Frequently Asked Questions - Animal Control

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We know your time is valuable, so we've listed the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below. If you don't see your question, just scroll down to submit your question online and an Animal Control Officer will respond within 48 hours.

How do I contact Animal Control?

If you have an EMERGENCY situation where a dangerous animal poses an immediate and imminent danger to the public, call 911 and they will dispatch an officer.

For any other non-emergency situations, call Animal Control at (219) 477-3110. Should you get voice mail, please be sure to leave your name, address and phone number and an Animal Control officer will return your call.  Or, you may submit an online report. See "Submit A Report" icon below.

call Animal Control at 219-477-3110. Should you get voice mail, please be sure to leave your name, address and phone number and an Animal Control Officer will return your call. Or, you may submit an online report by clicking on the icon below.

What parts of Porter County does Porter County Animal Control service?

Porter County Animal Control is responsible for all of Porter County EXCEPT for the City of Portage. If you have an animal control issue within the city limits of Portage, you can contact Portage Animal Control at (219) 763-1825.

Who do I call if I have problems with nuisance animals such as raccoons, squirrels, bats, possums, chipmunks, skunks, etc?
Porter County Animal Control only handles domestic animals and livestock. If you have a problem with nuisance animals, please contact a humane pest control company.

What should I do if I see a stray animal?

We understand that your first inclination would be to capture the stray animal. But that is not always the best answer. Sometimes, capturing a stray animal may do more harm then good. For more information about strays, click on the appropriate option below.

Stray Cats

Stray Kittens

Stray Dogs

What should I do if my neighbor's dog is barking constantly?

First, we recommend speaking with your neighbor about the issue. Some people are just not aware, and a conversation can often solve the problem. If a conversation does not work, then Animal Control might be able to help, but there are requirements that must be met before we can act. We must have proof that the dog has been barking over a 30 minute period to write a citation. The proof being either an officer witnessing the barking or a video/audio recording.  Otherwise, Animal Control can give the dog's owner a verbal warning until the required proof is provided.

Have A Question We Didn't Address?

If you have a question that we didn't address above, just click on the icon below to submit your question online and Shelter staff will respond to you within 48 hours.

Submit An Animal Control QUESTION

CLICK HERE to submit your online question about Animal Control

Submit An Online Animal Control Report

For non-emergency situations, click on the icon below to file an online Animal Control report. An officer will respond to your report within 48 hours.

Submit An Animal Control REPORT

CLICK HERE To Submit An Online Animal Control Report