Holding periods are specified in the ordinance. They vary based on reason for impound.
The length of time an animal is held in the Center is established by County Ordinance. We impound and hold animals for many reasons. Following are a list of common impounds and holding periods. Other impounds are held on a case-by-case basis. We never count the day the animal enters the Center because the animal may have come in after closing to the public. Due to being closed on Sunday, every owner will have a minimum of three days to locate their animals in the Center.
It is very important that your pet wears identification. Don’t just do it because it’s the law, do it to protect your best friend! Animals running loose without identification are considered STRAYS and are held five (5) days from date of impound. Animals with traceable identification are held up to thirty days while we attempt to contact the owner. Contacts are made by phone, a personal visit, and/or registered letter. Animals with identification are held three (3) days after the return of the signed and dated certified/registered mail receipt for the owner notification letter required by Section 5-7 of the DeKalb County Code. If identification cannot be traced either through our records or to a County veterinarian, animal(s) will be held fifteen (15) days from impound date.
Animals left restrained on public property or left confined at a residence when the owner moves away are considered ABANDONMENTS. If we cannot locate the owner, these animals are held 7 days. If there is a possibility that the owner can be located, we will hold the animal until we locate and prosecute the owner in court.
EVICTIONS are held five (5) days from date of impound.
POLICE IMPOUNDS are held as long as the case is active or until the prosecuting officer authorizes release. If your animal was impounded by the police department, a property release is required to reclaim you pet. Please contact us immediately for further information. We will release PD Impound animals only with a signed Property Release and only to the owner or owner’s representative.
All LIVESTOCK is held five (5) days from date of impound unless otherwise reclaimed by the owner.
