Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that rehoming your pet is a difficult decision, and we are here to support you through the process. As you can imagine, there is an overwhelming demand for animals that need our help, and we are limited in the number of animals we can accept. Our goal is to provide the resources that you need to keep your pet (low cost spay/neuter and vaccinations, pet food, doghouse etc.), as well as guidance for self-rehoming. Please view our Owner Resource and Rehoming Guide for helpful information. We also encourage you to utilize our Lincoln County NC Pet Rehoming Facebook Page. If surrendering your pet to the shelter is still necessary, you can complete a Owner Surrender Request Form. Please note that this is a request and does not guarantee our ability in intake your pet.

If you find a stray animal, the first thing you should do is check nearby homes to attempt to locate the owner. You can have the animal scanned for a microchip at any veterinary hospital or at the shelter anytime during normal business hours. Please complete a Found Animal Report on our website as soon as possible and we will contact you to initiate the intake process. We will post the animal as found on our Facebook page, and we also encourage you to post the animal on the Lost and Found pets in Lincoln County NC and surrounding areas Facebook Page. We can provide you with pet food and/or other supplies needed while you wait on an intake appointment.

You may request a welfare check by calling the Animal Services Dispatch line at (704) 736 - 4125, option 1.

Lincoln County Animal Services does not enforce barking dogs.

Lincoln County Services provides all of the available cats at Purrfect Pour Cat Café and Lincolnton PetSmart. All cats must go through our standard intake process, and we cannot guarantee which location they will be placed at for adoption.

You may report an animal bite by completing an Animal Services Bite Report Form or by calling the Animal Services dispatch line at (704) 736 - 4125, Option 1.

You may report a sick, injured or aggressive wild animal by calling the Animal Services dispatch line at (704) 736 - 4125, option 1. You may visit the NC Wildlife website for more information.

A Rabies Vaccination is required for all dogs, cats and ferrets over 4 months of age according to North Carolina state law. Lincoln County Animal Services offers Rabies Vaccinations for dogs and cats for only $7. You may call (704) 736 – 4125 or click here to schedule an appointment. Helping Animals to Survive also hosts routine Rabies and Microchip clinics.

Pet licensing is not required in Lincoln County.

Animal Services does not pick up deceased animals. You may contact Lincoln County Department of Transportation at (704) 666 - 6340 regarding deceased animals located on public roads.

The adoption fee for dogs is $80 which includes spay/neuter, heartworm test and microchip, as well as age-appropriate vaccinations and preventatives.

The adoption fee for cats is $20 which includes spay/neuter and microchip, as well as age-appropriate vaccinations and preventatives.

If you unintentionally catch a wild animal in a trap, then you must release the animal where it was trapped. Animal Services will not intake the animal, but you may contact a wildlife removal service. It is illegal to trap wildlife in North Carolina without a license. You may visit the NC Wildlife website for more information.