Recipient of the NACo Achievement Award for Pet-Friendly Hurricane Shelters from the National Association of Counties.

The Lake County Animal Services Division provides for public safety, animal welfare and enforces state statutes and local ordinances. The Division promotes responsible pet ownership, reunites lost pets with their families and helps people select a new furry friend. Animal Services is the Countywide receiving facility for housing strays, animals in quarantine and unwanted domestic animals.

In addition to a two-person management team, the Division maintains a staff of 28 personnel, including thirteen Animal Services Officers, nine Animal Shelter Technicians, three Euthanasia Technicians, one Dispatchers, one part-time veternarian and one Office Associate. Animal Services Officers responded to more than 14,000 call/complaints and the Shelter Technicians cared for more than 15,000 animals in the past year.

Why should I learn about animal services?
Because the County animal services program depends on the support of residents.

Animal problems begin with people. The health and safety of animals and people are at risk when irresponsible pet owners:

• Let their pets roam free;
• Fail to observe laws and ordinances; and
• Allow their pets to have unwanted litters.

Solutions begin with the proper care and control of family pets.

The Animal Services Division can solve these problems with the help of citizens.

Education is the Key

Animal Services is involved in educational programs.

• Hairy the puppet is very popular with elementary school children. Hairy helps to communicate safety around animals, responsible ownership and other issues.
• Animal Services participates in “Careers on Wheels” programs throughout the County.
• In addition to hosting tours of the Animal Shelter, Animal Services participates in the international “Flat Stanley” program.