FAQ’S on Animal Care
Q: Where are you located?
A: We are located on Ave 256 just east of Lovers Lane in Visalia. Our address is 14131 Avenue 256, Visalia, CA 93292. (link to map)
Q: What are your shelter hours?
A: Monday through Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm
Q: What is your phone number?
A: (559) 636-DOGS (3647)
Q: What types of animals do you have available for adoption?
A: We have many cats and dogs available for adoption. We always have a large variety here at our shelter, from little kittens and puppies to adult animals.
Q: What are the costs of adopting a dog or cat?
A: The adoption fee varies. If the animal is not already sterilized, there is a spay/neuter deposit. Once the animal is sterilized, a contracted veterinarian will deduct the deposit from your bill. If you live in a County area, it is an additional $10 for the dog license fee.
Q: Do you ever do off site adoptions?
A: Saturdays at COS on Mooney Blvd. in Visalia from 10 am – 3 pm and ongoing at PetSmart in Visalia. We have sterilized cats and kittens available for adoption at PetSmart.
Q: What areas do you cover for Animal Control?
A: The Tulare County Animal Control Program covers all of the unincorporated areas of Tulare County. We respond to all areas that are outside the city limits and all of those little “county islands.” If you live within the city limits, please call your city animal control program or the city police department
Q: How many shelters are there in Tulare County?
A: There are three of them.
Tulare County Animal Control – (559) 636-DOGS (3647)
Valley Oak SPCA – (559) 651-1111
Lindsay Animal Control – (559) 562-6577
Q: What areas does the County cover for dog licensing?
A: The Tulare County Animal Control Program provides licensing services for all of the unincorporated areas of Tulare County. We cover to all areas that are outside the city limits and all of those little “county islands.” If you live within the city limits, please call your city’s local licensing division.
Q: What is the County’s dog licensing phone number?
A: (559) 733-6511
Q: Why should I license my dog?
A: Lost and Found : As you probably agree, we would rather your pet did not have to ever go a shelter. If your pet has a license, we can easily trace the number and return him or her back home. This is obviously less stress on you and your pet.
Money Generated: The money that is taken in from license fees is used for other Animal Control operations such as supplementing the cost of animal care, equipment and other projects.
It is the LAW!: It is much less expensive to pay the fee than to pay the fine. It is required that every dog have a license within 30 days of ownership.
Q: What are the dog license fees?
A: You can license your animal for 1, 2, or 3 years. If your dog is spayed or neutered it is $10 for one year, $16 for two years, or $22 for three years. If the animal is not sterilized it is $25 for one year, $40 for two years, or $55 for three years.
Q: My dog lost his license tag. How do I get a new one?
A: There is a $2.00 charge for a new tag when they are lost. You can either come into the shelter or you may mail the payment to the shelter.
Q: How many dogs am I allowed in the county?
A: You may license up to four dogs. If you have more then four dogs you will need to obtain a kennel license from the Tulare County Animal Control Program. You may also need to obtain a variance from the Tulare County Resource Management Agency if you own more than four dogs.
Q: I live in the city limits. Who do I contact for dog licensing?
A: Dinuba – (559) 651-1111
Exeter – (559) 592-9244
Farmersville – (559) 747-0458
Lindsay – (559) 562-7105 or (559) 562-6577
Porterville – (559) 562-7105 or (559) 562-6577
Tulare – (559) 684-4268
Visalia – (559) 651-1111
Q: What do I need to do to adopt a pet?
A: You will need to first pick out your new pet and then you will need to fill out an adoption application form. Once your application has been approved, then you will be asked to read and sign our adoption & sterilization contract.
Q: Once I adopt my new pet will I be able to take him/her home that same day?
A: Yes, once you have been approved for adoption, you may take your new friend home with you the same day unless the animal has an appointment to be sterilized the following week.
Q: If I want to adopt a pet, where can I go?
A: Our shelter is located at 14131 Avenue 256 in Visalia. We are at the corner of Lovers Lane (Road 140) and Avenue 256. We also have Off-site locations at The College of the Sequoias (COS) on Saturdays and ongoing cat adoptions at PetSmart in Visalia.
Q: What is an Adoption Off-site?
A: Animals from our shelter and from foster homes are taken to a special location and placed up for adoption. The entire adoption process is done at this location.
Q: What is a Foster Home?
A: It is a home where a needy animal may temporarily stay, improving his/her chances of being adopted by a loving family.
Q: How can I become a Foster Parent?
A: By calling our Volunteer Coordinator, Michelle Shanley at (559) 636-3647 x 2. Our Volunteer Coordinator will provide you with all of the information that you need to become a Foster Parent for the Tulare County Animal Shelter.
Q: How can I make difference?
A: You can make a difference by being a responsible pet owner, and by becoming a volunteer at your local animal shelter. Please call (559) 636-3647 to obtain more information on how to become a volunteer for the shelter.
Q: What is Humane Education?
A: Humane education refers to activities and presentations designed to encourage children to be kind and to respect themselves, their environment and all living things. Humane Education programs are available by calling Michelle Shanley at (559) 636-3647 x 2.
Q: Why should I get my pet spayed or neutered?
A: Sterilization reduces the number of accidental pregnancies.
Sterilization reduces the number of unwanted puppies and kittens.
Spaying helps protect female dogs against breast cancer.
Spaying helps protect female dogs against diseases of the reproductive system.
Neutering helps protect male dogs against prostate enlargement & Testicular cancers.
Sterilizing your dog will help them to be less aggressive with other dogs
Spay or neutering your animal will make them less likely to roam or mark their territory.
By breeding your female, you may be putting your dog’s life in an unnecessary Risk.
Animal ownership is a long-term commitment and your responsibility multiplies with every litter.
Millions of unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized every year.
Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Q: My male dog won’t be the same after I have him neutered?
A: Contrary to rumor, neutered dogs do not lose their protective abilities, but instead you may find them easier to train. You may want to watch their diet, because some dogs may gain weight after their surgery.
Q: My female dog needs to have just one litter, and then I’ll have her spayed?
A: No, your female dog or cat does not need to breed just one time. If you have your female animal spayed before her first heat you may be saving your females life from common disease such as breast cancer and reproductive cancers. You may even find that your female is much more affectionate and easier trained.
Q: I always find good homes for all the litters my dog and cat has?
A: If this were a true statement then animal shelters all over the country would not be filled with millions of unwanted animals. Millions of unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized every year. Be responsible for your animals. Please spay or neuter!
Q: What is Kennel Cough?
A: Kennel Cough is a highly contagious, airborne disease. The virus can be transmitted by nose to nose contact or by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces, such as clothing, toys, and or food /water bowls. This disease is most common in dogs that have been boarded in kennels or shelters. Kennel Cough is treatable, and is not life threatening unless left untreated. If left untreated, it may develop into pneumonia. This is a dog disease only and cannot be transmitted to cats or people.
Q: My animal is lost. What should I do?
A: Please visit the animal shelter that takes care of your area. Calling may not be enough. Hundreds of animals come into animal shelters every day that may match the description of your animal. You know your animal best!
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