Animal Control
The Hamilton Animal Control division is under the direction of the City of Hamilton. We strive to assist the participating entities in enforcing the state law and local ordinances, and to otherwise serve our citizens.
What the Department Provides to the City
The shelter provides services such as:
- Education to the public regarding animal health and the benefits of spay/neuter
- Lost pet reclaims
- Pet adoption
- Stray admission
All animal control calls and complaints must be dispatched from the City of Hamilton at 254-386-8116 Ext 0. Employees at the shelter are licensed Animal Control Officers that can answer basic law and ordinance questions regarding animal control issues.
Our Commitment to the Community
Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment for stray animals awaiting return to their homes, and to offer adoptable animals an opportunity for placement into permanent, responsible, and safe homes where they are valued.
- How do I reclaim my animal from the shelter?
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If we have one of your animals, please let us know as soon as possible by calling 254-386-3810. Animals on impound are held for five days. Proof of ownership is required to reclaim any animal, and a current rabies vaccination must be provided on all dogs. After the Impound period is complete, the animal becomes the property of the Shelter, and the animal will undergo an adoption evaluation.
If you are not planning on reclaiming your animal, please come by and fill out a surrender form so that your animal can begin looking for its new home.
- How do I adopt an animal from your shelter?
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All adopters must complete an adoption application before they will be allowed to meet any of our animals. We do not allow the general public into our kennel except with an Animal Control Officer. This is to limit the spread of disease and allow us to have healthier animals available for adoption.
We cannot guarantee the health of any of the animals we have available for adoption. We do not have a veterinarian on staff, but we are trained to watch for signs of illness. We will be completely honest with any illness or behavior issues we notice in any the animals we have up for adoption. We will also try our best to explain the breed’s activity levels to ensure that this animal is a good fit for your lifestyle.
All dogs available for adoption will not have any vaccinations. Our dogs have not been tested for heartworms. Rabies vaccinations are required to be done within seven days of adoption (or by 16 weeks of age), and spaying/neutering is required within thirty days of adoption (or by 6 months of age). Both are at the expense of the adopter. - How do you determine if an animal is adoptable or if it will be euthanized?
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Once an animal has completed its impound time or is surrendered by its’ owner, it will be placed up for adoption, sent to one of our rescue partners, or will be humanely euthanized. If an animal does not meet our adoption criteria, it will not be placed up for adoption through our shelter.
The animal will either be sent to one of our rescue partners or it will be humanely euthanized. In balancing the welfare of the animals with our responsibility to the public, we recognize that not all animals are suitable for placement. When the difficult decision is made to end an animal’s life, we perform compassionate euthanasia.
For an animal to meet our adoption criteria it must not:
- Show aggression to other animals beyond what we think is reasonable
- Show aggression to people
- Have a medical problem that requires immediate medical attention
- What are your fees?
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The dog impound intake fee is $10 per day.
The adoption fee is $75.00 and you must supply the receipt of a pre-paid rabies vaccination and a spay or neuter, if the dog will be living inside the city limits of Hamilton.
Adopters that live within Hamilton County or further will have to pre-pay for a rabies vaccination at time of adoption if the animal is not current. This ranges from $12-19 depending on which clinic you choose to use. - What medical care does this facility provide to its animals prior to adoption?
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All dogs available for adoption will not be given vaccinations. Our dogs have not been tested for heartworms. Rabies vaccinations are required to be pre-paid prior to adoption, and spay/neuter is required to be pre-paid prior to adoption. Both are at the expense of the adopter.
All other vaccinations and medical expenses after the day of adoption are at the expense of the adopter. - What is your hold time on animals before they are euthanized?
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Animals on Impound are held for five days for owners to reclaim. After that time, the animals are evaluated for adoption.
- Do I have to spay/neuter the animal I adopt from this shelter?
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Yes, it is required per the contract and Hamilton City Ordinance. It is a Class C misdemeanor, a fine up to $500, for failure to complete and return proof to the city.
- Do you accept donations?
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Yes. You can also make cash, check, or credit card donations at the shelter during business hours. All money collected goes directly to the care of the animals in this facility.