Stray Animals

Report Immediately
All lost or found animals must be reported to Animal Services as soon as possible.

Help Reunite Pets with Owners
After reporting, post the pet in the area where it was found. You may also share on social media, community boards, and local businesses (with permission). You can view our Strays in Shelter page for a list of all stray animals currently being held at the shelter. 

Bringing a Stray to the Shelter

• Strays found in Person County may be brought to Animal Services if you cannot care for them.
• All strays are held for a minimum of 3 business days before becoming available for adoption or rescue.
• You must be 18 or older and provide a valid government-issued ID.
• Intake hours:
  • Tuesday–Friday: before 4:00 PM
  • Saturdays: before 1:00 PM

Important

• Do not relocate stray animals. This makes it harder to reunite them with their owners.
• Strays MUST be found within Person County. We cannot accept stray animals found outside of Person County, even if you are a resident of the county. 
• Found pets cannot be rehomed or kept unless they are reported and the required hold period has passed. Animal Services will provide next steps.

Reclaiming Your Pet

How to Reclaim
Owners are encouraged to visit the shelter as soon as possible.

Requirements

• Proof of ownership
• Valid government-issued ID (18+)
• Current rabies vaccination

If proof of rabies vaccination is not available, the pet will be vaccinated at reclaim for a $10 fee. Additional fees may apply.

Important

• Only the legal owner may reclaim a pet (no third-party pickups allowed).

Accepted Proof of Ownership

• Adoption or purchase records
• Veterinary records
• Photos of the pet with family over time
• Statement from Animal Control or another official agency

Owner Surrenders

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Owner surrenders are currently waitlisted due to high intake volume.

Before Surrendering
You must contact Animal Services to speak with staff. Resources for rehoming and rescue placement will be provided.

Requirements to Join Waitlist

• Valid government-issued ID (18+)
• Proof of ownership (vet records, rabies certificate, etc.)
• Completed lifestyle and behavior questionnaire

Important
Surrendering your pet should be a last resort after trying to rehome or work with a rescue.

Additional Help
Please refer to our Rescue List and recommended rehoming websites for assistance.

The following Facebook pages can also be utilized to post your pet for re-homing:

Person County, NC - Rehoming and Free Animals
North Carolina Animals for Rehoming
Rehoming Pets of North Carolina & Surrounding States
Kittens & Cats for Rehoming and Adoption