FAQs • Augusta • CivicEngage

How long do I have to reclaim my pet after Animal services has picked it up? How long do you hold stray animals at your facility?

If your pet has identification (Rabies tag, microchip or tag with owner information) AAS will attempt to contact the owner to inform them of the location of the pet; owners have five (5) days after notification to reclaim their pet.
Stray animals are held for five (5) business days, excluding weekends and holidays unless they are injured with no means of identification; after five (5) days the animals become the property of AAS for determination of the disposition of the animal. Stray animals that are injured, with no means of identification, may be euthanized depending on the severity of the injury. If the animal is provided emergency medical care, the owner, upon reclaim, will be held accountable for veterinary costs.

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Animal Services

AAS receives telephone complaints, Monday through Friday from 08:30 am until 5:00 pm.
AAS is open to the public, Monday through Friday, from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm, Saturday, from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm for adoptions, reclaiming lost pets, owners surrendering pets, and turning in strays.
Offsite adoption events are normally held Saturday from 11:00am – 4:00pm at PetSmart on Robert C. Daniel Jr. Parkway.

Visit https://24petconnect.com/ for photos of found pets. You can also upload a picture of your lost pet on this site as well.
You must come in to the shelter to identify your pet; it is virtually impossible to identify a pet over the telephone. Bring a flyer with a current photo including your name and phone number for our records. Post flyers in your neighborhood, local pet stores and at local veterinarian offices. Place a lost pet ad in the local newspaper. Also, check neighboring county animal control offices/shelters.

If your pet has identification (Rabies tag, microchip or tag with owner information) AAS will attempt to contact the owner to inform them of the location of the pet; owners have five (5) days after notification to reclaim their pet.
Stray animals are held for five (5) business days, excluding weekends and holidays unless they are injured with no means of identification; after five (5) days the animals become the property of AAS for determination of the disposition of the animal. Stray animals that are injured, with no means of identification, may be euthanized depending on the severity of the injury. If the animal is provided emergency medical care, the owner, upon reclaim, will be held accountable for veterinary costs.

4. How do I report stray animals, animal abuse or animal cruelty?: AAS responds to all animal related issues, citizens can make a report by phone. Reports may also be submitted online or to the 311 portal

5. What happens to unclaimed animals?: Unclaimed animals are evaluated for adoption based on health; temperament and available kennel space, animals not selected for adoption or transfer are euthanized by lethal injection.

6. What are your adoption requirements?: Adopters must be at least 18 years of age, present a photo id and pay an adoption fee. Some animals may not be perfect candidates for certain homes. Provide as much information about your lifestyle and we will help you select the perfect pet for you. We maintain the right to refuse an adoption.

Cats receive a feline distemper vaccination, a general deworming, spay/neuter, micro-chip w/registration and a rabies vaccination.
Dogs receive a Parvo/distemper vaccination, a kennel cough vaccination, a general deworming, micro-chip w/registration, spay/neuter, age appropriate heartworm testing, and a rabies vaccination.

8. Is the animal house trained?: Most of our pets come in as strays; so, it is best to assume that they are not house trained and start training right away. We will give you tips on how to accomplish this task.

AAS makes every effort to match the animal and family; therefore, we urge families to spend as much time as possible with a new pet, in order to make the best selection. You are strongly encouraged to have your family meet the pet before the adoption. We encourage you to bring in any pet(s) that you currently own so the animals have a chance to meet and interact before the adoption occurs.
We will never turn your pet away; you can always return it, but we do not offer refunds.

10. What are the requirements or legal responsibilities do I have when I own a pet in Richmond County?: Pet owners are responsible for the registration, health and welfare of their pets, which includes proper food, water and shelter and current Rabies vaccinations. For additional responsibilities, see the county ordinances.

11. What vaccinations are required by law for pets: The only vaccination required by law is a rabies vaccine; which must be given by four (4) months of age, by a licensed veterinarian and kept current. However, pets need many vaccinations to stay healthy, please consult your veterinarian.

12. Who do I contact about nuisance barking dogs?: Contact Augusta Animal Services to report barking dogs, Animal Control Officers will investigate and issue warnings, followed by citations, if no resolution is achieved.

13. Will Animal Services give my dog all its shots or fix animals?: Animal Services conducts quarterly Rabies, microchip and vaccination clinics. Please check our website and Facebook page for dates. We do vaccinate and spay/neuter all of our adoptable pets.

14. Will you come and pick up my pet from my home?: If you live in Augusta-Richmond County, AAS will pick up your pet; however, there is a fifty dollar ($50.00) fee for this service. You will receive a written receipt upon payment. Augusta residents may bring your pet to the shelter at no charge, during normal business hours.

15. I live in another county; can I surrender my pet to your facility?: No, effective January 1, 2017, Augusta Animal Services no longer accepts animals surrendered from non-residents of Augusta.

16. What should I do if I am bitten by a dog or cat?: Consult your physician or emergency room immediately for treatment and report the incident to Animal Services, as soon as possible.

17. What do I do, if I find a bat?: IF IT IS INSIDE, don’t touch it, dead or alive; IF IT IS INSIDE contact AAS immediately; if after hours, contact 911 and inform the dispatcher, that this is an emergency.

Aiken County Animal Shelter (803) 642-1537 Email Aiken County Animal Shelter
Columbia County Animal Services (706) 541-4077 Email Columbia County Animal Services
https://24petconnect.com/
Richmond County Health Department (706) 831-7720
Georgia Department of Transportation (706) 541-0078
Georgia Department of Agriculture (800) 282-5852
Augusta 311 Portal - Augusta 311 Online Portal

20. Does Animal Services handle nuisance wildlife?: Animal Services does not handle nuisance wildlife complaints such as foxes, coyotes, opossums, raccoons, or snakes. If you are having an issue with wildlife, please contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources at 706-557-3333.