Decatur Animal Services is a municipal animal shelter operated by the City of Decatur. In addition to enforcing local animal ordinances and conducting cruelty investigations, programs include adoptions, education, volunteerism, rescue, transport, and Special Events. Our mission is to improve the bond between humans and animals, to provide excellent service to the community, and to promote humane treatment of animals and respect for life.

Animal Admittance

Decatur Animal Services receives domestic pets, such as dogs and cats, from residents of Decatur. It is helpful for all information and medical records to accompany owner-surrendered pets to assist in their adoption. Owner surrenders are available  for Decatur City residents only and must be scheduled through approved appointments. 

For assistance with animal issues outside the City of Decatur, please contact Morgan County Animal Control at (256) 773-2934 or Lawrence County Animal Control at (256) 443-5154.

Animals Left at the Shelter After Business Hours

No person may leave an animal on the property of Decatur Animal Services after regular hours of operation. Any person doing so is guilty of abandonment, which is punishable by law under Section 13A-11-241 of the State Criminal Code.

Reference: Section 5-3, Code of Decatur

Report an Animal Problem

Decatur Animal Services responds 24 hours a day to urgent situations involving:

• An animal bite to a person
• A potentially vicious or rabid animal
• An injured stray animal

During regular business hours, contact Decatur Animal Services. After hours, report these urgent concerns to the Decatur Police Department at 256-341-4600.

For an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911.

Nonemergency animal concerns, including animals running loose, may be reported through Decatur Direct, the City’s online public service request system. Residents can submit a request, provide the location and details, upload photos, and track the request’s status.

Animals running loose are not considered an emergency. These concerns may also be reported to the shelter during the next business day.

To report a deceased animal in a street or on City property, use Decatur Direct or contact the Sanitation Department during regular business hours at 256-341-4740.

Animal Adoption and Fees

To adopt an animal from the shelter, a City-approved adoption application must be completed and signed. Failure to agree to and comply with the terms of the adoption agreement shall be grounds for disqualification to adopt an animal. Animal Services has the right to select the best possible placement for any animal and to deny a request to adopt an animal if not convinced the adopter can provide a suitable home or care for the animal.

Any adopted animal may be returned to the shelter if deemed by the adopter unsuitable within 10 business days, for exchange. Additionally, any adopted animal may be returned to the shelter within 10 business days for exchange due to illness or disease when accompanied by a receipt of purchase and a veterinary diagnosis.

Adoption Fees

When adopting an animal from Decatur Animal Services, each adopter must submit a $40.00 nonrefundable deposit along with their application to cover veterinary charges. Upon the completion of the animal’s sterilization surgery, the new owner will pay the remainder of the adoption fee when the pet is picked up. All costs are listed below.

• Dogs – $110.00, which includes heartworm testing and preventative; shots including rabies, kennel cough and a distemper/parvo combo; worming for intestinal parasites and Frontline for fleas and ticks.
• Cats – $95.00, which includes Feline leukemia/AIDS test; shots including rabies, kennel cough and a distemper combo; worming for intestinal parasites and Frontline for fleas and ticks.
• Rabbits – $85 for the sterilization surgery.
• Other animals – varies upon animal. Inquire.

Note: Adoption fees are waived for current City of Decatur employees.

Volunteers

Decatur Animal Services offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for anyone 16 years of age or older, ranging from cleaning cat cages, dog walking, off-site events, bathing, grooming, in-home fostering, donation drives, cat cuddling and many others. If you are interested, please check our volunteer bulletin board in the lobby.

FYI

1 unaltered female dog + 6 years = 67,000 offspring
1 unaltered female cat + 7 years = 420,000 offspring

Please don’t add to the overpopulation; be a responsible pet owner and have your pet spayed or neutered.