Animal Control FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most commonly asked questions and concerns that we get asked all the time. While we know that we can't address every situation here, these are the most commonly asked questions. If you have a question that is not answered below, feel free to contact us HERE
Q: What if a stray comes to my house?
A: You can contact Animal Control during normal business hours (INSERT HERE) and an Animal Control Officer will respond to check if the animal has a microchip and attempt to locate the owner. Based on the individual situation and condition of the stray, Animal Control may or may not automatically take possession of the stray as this is determined on a case-by-case basis and available shelter space.
Q: How do I report animal abuse?
A: Contact Oconee County Animal Control at 864-888-0221 or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can report the situation to Crime Stoppers of Oconee County by calling 844-71-CRIME, online at 71crime.com, or by using the free P3 app on your mobile device.
Additionally, you can file a report of abuse directly on our website by clicking HERE
Q: Can I borrow an animal trap from Animal Control?
A: Due to the financial cost of traps, we are not able to loan traps to individuals. However, we do offer trap rental to members of the general public with proper identification. Traps may be rented for a cash deposit (cat $40, dog $140) and upon return of the trap, provided it is in the same condition as when rented, the rental deposit may be returned (certain terms and conditions apply).
Q: What is the leash law in Oconee County (SC)?
A: There isn't an actual "leash law" in Oconee County (SC). There is a public nuisance ordinance that states that the animal MUST be on the owner's property or under the owner's control at all times. Pets cannot run at large.
For more information about this ordinance, visit Oconee County's webpage HERE
Q: How long is a stray dog kept at the shelter?
A: Stray dogs are held for a period of five (5) calendar days. Upon arrival, dogs are scanned for a microchip, and checked for any identifications / tags. During this time, they are posted to the shelter's facebook page, are viaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, and treated for fleas. At the end of the holding period, the animal becomes property of the county. The animal then will be evaluated to see if it may be put up for adoption or transferred to a rescue organization.
Q: What do I do with my dog if I no longer want, or are able, to keep it?
A: We understand that there are circumstances in life where a dog can no longer be appropriately cared for, however we consistently encounter many people in these types of situtations. Oconee County Animal Shelter has a Managed Intake Program in place which is managed under the direction of the Animal Shelter Director. Please be mindful that our waiting period is consistently weeks-long due to the high volume of owner surrenders.
Pet owners wishing to surrender their animal will be asked to fill out an Owner Surrender Form with all pertinent information regarding the animal. The owner will be guided by an Oconee County Animal Shelter member through the Managed Intake process, along with exploring alternative options to surrender.
Upon completion of the Managed Intake Process documentation (Owner Surrender Form, obtaining a picture of the animal, proof of ownership, and photo identification), the owner will be provided with a scheduled surrender date. On the surrender date, the animal will be reliquished to the custody and care of the Oconee County Animal Shelter. The person surrendering the animal will be responsible for transportation to the Animal Shelter.
Upon surrendering ownership of your pet and completion of the Managed Intake Process, YOU GIVE UP ALL RIGHTS AND CLAIMS to that animal. We will not contact you futher regarding that animal or provide any update status. If you are not comfortable with this policy, we encourage you to try plaicing an ad in the newspaper, on social media / online, or contact other facilities before bringing your pet to our shelter. While we will make every effort to ensure that pets have forever homes, we cannot guarantee that your pet will be adopted.
Q: Can Animal Control assist with euthanizing my elderly, sick, or injured animal at my request?
A: Please contact Oconee County Animal Control to complete the required documents, provide proof of ownership, and schedule an appointment for the euthanasia. There is a fee assosicated the euthanasia ($50?????). Owners may choose to take their pet with them for burial cremation by a private company, or they may elect to have the animal cremated by the Animal Shelter staff, however the shelter cannot provide you with the cremains if the animal is cremated at the Animal Shelter.