Pet Information
Find / Report a Lost Pet
The City of Coral Gables does not provide animal care services. Miami-Dade County Animal Services is the agency charged with the responsibility of enforcing Chapter 5 of the Code of Miami-Dade County, as well as Florida Statute 828, which deals primarily with animal cruelty issues.
If you’ve lost your pet in Coral Gables, it is recommended that you search websites such as:
You may place “lost pet” announcements in Miami Herald classified ads or bulletin boards such as those found in supermarkets or community centers, if given permission. Please check all animal shelters first to see if your pet was picked up by Animal Services.
Adoption
The Humane Society of Greater Miami is an adoption facility dedicated to placing every dog and cat in its care into a loving home.
Miami-Dade County Animal Services also offers pet adoption. You can view adoptable pets by visiting county animal shelters.
Licensing & Vaccination
All dogs, cats, and ferrets that are four months of age or older are required to be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian against rabies. They also need to be revaccinated 12 months after the initial vaccination.
You can also microchip your pet which will give your pet the voice they don’t have. Microchips are tiny capsules that are inserted under your pet’s skin which contain a unique identification number that links you and your pet.
Obtain a license tag, vaccinations or microchips for your pet.
Miami-Dade County Animal Services offers donor-subsidized spay/neuter services at Doral and Homestead locations.
Spay/neuter services are also provided by the Humane Society of Greater Miami at its facilities. For more information, contact 305-696-0800.
The Cat Network also provides low-cost spay/neuter services through its convenient “Miami Meow Mobile.” For more information, contact 305-233-9958.
Dead Animal Collection
To request removal of a dead animal on a public right-of-way, visit the Citizen Request Portal, select Public Works, and submit a dead animal removal request.
Wildlife Tips
Coyotes have been spotted in urban and suburban areas throughout South Florida, including Coral Gables.
Follow these tips to avoid conflicts:
- Feeding coyotes is illegal. Remove or secure outdoor pet food, birdseed, fallen fruit, garbage and other potential food sources.
- Reinforce coyotes fear of humans by installing motion-activated sprinklers or alarms.
- Keep pets in enclosed areas and walk dogs on a short leash.
- If a coyote approaches closely, make loud noises and act aggressively. Continue until the coyote leaves the area.
- Report sightings to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 561-625-5122.
What the City of Coral Gables Is Doing
The City of Coral Gables is aware of recent coyote sightings reported by residents and is taking proactive steps to support public safety and keep the community informed. While wildlife management and enforcement fall under the jurisdiction of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the city is actively coordinating and providing resources to residents.
Current city actions include:
- Public Safety Aides and Police coordination: Public Safety Aides and the Coral Gables Police Department’s non-emergency line have been provided with guidance and information to share with residents who report sightings or have concerns.
- FWC coordination: The city is in direct communication with FWC, which remains the appropriate authority for wildlife response, investigation and enforcement.
- Exploring additional options: The city is evaluating whether it can engage a professional wildlife trapper, in coordination with FWC and consistent with state regulations, should conditions warrant further action.
Residents are encouraged to report coyote sightings or concerning behavior directly to FWC, as outlined in the safety guidance above. In the meantime, public awareness, proper precautions and clear communication remain key to minimizing risk and preventing conflicts.
The city will continue to monitor the situation and update residents as additional information becomes available.
The city would like to share resources on iguana control that may help residents.
Peafowl may be beautiful, but their growing numbers have created challenges for many Coral Gables neighborhoods. In response, the City Commission adopted a Peafowl Mitigation Policy to address the issue in a humane and responsible manner.
Residents may now hire licensed private professionals to humanely remove and relocate peacocks from their property.
The city also set aside a budget to fund humane removal from public rights-of-way and city-owned land, coordinated through the Code Enforcement Division.
Please don’t feed peacocks, as it contributes to the problem. Peacocks, their nests, and eggs may not be harmed or killed under any circumstance.
For more information or to request guidance on humane removal, please contact our Code Enforcement team at 305-441-5777.
Sick, Injured, and Orphaned Native Wildlife - Pelican Harbor Seabird Station
Pelican Harbor Seabird Station is open 365 days a year and field hundreds of calls offering guidance on renesting, species identification, and referrals for non-native species. If you feel comfortable containing an animal, you can bring it directly to them, or they can reach out to volunteers, or send an Uber! Overnight drop-off cages also available.
The Seabird Station accepts all native birds, mammals, and reptiles. Injured wildlife can be dropped off 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.