Yes, they can.
All dogs and cats are required by law to be licensed. Dogs are required to wear their license. Dogs and cats that are outside, and whose owner is not present, are required to bear valid identification. No animal may roam off of the owner's property. Officers trace tags to determine where the pet belongs.
Under the "Free Ride Home Program" Animal Control Officers pledge that if any dog or cat is picked up for simple straying, and that animal is wearing a tag the officer can trace, or has a registered microchip, the officer will take the pet home rather than impounding it at the shelter located at 2100 S Military Highway.
This pledge is made providing there is no serious violation of law involved, such as a bite or mauling, and there is an adult owner home to receive the animal.
If there is no owner at home, the officer will leave the owner a notice advising them that their pet has been taken to the shelter. In that way owners will know where to find their pet and know that it is safe.