Animal Control

Effective Date: April 29, 2015

Policy

The Division of Animal Control for St. Johns County will make every effort to find homes for animals coming under their control. Animals that are candidates for adoption will be evaluated for temperament and suitability for adoption by staff relying on professional training and experience. Any decision that an animal deemed as unsuitable for adoption will be reviewed by the Manager of the Division of Animal Control for St. Johns County before such animal is disposed of.

Discussion

The Division of Animal Control for St. Johns County receives approximately 5,000 pets every year. Each animal that enters the shelter is unique in personality, preferences, and potential. The Division will make an effort to afford every shelter pet that is suitable for adoption the greatest opportunity to find a forever home.

The Division believes each potential adoption can be evaluated on temperament alone without labels which may interfere with an objective evaluation process. The Division's Goal is to boost adoption numbers for shelter pets.

Procedure

1. Animals brought into the St. Johns County Pet Center will be held for the required holding period under the existing policies of the Division. If not claimed during this period the animal will be evaluated for suitability for adoption.
2. Animals found suitable for adoption will be listed in the Division's inventory of adoptable pets.
3. Animals found not suitable for adoption will be documented as to their lack of suitability, and this documentation will be reviewed by Manager of the Division of Animal Control for St. Johns County for a final determination. If the Manager of the Division of Animal Control for St. Johns County determines the evaluation is accurate he/she will sign the documentation and the animal will be disposed of according to the Division's policies.
4. Animals surrendered by their owners will be evaluated at the earliest opportunity, and will be treated as provided in
   sections 2 and 3.
5. The provisions of this policy will not apply to animals deemed "Aggressive" or "Dangerous" under Florida State Law or St. Johns County Ordinances, but will be processed according to those laws and ordinances.

Yes. However, we do not set traps for wildlife. If we receive a concerned citizen call in reference to sick or injured wildlife, we do respond during regular and after hour emergencies.

Agricultural issues (e.g. chickens, horses, cattle) should be directed to the SJC Sheriff's Office.

This tag will allow the finder of your pet to contact you so it can be returned to you. If you don't have one, they can be purchased at pet stores, some big chain retailers, or a veterinarian clinic.

To the Pet Center, 130 N. Stratton Rd., St. Augustine, Florida 32095 (Map)  |  P: (904) 209-6190

St. Johns County Division of Animal Control operates under County Ordinance 2017-36. This ordinance creates the St. Johns County Leash and Dangerous Law for dogs and cats. The main objective of this department is to enforce this law as well as State of Florida statutes that apply, such as rabies.

The Leash and Dangerous Law Ordinance, was established with everyone's safety in mind. By keeping your pet on a leash, you protect your pet from traffic if it should suddenly dart away. You safeguard your pet from injury from passersby who felt your pet intended them harm and react defensively. You hopefully avoid a situation in which your pet may bite someone and then be deemed "dangerous." If you have a pet that may be aggressive or a fear biter, by keeping them on a leash you prevent an incident. As stated above, a pet that bites may be deemed "dangerous" (County Ordinance 2017-36). With this in mind, you can understand that our Animal Control Officers are also here to protect our citizens from harm. By enforcing the laws, they hope to prevent any citizen from being bitten or attacked by a dog or a cat, as well as safeguarding your pets.