Cleveland County Animal Services
1601 Airport Rd, Shelby, NC 28150

According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), less than 2 percent of cats and only 15 to 20 percent of dogs are returned to their owners. Most of these were identified with tags, tattoos, or microchips. 

If we receive a lost pet, we check for a microchip and identification tag. If we find either a chip or a tag, we begin tracking down the owner. Too often, we find that owners haven’t kept their microchip information up-to-date. When that happens, we contact the microchip manufacturer to find out who implanted the chip. All field staff are equipped with microchip scanners and will attempt to scan the animal in the field and return it to the owner of record. 

Once impounded, Cleveland County Animal Services holds lost pets for a minimum of 72 hours after which time they are evaluated for the adoption program. If you locate your pet at our shelter, you will need to provide proof of ownership (medical records, photographs) and proof of rabies vaccination.

By law, we cannot release an animal without proof of vaccination. If you cannot provide proof of vaccination, you will be required to pay for a rabies vaccination and tag. You may have additional fees related to the impound and boarding. To get an estimate, please call 704-481-9884 to speak with a staff member. 
 
Not all animals may be displayed on the website. We recommend visiting the shelter to see if your pet has been impounded.