Fort McDowell Police Department - Animal Control

The Fort McDowell Police Department is responsible for animal control within the boundaries of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. In 2011 a set of Animal Control Ordinances was enacted and enforcement on many dog/cat problems became available.

Animal Rescue

The department’s police assistant, as well as all our officers, are involved in picking up all stray/abandoned animals found or reported on the reservation.

In 2016, 117 dogs and cats were picked up as stray, abandoned, or unwanted within the Nation. When an animal is picked up, they are held for three days while a flyer is sent out trying to locate an owner. After three days, and if the animals are still unclaimed, they are transported to the Rabies and Animal Control Facility in Mesa, or turned over to an animal rescue facility.

Free Spay/Neuter Clinic

The department hosts at least one free spay/neuter clinic a year for our community’s pet owners.  In March 2017, 49 dogs and cats were spayed and neutered, bring the total for the last 4 years up to almost 300.  We also host free rabies clinics; the Indian Health Services Department provides a veterinarian and all the vaccines.  Approximately 98 dogs and cats were vaccinated in March 2017 alone.

As well as catching dogs and cats, our department has had one injured bird, one young owl and one injured hawk turned in for care. Wildlife rescue facilities were contacted and took over the care of these three animals.

Contact Us

If you would like to report a stray/abandoned animal, or if you see an animal in distress, call the Fort McDowell Police Department at 480-837-1091.