Animal Control

​​​Serving Our Community

for Happier, Healthier Animals

Shelby County Animal Control & Shelter serves the residents of Shelby County by promoting responsible pet ownership, enforcing state and local animal laws, and caring for stray and homeless animals in our community.

Our staff operates in accordance with applicable Kentucky Revised Statutes and the Shelby County Animal Ordinance (Rev. 6-24).

For full legal requirements regarding licensing, vaccinations, and animal care, please review the ordinance document.

What We Do

Shelby County Animal Control & Shelter is responsible for:

• Responding to reports of stray, injured, or aggressive animals

• Enforcing county animal ordinances and Kentucky animal laws

• Managing required animal licensing for Shelby County

• Providing safe and humane shelter for impounded animals

• Reuniting lost pets with their owners

• Facilitating animal adoptions to approved homes

• Offering education on responsible pet ownership and rabies vaccination laws

Animal Licensing

All dogs, cats, and ferrets in Shelby County must be vaccinated against rabies and pr​​operly licensed in accordance with the Shelby County Animal Ordinance​

License Applications
To obtain or renew a license, please complete the Animal Control License Application​ and follow the instructions on the form for payment and submission.

Current License Fees (subject to change by Fiscal Court):

• Dog Licenses

  • 1-Year Altered (spayed/neutered): $10.00

  • 3-Year Altered: $27.00

  • 1-Year Unaltered: $60.00

  • Lifetime (microchipped): $100.00

• Cat License: $10.00

• Ferret License: $10.00

• Kennel / Business Licenses

  • Class A Kennel/Cattery (over 51 dogs/cats): $200.00

  • Class B Kennel/Cattery (10–50 dogs/cats): $100.00

  • Class C Kennel (business boarding, sentry): $200.00

  • Pet Shop: $200.00

  • Animal Dealer – Resident: $100.00

  • Animal Dealer – Non-Resident: $250.00

  • Humane Society (at physical address only): No charge

  • Register wildlife: No charge

Violations & Fines – Animals Running at Large
Within one calendar year:

• $25 – First offense (includes microchipping if not already microchipped)

• $50 – Second offense

• $75 – Third offense

• Cost of required spay or neuter, if applicable

Trap Deposits & Boarding Fees:

• Small trap deposit: $45.00

• Large trap deposit: $250.00

• Boarding – Dogs/Cats: $20.00 per day

• Boarding – Livestock at shelter: $50.00 per day

The Shelby County Fee Schedule is established and updated by Fiscal Court. The most recent update was approved at the June 4, 2024 Fiscal Court meeting.​​

Adoptions

Our goal is to place adoptable animals into safe, loving, permanent homes. All adopted animals are spayed or neutered and receive age-appropriate vaccinations and basic veterinary care.

Typical Adoption Fees (subject to change):

• Dog Adoptions: $75

• Cat Adoptions: $10

To adopt:

1. Complete the Animal Adoption Application.

2. Submit your application as directed on the form.

3. Visit the shelter during business hours to meet adoptable animals.

4. Staff will review your application and help match you with an animal that fits your home and lifestyle.

You can view current adoptable pets online by visiting the Adoptable Animals Page​

Reclaiming a Lost Pet

If your pet is missing, please:

1. Call the shelter at (502) 633-0009 to see if your animal has been picked up.

2. Bring proof of ownership (such as photos, vet records, or microchip information).

3. Be prepared to pay any applicable boarding, licensing, and violation fees before your pet is released.

State law requires a minimum stray-hold period before unclaimed animals can be made available for adoption or transfer to rescue partners.

Volunteering & Community Support

Community support is vital to the success of our Animal Control & Shelter operations.

You can help by:

• Volunteering at the shelter Animal Shelter Volunteer Form
  

• Donating supplies or funds

• Licensing and vaccinating your pets

• Spaying/neutering your animals to help reduce overpopulation

• Sharing information about adoptable animals