Animal Control

The animal control unit is responsible for enforcing Section 10 of the Bristol, Tennessee city ordinances regarding the care and welfare of domestic animals within the city limits to aid in ensuring the health and safety of the public. The animal control officer will respond to calls for services from concerned citizens, investigate reported violations, provide education for pet care, and direct those in need to additional animal resources available in our community.

Do you have a non-emergency stray animal problem? Fill out this online Stray Animal Report Form and let us know about it.

Animal control is available everyday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Animal related calls after hours will be answered by a patrol officer. To request assistance with an animal, call the dispatch center at 423-989-5600.

Application for Tethering Exemption Permit

City Code § 10-46(c) prohibits tethering a dog outside between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., without a permit obtained from the City. Such a permit may be issued:

1. To an owner who demonstrates a need for the permit based on their current work schedule. This permit will designate a specific eight-hour period in each 24-hour day when the dog owner is unable to tether the dog.
2. To an owner of sporting or hunting dogs, actually used (or intended to be used) to hunt game under a valid hunting license during the then present year or the year previous, when training or hardening toward such activity requires that the dogs be kept outside during the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This permit will designate a specific eight-hour period in each 24-hour day when the dog owner is unable to tether the dog.

To obtain such a permit, please complete the permit application in full and submit it to the Bristol Tennessee Police Department Animal Control Division either in person or by mail at 801 Anderson Street, Bristol, TN 37620.