep our community safe, and help prevent unwanted bites, accidents, and tragic outcomes.

Have a safe and happy Friday, Topeka!

08/16/2026

Taking care of an animal isn’t just about their physical health, their mental health matters too!

For our energetic and hyper pets, it can be frustrating when hot weather keeps them from getting their usual exercise and outdoor activities. But there are plenty of ways to keep them happy, healthy, mentally stimulated, and calm while staying safe in the heat!

Post a photo of your animal enjoying their favorite activity or playing with their favorite toy!