General Information

Stray Animals

In accordance with Michigan state law, strays are held for four to seven days in order to help the owner find and claim the animal. We work to post descriptions and pictures of stray animals on our website as soon as we are able to. Our website also has a database of lost and found animals. If you have lost an animal, we strongly encourage you to visit the shelter in person and read these tips on how to recover a lost pet.

After four to seven days the animal becomes the property of Livingston County Animal Shelter and may be available for public adoption.

Surrendered Animals

Animals that are surrendered to Livingston County Animal Shelter by their owner may be available for immediate adoption, after they receive proper veterinary care. Surrender reasons are usually noted in the pets profile.

Adoptions

All adopted animals will be spayed or neutered, heartworm or feline leukemia tested, microchipped, and given age appropriate vaccinations prior to leaving the shelter. You must be over 18 years old to adopt an animal from the shelter and a valid ID is required. All fees must be paid in full before an animal can leave the shelter. If you rent, approval from landlord is required. All family members must meet the dog/cat before adoption and all homes looking to adopt a second dog with a current dog in the home must have a meet and greet with your dog at the shelter. All current dogs in the home must be licensed prior to or at the time of your new pet adoption. ALL current pets in the home need to be spayed/neutered and up-to-date on vaccines.

Dog Licenses

Michigan State Law requires that all dogs over four (4) months old be licensed. To obtain a dog license, you will need to provide proof of current rabies vaccination and proof of spaying/neutering (if applicable) at the time you purchase the license. In accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, this information must be provided every time you renew your dog license. Livingston County Animal Shelter sells one year and three year dog licenses throughout the year. Please visit our Dog License page for additional requirements and details.

Bite Reports

All animal bites should be reported to Livingston County Sheriff / Animal Control Division and Livingston County Health Department. If medical attention has been received after a bite, please read the How to File a Bite Report page, download the

bite report and fax it to (517) 546-9627.

Abuse and Neglect

Please Livingston County Sheriff's Office / Animal Control Division's Abuse and Neglect page to see what constitutes animal abuse or neglect. Our Animal Control Officers will respond to calls and complaints and investigate to see if animal cruelty statutes have been violated. If a violation has occurred, the officer may work with the owner to educate them on how to correct the violation or we may immediately prosecute.

Feral/Wild Cats

Increasing numbers of feral/wild cats are an issue in many areas of Livingston County. While Livingston County Animal Control does not have the resources to trap feral cats for you, we can offer you assistance through our TNR (trap, neuter and return) program. TNR offers a humane and effective solution to feral cat overpopulation.