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to Animal Control Contact Information
Lost Dogs
In 2003, 513 dogs were reclaimed at the Athens-Clarke County Animal
Control facility. In order for us to help you find your pet, we
offer these suggestions:
- It is
possible that we have received a call about your pet or may already
have your dog at our facility. You can contact us at 613-3540.
- You may
send us a flyer that includes a description of your dog.
- Fax your
flyer to us at 613-3545 or bring them by our facility.
Please do not e-mail these files.
- We will
post these flyers in our impound room and enter the descriptions in
our lost and found files.
- Contact
the Athens Banner-Herald and, for a week, they will run a free Lost
Dog Ad in the Classified Section.
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Adoptions
Athens-Clarke County Animal Control adopts approximately 450 dogs
per year. The cost of adoption is $50.00, which includes a DHLPP-C vaccination,
an adoption information packet, and a implanted microchip. You, as the
adopter, are responsible for the cost of spay or neuter and for returning
proof of surgery to Animal Control. Adopters must obtain a rabies vaccination
for their dog by the time the dog is 4 months old. We welcome both families
and individuals to visit us and interact with the dogs at our facility.
If you wish to adopt a dog, we can assist you in completing an adoption
application. There is a 24-hour waiting period for all adoption applications.
Owner-surrendered animals are available for adoption immediately. Other animals must be held for five days, not including the day it comes in and not including days when the shelter is closed before it can be adopted. We accept applications for adoption during that time, and the animal may be adopted on the sixth day. Applications for adoption are taken on a first-come, first serve basis.
An updated listing of dogs currently available (updated every weekday
except during holidays and special events) for adoption at Animal Control
can be found at www.athensclarkecounty.com/animalcontrol and some dogs are highlighted on ACTV Cable Channel 7.
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Barking Dogs
We handle complaints of barking dogs during regular business hours
only. We respond to these complaints by issuing a written warning to the
owner at the time of the first complaint. If we receive another complaint
within 90 days, we will issue a citation to the owner provided that at
least two adult witnesses sign a written statement and agree to appear
in Municipal Court to testify about the complaint.
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Animal Cruelty
In order for us to investigate an allegation of animal cruelty, we
must have the following information:
- Name,
address, and phone number of the complainant. This information is kept
confidential, but is required to establish a cause to investigate.
- Exact
address of the location of the animal(s). We must have a street name
and number, including the apartment or lot number.
- A specific
incident or observation made by the complainant; in other words, the
person calling must have seen an act of cruelty occur.
We can only remove a dog in order to prevent further suffering if the
dog’s life is in imminent danger. In most cases, the owner is given an
opportunity to improve the dog’s condition and provide proper care first.
Only in extreme cases do we impound an animal and charge the owner with
cruelty to animals.
It
is very important that citizens do not attempt to “solve” the problem
by providing food, water, shelter, or other care that could potentially
destroy the physical evidence of neglect and cruelty. It is also absolutely
critical that citizens do not take matters into their own hands and remove
the dog. To do so may subject the citizen to criminal charges of theft
by taking, obstruction of Animal Control, criminal trespass, criminal
destruction of property, and other crimes.
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Surrenders
Citizens of Athens-Clarke County may surrender dogs at no charge.
Surrendering owners must bring their dog to the shelter and provide proof
of residency in Athens-Clarke County. In most cases, surrendered animals
are offered for adoption immediately. As space is limited, however, we
cannot guarantee any surrendered animal will be held for adoption.
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Reclaims
Each day, Athens-Clarke County Animal Control responds to a number
of calls regarding dogs running “at large.” To ensure the safety of the
public and of these animals, we pick up these dogs and hold them at our
facility. If your dog is lost, please call Animal Control first—we may
have your dog at our facility. The cost of reclaiming an impounded dog
is $25.00 for a spayed or neutered dog for the first impound ($30 for
the second and $35 for each additional impound) or $50 for an unspayed
or unneutered dog for the first impound ($75 for the second and $100 for
each additional impound), plus $5.00 per day of boarding, $7.00 for a
rabies purchase order if your dog is without a current rabies vaccination,
and cost of any required veterinary services and inoculations. There may
also be additional fees for violations of the Athens-Clarke County Animal
Control ordinances.
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Donations
If you would like to donate time, in the form of volunteer service,
or money, in the form of a tax-deductible contribution, please contact
us. Any help is greatly appreciated.
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Rabies
To keep you and your pets safe from rabies, the Georgia Division of
Public Health makes several suggestions. First, it is important to visit
your veterinarian on a regular basis and keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date
for all cats, ferrets, and dogs. Second, maintain control of your pets
by keeping cats and ferrets indoors and keeping dogs under control. Third,
spaying and neutering pets helps reduce the number of unwanted pets that
may not be properly cared for or vaccinated regularly. Lastly, call Animal
Control to remove all stray animals or sick wildlife from your neighborhood
since these animals may be unvaccinated or ill.
Athens-Clarke
County Animal Control responds to all complaints of sick wildlife in Clarke
County. Signs of sickness or rabies include hair loss, mucous in the eyes
or nose, excessive salivation, dementia, or aggressive behavior. Daytime
activity of otherwise nocturnal animals is occasionally a sign of sickness.
However, during spring and early summer, while offspring are being born
and raised, it is not rare to find wildlife active during the day, especially
on overcast days or on wooded lots. Remove bird feeders, pet food, and
access to other types of food or water to decrease the chances of wildlife
interaction with pets and people.
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Animal Related Phone Numbers
For your convenience, we have provided this listing of animal control
problems that may arise and the appropriate agency or department to contact.
In any emergency, please dial 911.
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