CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) The Montgomery County Commission voted Monday in favor of stronger regulations on the surrendering of pets at Montgomery County Animal Care & Control.
The shelter will now charge fees for those who surrender animals at the facility.
The fee to surrender a dog or cat by their owner is $30 with each additional puppy or kitten under three months from the same litter $5, and $10 if they are over four months. Puppies or kittens under four months of age are $10. The fees are set to take effect in early August.
The owner surrender fees will go to cover vaccinations, caring for the animals at the shelter, housing, additional personnel and helping to find homes for the animals that are surrendered at the shelter.
“I know there’s a lot of concern by citizens that feel that a lot of pet owners will just set their dogs or cats free rather than bringing them down to the shelter. We’re here to educate pet owners and find a new home for the pet,” Animal Control Director David Kaske said.
Kaske said during the month of June there were 111 owner surrenders, which was 30 percent of the shelter’s total intake.
There is also a fee for owner-requested euthanasia. For under 40 pounds the cost is $35, 40-100 pounds $50 and over 100 pounds is $60.
Owner releases will now be by appointment only during regular business hours Monday-Friday. Owners will also have to give a reason why they are releasing their pet and must provide proof of being a Montgomery County resident.
The new regulations also require animals adopted from Animal Care & Control to have a microchip at a cost of $18 with the name and address of the owner.
For more information, contact Animal Control at 931-648-5750.