Joel Armstead is the Animal Control Officer (ACO) for the Maryland Heights/Bridgeton area. He has been an ACO for ten years. Prior to becoming an ACO, Joel worked for Washington University School of Medicine in Animal Care for three years. Joel has networked and knows many other Animal Control Officers in the surrounding area. If there is a situation Joel is not able to assist with, he will be able to direct residents to external resources.
“The stigma that goes with Animal Control of snatching dogs and cats off the street and throwing them in a “Pound” is a false narrative. I want nothing more than for you to be reunited with your pet and I will take the extra steps to understand the situation at hand” says Joel. He suggests residents educate themselves with the Maryland Heights Animal Code which provides an outline on what is considered legal and illegal. “Most situations can be resolved with communication and by becoming familiar with the animals that live in each neighborhood helps reduce the number of animal calls.”
Our Animal Control Officer (ACO) is able to assist with domestic animal issues (loose dogs, bite reports, nuisance animals, missing animal notifications, etc.). While Joel is not licensed to handle wild animal cases, he can assist in certain situations. For example, if a raccoon enters your home (living quarters), we would be able to come out and assess the situation and assist in removing the animal. However, if the wild animal is in an attic or crawlspace under the home, liability reasons prevent him from handling this situation and you will have to call a pest control company.
Our ACO will only trap a wild animal if it has bitten a human. Maryland Heights is a very wildlife friendly community surrounded by wooded areas. We have to share our community and environment with these creatures.
Monday – Friday
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
After hours assistance is provided by St. Louis County and there may be a slight delay in response time because this unit covers the entire St. Louis County area.
Barking Dogs - A dog that excessively makes disturbing noises such as barking, howling or whining may be deemed a public nuisance and its owner may be subject to a fine.
Leash Law - All dogs must be kept on a leash when off their own property and must have a rabies control tag issued by St. Louis County.
For more Animal Laws, please read Chapter 5 “Animals” on Maryland Heights Municipal Code.
Maryland Heights Animal Control can be reached at:
314-373-3873
Jarmstead@marylandheights.com
If you do not receive an answer, please leave a voicemail and our ACO will call you back or contact Maryland Heights Police Dispatch at 314-298-8700.
After Hours (Weekends and after 6:00 p.m.)
St. Louis County Animal Care and Control: 636-589-8210