What will happen to the stray pet I am leaving at Animal Services?
By law, stray dogs over 6 months must be held for 5 days in order to give the owner a chance to find them. If they are healthy and not aggressive, they will be placed for adoption. If they are injured or ill, they receive basic medical care or may be sent to a rescue group to recuperate and be adopted. If they are suffering we may be forced to euthanize them. There is no stray hold period for cats. There is a 24 hour stray hold for puppies under 6 months.
After the 5 day stray hold are the animals automatically euthanized?
If they are up for adoption, there is no set time limit after the 5 days. If they are
not up for adoption and there is no rescue group to take them, they would be
euthanized soon after the 5 days. Animals may be euthanized due to health,
temperament or lack of space.
What will happen to my pet that I am surrendering?
When a pet is surrendered to the shelter by the owner, he/she gives up all rights to the pet. They may be adopted, sent to a rescue group or euthanized the same day.
Why can't all pets be adopted?
Over 34,000 pets are brought to Animal Services each year (over 100 a day). Sadly,
there are not enough homes for all of them.
What criteria are used to decide if a pet is placed for adoption?
Health, temperament and space. If a pet has a medical condition, we ask a
rescue group for help. If there are none, we have no choice but to euthanize them
after the stray hold period. Aggressive animals will not be placed for adoption.
How can I find out if the pet I am leaving got adopted?
Call 311 to inquire and provide them with the identification number.
What can I do to help Animal Services?
We are always in need of volunteers. For more information, please call 305-805-1778 or review our Volunteer page.
Make a tax-deductible donation to the Animal Services Trust Fund
Encourage people to adopt a pet from Animal Services
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