Animal Control vs. Wildlife Removal: What’s the Difference?

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If you have an animal problem, knowing who to call can save time and help you get the right kind of assistance. Animal control and wildlife removal may sound similar, but they typically handle different situations.

Animal control generally focuses on public safety, animal welfare, and issues involving domestic animals such as stray or aggressive dogs. Wildlife removal companies typically help property owners with nuisance wildlife living in or around homes and businesses.

Animal Control vs. Wildlife Removal at a Glance

Situation	Who to Call
Stray, lost, or aggressive domestic animal	Animal control
Animal abuse or neglect	Animal control or the appropriate local authority
Wildlife inside an attic, crawl space, wall, or structure	Wildlife removal company
Raccoons, squirrels, bats, or other nuisance wildlife damaging property	Wildlife removal company
Potentially rabid or dangerous wildlife in a public area	Local animal control or wildlife agency
Protected wildlife or active bird nests	Contact a qualified wildlife professional or the appropriate state/federal wildlife agency

What Does Animal Control Do?

Animal control responsibilities vary by city and county, but agencies generally focus on public safety, animal welfare, and enforcement of local animal laws.

Depending on the local agency, services may include:

• Stray or Lost Animals: Responding to reports involving loose, abandoned, or lost domestic animals.
• Aggressive Animals: Handling situations involving domestic animals that may pose an immediate public safety concern.
• Animal Welfare: Investigating reports of abuse, neglect, or improper care.
• Local Animal Ordinances: Enforcing requirements related to licensing, confinement, or other animal-control regulations.
• Public Health Concerns: Coordinating certain situations involving animal bites, rabies concerns, or sick animals.

When Should You Call Animal Control?

Animal control may be the right first call when the issue involves:

• A stray or aggressive dog.
• A lost or abandoned domestic animal.
• Suspected animal abuse or neglect.
• An injured domestic animal in a public area.
• A potentially rabid animal creating an immediate public safety concern.

Because animal control responsibilities vary by location, your local city or county agency can confirm whether a specific wildlife situation falls within its services.

What Does a Wildlife Removal Company Do?

A wildlife removal company typically helps homeowners and businesses when wild animals are living in, under, or around a structure or causing property damage.

Services may include:

• Wildlife Inspection: Identifying the animal involved, locating entry points, and assessing visible damage or nesting activity.
• Wildlife Removal: Using appropriate trapping or removal methods based on the species, property, and applicable wildlife regulations.
• Exclusion: Sealing accessible entry points and recommending repairs that can help reduce repeat wildlife activity.
• Cleanup & Sanitization: Addressing droppings, nesting material, odors, or other contamination when needed.
• Prevention Recommendations: Identifying food sources, structural openings, or other property conditions that may be attracting wildlife.

When Should You Call Wildlife Removal?

A wildlife removal company may be appropriate when you notice:

• Scratching or movement in walls, ceilings, or the attic.
• Wildlife living in a crawl space, chimney, vent, or other part of the structure.
• Damage to soffits, vents, roofing, insulation, or wiring.
• Droppings, nesting material, or tracks inside the property.
• Recurring raccoon, squirrel, bat, bird, opossum, or other wildlife activity around the structure.

What About Birds, Bats, and Other Protected Wildlife?

Some wildlife species are protected by federal or state law, which can affect when and how they may be removed. Requirements vary by species and location, so these situations should be handled carefully.

Many migratory birds are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Active nests containing eggs or chicks generally cannot be removed without appropriate authorization, although rules can differ depending on the situation and location.

Bats and other wildlife may also be subject to seasonal restrictions, permit requirements, or specific state regulations. A qualified wildlife professional can help determine the appropriate next step and whether a wildlife agency needs to be involved.

Wildlife Removal for Homes & Businesses

If wildlife is living inside your home or business, damaging the property, or repeatedly using the same entry points, Rocket Pest Control can inspect the property and recommend an appropriate removal and exclusion plan.

Our team provides professional wildlife removal and rodent control services throughout Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Not sure who to call? Contact Rocket Pest Control today and we can help determine whether your situation is appropriate for professional wildlife removal.

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