Can I file a barking dog complaint?

Barking dogs and other loud or nuisance animals bring frequent complaints to the Shaler Police Department particularly in warm weather when windows are open. Not only is it extremely inconsiderate to allow dogs to bark excessively or continuously, but it is also against the law.  Owners of barking dogs may be in violation of the noise ordinance and may be subject to a summons/or fine.  To file a complaint or for further information, please call 911.

How do I obtain a Dog License?

Every dog three months of age and older needs an annual County dog license. Contact John K. Weinstein, County Treasurer at the following link for information and application:  http://www.alleghenycounty.us/treasure/dog.aspx

In accordance with state law, every dog and cat three months of age and older must be vaccinated against rabies. 

What are the laws regarding pets in public parks?

Due to the use of public parks by young children the township prohibits pets in most parks. Fall Run Park is the exception but residents are reminded to carry bags to clean up after their pets.

What can I do if I've lost or found a pet?

If you have lost a pet or have found one running loose, there are several steps that should be taken for the safety of the animal as well as the public. An animal running freely is in danger. It could be hit by a car, eat discarded and potentially dangerous foods or trash or be cut by glass or nails. Loose pets can also scatter garbage and cause damage to private property. 

To report a lost or found animal, please call 911. When reporting, please provide a descripton of the animal along with any identification the pet is wearing. The animal will be placed on a missing animal watch list with your name and phone number. You will be contacted should the police find your animal or someone reports the animal as being found. Stray animals are turned over to Triangle Pet who are contracted by the township for animal control.  To report a lost or found pet, call 911 for immediate response.

What do I do if a neighbor's pet is a public nuisance?

Pet owners have an obligation to prevent their animals from becoming public nuisances.  This includes excessive, continuous or untimely barking, attacking people or domestic animals, chasing vehicles and trespassing or damaging private property.  The following actions for such cases suggested: 1. talk to the owners of the animals - they may not know that their animal is creating a problem.  If step 1 is unsuccessful and you know the owner's name and address, send a certified letter to them (return receipt requested) outlining the problem. Shaler Township Police will investigate such complaints however if the animal control officers contracted thru the Township or the police officers do not witness these violations, they cannot act upon them. Residents can file a complaint at the District Magistrate's office and take the offenders to court.

What is the pooper scooper law?

Due to public health concerns residents walking dogs are expected to carry bags and clean up after their pets.

Who do I call for a stray dog in the neighborhood?

Please call 412-473-3056, the non emergency number for Shaler Police, to report a stray dog in the neighborhood.  The police will respond to the call and attempt to catch the animal.  The dog will be transported to the Shaler Police station and placed with the animal control provider for the required period of time. 

Who do I call for dead animals on the roadway?

Residents are advised to call 412-492-2222 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday.  Please provide the location of the animal to be removed, along with an approximate address or landmark.  The Township will notify the animal control provider to remove the animal within a reasonable time period.

If the animal is causing a traffic hazard or is in a densely populated area, please call 911 to report the condition.  Emergency personnel will be dispatched to the scene for immediate response.

Who do I call for feral cats in the neighborhood?

Feral cats are stray, homeless cats that have no socialization skills and are afraid of human contact.They often run away when approached by individuals. Feral cats are becoming a significant problem in Shaler Township.  We have identified an organization that is willing to help with this issue.  The contact name and number is Homeless Cats Management Team of Allegheny County at 412-321-4060.