Overview of Animal Control Services
Washington County Animal Services will pick up nuisance animals or vicious animals and can investigate reports of animals being neglected. To speak to an Animal Control Officer, call 850-638-6306. Office hours are Monday – Friday from 8AM to 4PM. After hours, you will be prompted to leave a message. It is important that you leave your name, address, and a good contact number so an officer can return your call, get more detailed information and schedule an onsite appointment if appropriate.
Emergencies
If you are bitten or attacked by an animal after regular business hours, contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 850-638-6111. After hours emergencies are limited to bites and/or attacks by animals on humans, or animals in distress.
Service Area
The Animal Control Officer covers the areas of Washington County that are outside the city limits of each municipality. If you are located within the city limits, please call the appropriate city/town hall.
Lost Pets
Don't wait to report a missing pet. After five days in the animal shelter the animal becomes the property of the shelter and is put up for adoption. Every effort is made to locate the owner if the pet is wearing a rabies or identification tag.
Residents should be aware that picking up animals along the road or on property that is not their own is discouraged. For safety reasons you should never approach animals you are not familiar with. In addition, when you take a dog or cat, you assume responsibility for it and therefore will be charged a service fee of $65.00 if Animal Control is called to pick it up since the department is charged to place it in shelter. If you choose to take an animal to your home but do not wish to keep it, you might consider reaching out to a local rescue for assistance.
Follow Washington County Animal Services on Facebook for lost pets and other up to date information.
Claiming An Impounded Pet
Please Note: If your pet is at the shelter you must contact our Animal Control Officer to claim your pet; it cannot be picked up without notice. There is an impound fee of $65.00. You can elect to have a microchip implanted; the fee is $35.00 for the microchip. The pet MUST have current Rabies vaccination or receive one before it can be released. In Florida, Florida Statues 828.30, rabies vaccinations must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. Bite Quarantine impound fee is $150.00 at the shelter, unless the owners have the means to do an in-home quarantine. Pets can only be released during regular scheduled hours.
Disaster Preparedness for Your Pets
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has prepared a disaster preparedness checklist for your pets. This checklist can be found on their website at https://www.aspca.org/ or by clicking here.
