Reclaims

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If you have determined that your pet is being housed at the Porter County Animal Shelter, you can reclaim your pet from the Shelter during normal business hours. Please carefully read ALL of the sections below before you come to the Shelter.

What You Will Need To Reclaim Your Pet

Proof Of ownership of the animal.

Proof of identification such as a valid Indiana Driver's License or State Issued ID Card.

Payment of the reclaim fee, payment of any necessary medical fees incurred during the animal's impoundment, and any other fees incurred by Porter County Animal Control and/or Porter County Animal Shelter.

Proof of current rabies vaccination. If proof of vaccination is not available, a receipt showing pre-payment of scheduled rabies vaccination must be presented before the animal is released to the owner. Proof of vaccination must be received at the Porter County Animal Shelter within two business days after the animal's release or the animal will be subject to immediate impoundment.

PLEASE NOTE: If your animal was picked up by the City of Portage Animal Control, you must first pay them an additional $50 fine and provide them proof of rabies vaccination before you can visit the Shelter to reclaim your animal. You can contact them at (219) 763-1825.

Reclaim Fees

The animal reclaim fee is based upon the number of times you have had to reclaim your animal within a twelve month period, and whether it is spayed or neutered (altered). It is your responsibility to provide proof that the animal you are reclaiming has been spayed or neutered. If you are unable to provide proof, you will be required to pay the fee for intact animals. The animal reclaim fees are as follows:

$50 Reclaim fee for altered animal first offense;

$75 Reclaim fee for intact animal first offense;

$75 Reclaim fee for altered animal second offense;

$100 Reclaim fee for intact animal second offense;

$100 Reclaim fee for altered animal third and subsequent offenses; and

$125 Reclaim fee for intact animal third and subsequent offenses.

(Additional Fees May Apply)

Additional Reclaim Requirements

An animal that has been previously impounded and is now being reclaimed for the third or subsequent time within a twelve (12) month period is required to be:

Implanted with a microchip at the owner’s expense for the purpose of future identification and recovery; and

Spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian at the owner's expense prior to the Porter County Animal Shelter relinquishing the animal to the owner. If owner is unable to pay the full costs associated with spaying or neutering the animal, the Porter County Animal Shelter Director may enter into a payment agreement with the owner, or the owner may sign over ownership rights to the Porter County Animal Shelter.

Denial Of Reclaim

Release of the impounded animal to its owner may be denied by the Porter County Animal Control and/or the Porter County Animal Shelter Director if it is determined the animal is vicious or dangerous, diseased, a danger to public health and safety of the citizens of Porter County or for any other good and sufficient reason at the discretion of Porter County Animal Control and/or the Porter County Animal Shelter Director. CLICK HERE for more information about denial of reclaim and bond procedure.