Frequently Asked Questions
I'm interested in adopting an animal - how can I find out what is available at the Caldwell County Animal Care and Control Shelter?
CCACC has many friendly animals that need a loving "forever" home. We recommend that you visit our shelter or search the Adoptions Page of our web-site. The cost for adoption is $65.00 for all dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. This includes the first health vaccination, a rabies vaccination, a general health check-up and the spay/neuter of the animal you choose at the veterinarian of your choice in Caldwell County.
I am unable to care for my pet. What can I do?
CCACC is committed to helping families and their pets stay together. If you need advice on how to deal with certain behavior issues we will be glad to counsel with you on ways you can correct those problems. You can also search the Animal Care and Behavior Page of our web-site. If you need assistance getting your animal spayed/neutered you can contact us at (828) 757-8625 and we will be glad to talk with you about available programs.
If you have decided that you have no option but to give up your pet, you can surrender your pet at the CCACC Shelter Monday - Wednesday - Friday 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM or Tuesday - Thursday 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM. There is no charge to surrender your animal to the CCACC Shelter however, there is a $20.00 pick-up fee if an officer is requested to respond to your residence to pick-up your animal for surrender.
I have lost my pet. What should I do?
When a pet becomes lost it can be a traumatic experience for both of you. Contact the CCACC Shelter as soon as possible to report your pet lost. You may also want to contact Animal Shelters from the surrounding counties. It is a good idea to visit your local animal shelter every three days to search for your missing pet. For more information on how to find your lost pet see our Lost Animals Page.
I have wildlife animals around my home. What should I do?
As human populations continue to increase and encroach on wildlife habitat, human-wildlife interactions continue to increase. A few simple steps we can do will help us to coexist with our local wildlife. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission advises to take the following steps:
- Remove food sources, cover materials or vegetation, overhanging tree limbs, or other means of access that initially attracted and is now holding wildlife in your location.
- Establish protective structures or barriers to prevent wildlife from entering and damaging property.
- Humanely remove wildlife from buildings and grounds. (If trapping, transporting or killing wildlife is involved, a Wildlife Depredation Permit will be needed.)
- Permanently repair buildings to prevent re-infestation.
- Monitor buildings and grounds periodically for recurring problems, taking appropriate, immediate attention to control and prevent damage.
If the above steps fail to control the problem you may consider contacting a Wildlife Damage Control Agent. Wildlife Damage Control Agents are trained and certified by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to trap and remove wildlife causing property damage or nuisance activities. These WDCA can also issue wildlife Depredation Permits at no charge to citizens. For more information on how to contact a WDCA visit www.wildlife.state.nc.us/fs_index_06_coexist.htm
Do my pets need rabies vaccinations?
North Carolina State Law requires that all dogs and cats over the age of 4 months be vaccinated against rabies. All dogs and cats are required to have a current rabies tag securely attached to a collar at all times. This lets Animal Control Officers know that the animal is cared for and not a stray. It also ensures that the animal is returned back to its owner if it is ever lost and ends up at the animal shelter. Rabies vaccinations can only be administered by a veterinarian or a state certified rabies vaccinator. Contact your veterinarian or the Caldwell County Animal Shelter for more information.
What do I do if I see an animal being mistreated or neglected?
Animals rely on us to take care of them and provide them with food, water, shelter and veterinarian care when needed however, this care is not always offered. If you see an animal that is being neglected or mistreated write down the location of the animal and any other related information that will help an officer with his/her investigation. Contact the Animal Shelter as soon as possible and advise the staff of what you have witnessed. Complaints can be called in anonymously however, it is often necessary for an officer to have a contact person to answer any further questions about the investigation. Information on reports (names, addresses, phone numbers, etc) are public information and are available to the public by signing a release form.
What do I do if I have a dead animal on my property?
Caldwell County Animal Control does not remove dead animals from private property. It is the property owner's responsibility to properly dispose of dead animals. If the animal is in the roadway or on the right-of-way of a state maintained road contact the Department of Transportation at (828) 726-2512 to have it removed.
I have been bitten by an animal, what should I do?
If you have been bitten by an animal clean the wound immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention if needed. If possible confine the animal. Contact Animal Control as soon as possible to report the bite. An Animal Control Officer will take a report of the bite, confirm that the animal's rabies vaccinations are current and quarantine the animal for 10 days to observe it for signs of rabies.