Animal Traps

Animal Trap Rental Overview

Portland residents may rent an animal trap to safely capture a wild animal. Animal traps may be rented for 14 calendar days for $10.00 (total) from Portland Animal Care Services. Animal traps may be used to trap the following animals:

• Skunks
• Racoons
• Coyotes
• Foxes
• Injured animals - please call Animal Control at 361-777-4444 to determine the need for a trap or alternative options 

Trap Rental Agreement

If you choose to utilize an animal trap, you are required to fill out the following form: Portland Animal Trap Rental Agreement (PDF) 
Please read the agreement carefully. Once you have fully read the agreement and completed the form, please call the Animal Care Services Unit at 361-777-4444 to make an appointment to deliver your signed form and receive an animal trap. 

Trap Rental Pick-Up

Once you capture one of the animals listed above, call 361-777-4444 as soon as possible to let Animal Care Officers know you have a trapped animal. An Animal Care Officer typically picks the traps up between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. Please place the trap in your front yard for pick-up. 

Animal Trap Rules

Until Animal Care Officers can pick up the trapped animal, you are responsible for the animal's well-being. If the trapped animal is neglected or not properly cared for, you may be charged with animal cruelty. Portland City Ordinance Sec. 3-4 requires persons with a trapped animal to provide shelter from extreme elements and basic necessities, like water.
Please note: Do not attempt to place water in the trap! Simply run water through a hose or container into the cage periodically. 

Opossum Trapping

Opossum (possum) trapping is highly discouraged since these animals are NOT prone to rabies infections and are highly beneficial to the environment/ecosystem. Read about the benefits of possums (link).