Animal Control Ordinances

The following is a recap of Animal Control Ordinances pertaining to the City of Neptune Beach (Municipal Ordinances Sec. 6):

  • Keeping of farm animals is prohibited within the city limits and horses are prohibited on the beach. The city is a bird sanctuary. It is unlawful to shoot, mistreat or abandon any animal. Animals are not allowed to become a nuisance by making excessive noise, fighting with other animals, being vicious to citizens and left to roam at large. Dog and cat bites must be reported to the Police Department within 24 hours at (904) 270-2411.
  • Dogs must be on a leash not to exceed 12 feet in length and the leash must be held by the owner when off your property.
  • Every dog and cat over 4 months old must have a rabies vaccination every 12 months by a licensed veterinarian.
  • The rabies license must be affixed to the animal’s collar and worn AT ALL TIMES. In the event it escapes and is at large, the tag will help identify the animal.
  • If an animal is picked up by Animal Control, there is an impound fee and fee for food that must be paid in order to claim the animal.
  • Unclaimed animals will be transferred to the Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services (JACPS), Jacksonville, Florida. Applicable fines must be paid at the center to claim the animal. Call (904) 630-2489 with any questions.
  • Dog owner/handler must carry some sort of clean-up device to remove the animal’s feces from public or private property. Feces should then be deposited in a trash container.
  • Cats must be maintained on the owner’s property, not become a nuisance, stray onto other property or cause damage to property. Feral or stray cats will be trapped.