I found a stray pet, now what?
Many municipalities have animal control officers who respond to call for stray (lost) pets. Your first call should be to your local police department to determine if you have the option of having the pet picked up. If your town does not provide animal control services, or you live in an unincorporated area, you may need to bring the pet to a contracted shelter yourself. Where you take the pet will depend on in what area you live; your city officials or local sheriff should be able to direct you appropriately. To find out if JHS is able to accept a stray you have found, please contact our Intake Office at 417-623-3642. Our ability to accept the pet may depend on where the pet was found as well as space available on any given day. Every person who turns in a stray will be required to provide the exact location the animal was found as well as provide a copy of their drivers license or ID as required by the Missouri Dept. of Agriculture. Any applicable fees will be required at time of drop off. Donations are always greatly appreciated!
What happens to the stray pet I turn in?
All pets accepted by JHS as "stray" will be held for a minimum of seven days to give an owner a chance to reclaim the pet. During that time the pet will receive an exam and all required medical care and treatment. Pets that are not reclaimed by their owner will be evaluated to determine their suitability for adoption. Friendly, healthy animals will be altered and made available for adoption after the stray hold has passed.
What happens to the stray pet I turn in?
All pets accepted by JHS as "stray" will be held for a minimum of seven days to give an owner a chance to reclaim the pet. During that time the pet will receive an exam and all required medical care and treatment. Pets that are not reclaimed by their owner will be evaluated to determine their suitability for adoption. Friendly, healthy animals will be altered and made available for adoption after the stray hold has passed.
Reclaiming your lost pet from JHS
Procedures and fees for reclaiming your pet from Joplin Humane Society will depend on a number of factors including how the animal arrived at our shelter and from which area, services that have provided during his or her stay (vaccinations and veterinary care), how long the pet has been held at our shelter, fees assessed by your municipality or restrictions placed upon us by the animal control officer who picked up your pet. All dogs will be vaccinated upon intake as per veterinary protocol agreement between JHS and MODOA. You will be responsible to reimburse JHS for the vaccines given; the fee is $22. Pets that have been housed under court order or quarantine will be assessed separate fees. All fees will be required to be paid in full at time of reclaim. We strongly advise that you contact our Intake Office prior to coming to pick up your pet so that you may be fully prepared as to what will be required. Any person reclaiming a pet will be required to fill out statements of reclaim (dependent on city or town) as well as providing a copy of their drivers license or ID as required by the Missouri Dept of Agriculture.
Some fees are:
$15 to impounding municipality
$15 intake fee to shelter
$22 for required initial vaccination
$9.10 per day care (boarding) charge
Extra charges are assessed for veterinary exams and treatments.
You can see some of the pets currently on stray hold here, but we are human and do make mistakes.
Please come to the shelter every 2-4 days to physically look for your pet!
2CSR 30-9 (H) 13.
13) Holding Period. (A) Any live dog or cat, other than owner-relinquished or feral animals which are not known to have bitten anyone within the preceding ten (10) days, acquired by an animal shelter or contract kennel shall be held for a period of not less than five (5) business days before offering for adoption or euthanasia.
Some fees are:
$15 to impounding municipality
$15 intake fee to shelter
$22 for required initial vaccination
$9.10 per day care (boarding) charge
Extra charges are assessed for veterinary exams and treatments.
You can see some of the pets currently on stray hold here, but we are human and do make mistakes.
Please come to the shelter every 2-4 days to physically look for your pet!
2CSR 30-9 (H) 13.
13) Holding Period. (A) Any live dog or cat, other than owner-relinquished or feral animals which are not known to have bitten anyone within the preceding ten (10) days, acquired by an animal shelter or contract kennel shall be held for a period of not less than five (5) business days before offering for adoption or euthanasia.
