Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most frequently asked questions answered by our staff:

1)  "I don't want my dog/cat anymore, will you take it?
2)  "What can I do about a stray or nuisance animal?"
3)  "Who do I call if I wish to report animal cruelty?"
4)  "My pet is sick or injured, what do I do?"
5)  "I have found/lost a pet, what do I do?"

1) I don't want my dog/cat anymore, will you take it?

The first thing we try to determine is why don't you want your pet any longer. In the case of dogs and puppies, all the reasons usually come under three main categories:

• Housebreaking problems.
• Behavior problems.
• Lack of exercise and lack of training.

Obviously, all the above have solutions other than releasing your dog or puppy to an animal shelter, which is probably overflowing as it is.

We have a trained staff who would be able to discuss the solutions with you, and if you are willing to put in the time and effort, the end result may just amuse you. The added bonus is you will be GUILT FREE. We have pamphlets to send you. You are welcome to attend our obedience classes which we run from time to time. You are also welcome to visit us during our business hours for some hands on examples of training techniques, suggestions on feeding times, crate training, etc.  top

2) What can I do about stray and nuisance animals?

Each town has a Dog Control Officer. This person will address all stray and nuisance problems. You can call either the shelter, or your Town Clerk or Town Supervisor for the DCO in your town.  top

3) Who do I call if I wish to report animal cruelty?

Delaware County does not currently have a cruelty investigator. All calls should be directed to the Delaware County Sheriff's Department or the New York State Police. If you are not certain if the situation is a cruelty case, we will listen to the details and direct you to the proper channel.  top

4) My pet is sick or injured, what do I do?

PLEASE CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN. We are an animal SHELTER, not an animal hospital. Your pet should be seen at least once a year even when healthy. Ask your veterinarian to help you set up a schedule for checkups, vaccinations and checkups for external and internal parasites. Your veterinarian will also help you with the proper nutrition for your pet according to the age, sex, spay/neuter status, and activity levels.  top

5) I have found/lost a pet, what do I do?

We keep a running record of all reported lost and found pets. You should report the find/loss to us, the tattoo/micro chip registry if your pet is tattooed or micro chipped. In the case of dogs, your dog control officer should be notified. A found dog should be turned over to your DCO. Stray dogs have very clear laws concerning them. The dog laws for the state of New York can be obtained from NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Albany N.Y. Keeping the found dog is actually in violation of these laws. By turning the stray dog over, you can then legally adopt the dog after it has satisfied the legal waiting time required. Unfortunately, most stray dogs do not have license tags, rabies vaccination tags or ID tags. You have no way of knowing if the animal has been vaccinated, and keeping this dog, allowing it to come in contact with your family is very risky. Delaware County has been in a Rabies crisis for several years. The fear that the dog will be euthanized should not be foundation for risking your family, or for breaking the law. We have a very high adoption rate here at HSCDC. We utilize breed rescues, our staff fosters dogs and cats when we are very full. If you keep an unreported animal at your home, we cannot reunite the pet with its owner, should the owner call us looking for that animal.  top

If you have questions, or would like more information, please contact our office at: 607-746-3080. You may also contact us by e-mail by clicking info@heartofthecatskills.org. We are here to help you with animal issues.