What County Animal Control Does and Where to Find It
County animal control is a government department that handles stray animals, dangerous dogs, wildlife complaints, and animal cruelty reports in your area. It is run by your county — not your city or state — and the office that serves you depends on where you live. If you live in an unincorporated area (outside city limits), the county office handles all calls. If you live inside a city, your city may have its own animal control, or the county may cover both.
The fastest way to find your office is to search "[your county name] animal control" online, or call your county's main phone number and ask for the animal control department. Many counties list their office on the county government website under "Animal Services" or "Public Health." Some counties run animal control through the sheriff's office instead of a separate department, so if your first search does not work, try "[your county name] sheriff animal control."
Key Takeaways
- County animal control is run by your county government, and the office location and phone number vary by where you live.
- You can find your local office by searching "[your county name] animal control" or calling your county's main switchboard.
- Most offices take reports by phone during business hours and have emergency numbers for nights and weekends.
- Animal control handles stray animals, dangerous dog complaints, wildlife in homes, and animal cruelty — but not all wildlife calls go to animal control.
- Response time depends on the type of call: dangerous animals get faster response than stray dogs, and wildlife calls may go to a state wildlife agency instead.
How to Report a Problem to Animal Control
Call your county animal control office during business hours to report a stray dog, cat, or other domestic animal; a dangerous or aggressive dog; an animal that may be sick or injured; or suspected animal cruelty. Have ready the location where you saw the animal, a description of what it looks like, and any details about what happened (for example, "the dog chased a child" or "the cat has been in the yard for three days").
If the call is after hours or on a weekend, most counties have an emergency number for urgent situations — a dog actively attacking someone, for instance. Non-emergency calls can usually wait until the office opens. Some counties take reports online through their website, which is useful if you want a record of the report or if the office is closed.
Response Times and What Happens After You Call
Response time varies by the type of call and how busy the office is. A report of a dog actively attacking gets faster response than a report of a stray dog in your yard. Dangerous animal calls may arrive within hours; stray animal calls may take a day or longer. During holidays or in rural counties with few officers, waits can be longer.
After you call, an officer will go to the location you reported. If they find the animal, they will attempt to capture it safely and bring it to the county shelter or animal control facility. If the animal is injured or appears sick, the officer may contact a veterinarian. If you reported cruelty, the officer will document what they see and may refer the case to law enforcement or the district attorney's office.
Wildlife Calls and When Animal Control Is Not the Right Number
Many wildlife problems — raccoons in an attic, snakes in a garage, deer in a yard — do not go to county animal control. Instead, they go to your state's wildlife agency, which may be called the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, or Wildlife Commission depending on your state. Your county animal control office can tell you the right number, or you can search "[your state name] wildlife" online.
Some counties do handle wildlife calls, so it is worth asking when you call. If the animal is a domestic pet that has gone wild (like an escaped parrot or rabbit), animal control usually handles it. If it is a native wild animal, the state wildlife agency usually does. The person who answers your call can direct you to the right place if you reach the wrong office.
Finding Contact Information for Your Specific County
Start with a web search for "[your county name] animal control" or "[your county name] animal services." Most county websites have a phone number, address, and hours listed. If you cannot find it online, call your county's main switchboard number (usually listed on the county website under "Contact Us") and ask to be transferred to animal control.
Write down the regular business phone number and the after-hours emergency number and keep them somewhere you can find them quickly. Some counties post both numbers on their website; others only give the emergency number by phone. If you have a non-emergency question, call during business hours rather than using the emergency line.
What to Bring or Have Ready When You Contact Animal Control
Have your address or the address where the animal is located ready before you call. If you are reporting an animal on someone else's property, know that address too. Describe the animal as clearly as you can: color, size, breed if you know it, and whether it is wearing a collar or tags. If you are reporting a dangerous situation, describe what the animal did and whether anyone was hurt.
If you are reporting cruelty or neglect, describe what you have seen — for example, "the dog has been tied to a tree for two weeks with no water bowl visible" — rather than guessing about the owner's intent. Officers investigate based on what they observe, not on assumptions. If you have photos or video, some offices will accept them, though you can also describe what you saw over the phone.
Understanding Shelter and Stray Hold Policies
When animal control brings a stray animal to the county shelter, it is held for a set number of days so the owner can claim it. This period is usually five to seven days, but it varies by county and state. During this time, the shelter tries to contact the owner using any microchip or ID tag information on the animal.
If you lost a pet, contact your county animal control shelter directly and ask if your animal has been brought in. Provide a description and any identifying information like a microchip number or collar details. If your pet is there, you will need to pay a fee to reclaim it — usually a boarding fee plus any veterinary costs. If your pet is not there after a few days, contact local shelters and rescue groups as well, since some areas have multiple facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report an animal after hours or on a weekend?
Most counties have an emergency animal control number for nights, weekends, and holidays. Call your county's main emergency line (911 in many places) and ask for animal control, or search your county's website for the after-hours number. Non-emergency calls can wait until business hours.
What if I find a lost pet with a collar and tags?
Try calling the phone number on the tag first. If there is no number or you cannot reach anyone, take the animal to your county animal control shelter or a local veterinary clinic — both can scan for a microchip and help locate the owner. Do not assume the animal is a stray; it may belong to someone nearby.
Can animal control remove a snake or raccoon from my property?
It depends on your county. Some animal control offices handle all wildlife; others only handle domestic animals and refer wildlife calls to your state's wildlife agency. Call your county office and ask, or search for "[your state name] wildlife" to find the right number.
What happens if I report someone for animal cruelty?
An animal control officer will investigate by visiting the property and documenting what they see. If they find evidence of cruelty or neglect, they may seize the animal, issue a citation, or refer the case to law enforcement. You do not have to give your name when you call, though providing contact information helps if the officer needs more details.
How much does it cost to reclaim a stray animal from the shelter?
Fees vary by county but usually include a boarding fee (often $10 to $50 per day) plus any veterinary care the animal received. Some counties charge an impound fee as well. Call your county shelter to ask about current fees before you go to pick up your pet.