Saint Louis County Animal Control Services have a big job - to assure that pets and people live together in safety and harmony - and that ALL pets receive proper care and housing. As part of the County Department of Health, animal control officers are in action every day, handling many routine as well as emergency situations with pets and wild animals.

One of the most important things that animal control officers do is to investigate animal bites. Rabies is transmitted by wild and domestic animal bites and is usually fatal. Officers place animals that have bitten people under observation and make sure the threat of rabies is reduced.

Animal Control authorities operate shelters and adoption programs to protect and find homes for many unwanted animals. If you are interested in adopting an animal or have an animal that you can no longer keep, call 726-6655 or come in for information. Shelters are open from Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Along with Saint Louis area veterinarians and the Humane Society, Animal Control strongly encourages that all pets be spayed or neutered to prevent the birth of unwanted litters. Spaying and neutering pets is a big part of being a responsible pet owner. Unwanted and uncontrolled animals threaten and bite people. They spread disease, destroy property, cause accidents, and suffer from neglect - as well as produce millions of unwanted offspring across the nation. Animal Control authorities have to make hard decisions every day about unclaimed pets.

Way too many pets are euthanized each year. County residents can make a difference by being responsible pet owners.

The Saint Louis County Health Department also runs a Reduced Cost Spay/Neuter Program to assist those who might otherwise have difficulty having their pet altered.

Hundreds of thousands of pets are vaccinated and registered by pet owners, area veterinarians and your Animal Control Services. Dogs and cats are required to be vaccinated for rabies. As this is done, veterinarians issue a rabies identification tag which should immediately be put on your pet's collar. An identifying microchip can also be injected painlessly under a pet's fur. It serves as a backup identification method, since it can be read with a special scanner even if your pet loses its collar and tag.

If pets are found by Animal Control officers, tag numbers or microchip numbers are immediately checked in our computer to reunite lost pets with their owners. Pets can't tell authorities where they live - and tags serve as your pet's free phone call home. This is the most important thing you can do for your pet.

If you've lost a pet - post signs, talk to mail carriers and children in the neighborhood, and check all animal shelters and other animal holding areas.

Animal Control officers enforce ordinances such as leash laws, vaccination requirements and registration of many types of non-domestic animals. They investigate nuisance situations and assure humane treatment of animals.

Brochures are available on animal control laws and others services. Animal control officers can visit your school or group for an informational presentation on responsible pet care and the responsibilities of their job.