New Animal Control requirements go into effect September 1

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Beginning Sept. 1, 2018 Montgomery County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) will require pet owners who want to surrender their pet to contact MCACC by phone to make an appointment before coming to the shelter. This will allow staff members to contact and assist citizens with their owner release.

“We are dedicated to helping pet owners with re-homing, vetting, or finding ways for them to keep their pet. Our goal is to find new homes for these pets or find ways to help pet owners to keep their pets because we understand how difficult it is to give them up,” MCACC Director David Kaske said in a release from the county.

Additionally, on Sept. 1, MCACC will require that before leaving the shelter, all dogs and cats be microchipped, if they are not already. This will help to identify the pet and owner in the future. The microchip fee on a reclaimed pet will be $18. The microchip fee on adoptions varies from $5 to $18, depending on the age of the animal and how long the animal has been at the shelter. See the new Adoption Pricing for more information.

MCACC will also conduct Microchip Clinics for pet owners who wish to have their pet microchipped at a reduced fee.

Currently, if a pet owner no longer wants their pet, they show up at MCACC and surrender it. They may or may not even be a resident of Montgomery County. All owner surrenders will now have to show proof of residence.

“Our community’s pet surrender rates are extremely high. It’s time to try something different for our animal population and for pet owners. Dave is doing a great job helping us implement necessary changes that help bring us up-to-date in our practices,” Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett said.

The policy changes, approved by the County Commission at the July 9 formal Commission meeting, includes the process of implementing new forms, cost centers and training on implanting the microchips.
If you have questions regarding the new policies, please feel free to contact Montgomery County Animal Care and Control at 931-648-5750 or you can email Director Dave Kaske at djkaske @mcgtn.net.