Frequently Asked Questions

What are your Hours?
M-F 9-5
Sat 9-3

What if I have an after hours emergency?
If you have an “after hours” emergency, contact Huntsville Police on their non-emergency line to report the situation. A loose dog, wild life in your yard, stray cats, a dog that’s been hanging around for a week, these type incidents are not considered emergencies. If it is YOUR PET and you have an emergency, you should contact the local emergency vet clinic in your area. They are usually listed in the yellow pages.

What do I do if I have a wildlife problem?
Contact your local Game & Fish Division of Alabama’s Conservation & Natural Resources Department. They are located in the Blue Pages of the phone book under “State Government”.

Is the Rabies Tag & License Tag the same thing?
No! The rabies vaccination is required by State Law. A tag is issued by the vet to show vaccination against rabies. The License is issued by our office to show that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies (you can not get a license without current vaccination) and that you have registered your pet with us. BOTH tags must be on the pet at ALL times!!!! See our Licenses section for more information.

What if I move?
If you move into the City of Huntsville, you must register your pet with us within 30 days or possibly incur a penalty. If you move out of the City of Huntsville, notify us so we can update our files!

What if I don’t get a renewal notice on my pet?
The renewal forms are sent as a courtesy ONLY! It is your responsibility to ensure your pet is renewed on time.

Why is there a late fee on my renewal notice that I just got?
That indicates that our records show a license was not purchased the previous year(s). Whether you are 1 day late or 3 years late, the late fee remains the same. If you are assessed a late fee, but can prove that a license was issued the previous year (canceled check or internal receipt number), just show it to us! We’ll be happy to correct any error on our part. Sometimes people forget to renew, even when they are usually very conscientious about it! Sometimes we have duplicate files on a pet.

If I leave a deposit, will you hold an animal for me?
No. All our adoptable pets are on a first-come first-served basis. We do not have the room to hold animals for people.

If the pet doesn’t work out, can I get a refund?
No. We will be happy to take the pet from you and try to find it another home, but no guarantees are made that we will be able to.

Do you guarantee the health of the pet?
No. We do not have diagnostic facilities on site and are unable to guarantee the health of the animal. All newly adopted pets that go for sterilization receive a complementary external physical exam. If the vet has any questions or concerns about the pet at that time, they will contact you. If you decide to have the vet perform any test on the pet, that will be at your expense. There are certain specific requirements regarding refund procedures depending upon if the refund is pre or post sterilization surgery. Any allowed refunds will only be for terminal health purposes. Behavior problems are non-refundable. These procedures are discussed at the time of adoption Due to the amount of animals housed at Hunstville Animal Services, many animals develop a cold or cough. This is very common and not a terminal illness. Often, this will clear up in a few days. Sometimes antibiotics are necessary to help heal the pet. We hope this will not discourage you from adopting one of our pets. They get colds just like we do. A little TLC and medicine will have them back up to their old self again in no time.

What if I’ve lost my pet?
This is the first place you should check!!! We house lost & stray pets for the City of Huntsville as well as for Madison County. Due to our volume, you should check the shelter in person every 2-3 days for your pet. Also, see our Lost & Found page.

Can I leave information about my lost pet?
Yes. Our volunteers maintain our lost & found reports. We will be happy to take a report over the phone, but again, we highly urge you to come to the shelter and look. Only you know your pet!

Is there a fee to turn in my pet?
No. We take all owner turn-ins. However, we DO NOT guarantee adoption of that pet. The more information you give us when you turn in your pet, the better its chances of placement. Health records are a great benefit.

How long will you hold my pet?
There is no specific time period. We hold them as long as possible. If they show signs of aggression or illness, they will be put to sleep.

What if you don’t find a home for my pet?
It will be euthanized in a humane manner.

Will you call me before you put it to sleep?
No. Due to our volume, it is impossible to call everyone who turns in a pet.

Do you spay & neuter before adoption?
Upon adoption, the pet will be transported by our office to a participation vet. They will spay/neuter the pet before you take it home. You will pick the pet up within a few days from the vet. They will call you when your pet is ready.

Responsibilities

All owners of pets are responsible for their own pets. Huntsville Animal Services sends out the renewal forms for the licenses as a courtesy ONLY. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure their pets are renewed each year.

We do not have a vet on staff. We do not have any type of veterinary clinic. We are not able to provide vaccinations, surgeries, or other veterinary services for the public. All medical care for privately owned pets must be obtained by the owner at a licensed veterinary clinic.

Due to our call volume involving public safety, we do not transport for citizens. Just remember: your pet, your responsibility.

Cost of Ownership

Humane Education

The Humane Education Program of Animal Services is a community education and outreach program. Anyone is welcome to attend sessions that are offered. You may request a visit from our Humane Educator for a group or school(ages 3 and up). You may want to take the opportunity to visit with your group here at the shelter, please call 883-3794 to make the arrangements. This is a free program; however we welcome any donations of items or money.

Some of the programs we teach here are Bite Prevention, Responsible Pet Care, Community Implications of Overpopulation,and Nuisance Wildlife and the humane options for getting rid of them. We have a program designed specifically for High school Biology students. It teaches them about different dog and cat viruses and parasites. We also go over different career options available with animals.

The 3rd Wednesday of every month is set up for people who have been issued a citation for an animal violation. It is a 2 hour class where we go over the different animal laws and why they are important to the community. This presentation utilizes a PowerPoint Presentation along with videos and a shelter tour. This program is called PAWS(Pet Awareness & Welfare Session).

Our Humane Educator wears many hats around here. She not only teaches children and adults but also serves as our Volunteer Coordinator, Public Relations Coordinator, and Special Events Coordinator.