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1. Who do I call if I see a dead animal in the road?

If obstructing traffic the police or animal control can move it. If the animal is a deer call 518-439-9973 and the dispatcher will notify the correct town, county or state highway for removal. If not in the way nature can take its course and it will disappear. If the animal really has to be removed call 518-439-9973 and assistance from animal control or town highway can be sent. Albany County Department of Health recommends dead animals found in peoples yards can be buried (at least three feet deep) or double bagged and put in the trash. NYSDOH does not want to test animals unless there is a human exposure.

2. What do I do if I suspect someone’s animal is being abused or neglected?

Call 518-439-9973. If it is an emergency requiring immediate attention (for example, an animal’s safety is in immediate danger), tell the dispatcher. A call will be put into our system and the police and animal control will be dispatched. Animal control is not always on duty but can follow up if necessary.

3. What do I do if I encounter injured, orphaned, etc. wildlife?

Never try to care for a wild animal yourself, always contact a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator. Several local veterinarians handle some injured wildlife but call first.

4. What do I do if my pet is lost?

To report a lost animal, call the Bethlehem Police at 439-9973. The fastest and easiest way to get your pet back to you is to have it licensed (dogs) and/or give it identification via a micro-chip, tag, collar, etc. Please note that dogs seized and impounded by the town are taken to Mohawk Hudson Humane Society located at 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12204, 518-434-8128. When searching for a lost animal and after contacting the Bethlehem Police, please also think about how close you live to one (or more) of the town's borders. If you think it is possible your animal wandered into another jurisdiction, contact them as well: Albany, 518-434-5091; Coeymans, 518-756-2059; Guilderland, 518-861-6855; or New Scotland, 518-475-0385.

5. I saw a wild animal near my residence, what do I do?

Bobcats, coyotes, fishers, foxes and bears have been seen in Town, this is not unusual. The Animal Control Officer tries to monitor unusual occurrences with these animals and keep NYSDEC informed. All of these animals are under DEC's responsibility (518-357-2450) not the Town's. Under an emergency situation (as with a suspected rabid animal), the ACO or any member of the police department can take action to protect the public. The ACO advises people not to leave pets out unattended, not to feed pets outside, and not to leave any garbage available to attract wildlife. Cats especially should be kept indoors. Even bird feeders should not be used from early March to late November. Small children should always be under supervision.

6. Do my pets really need to be immunized against rabies?

Yes, it is the law. The New York State law regarding pet rabies immunizations applies to ferrets as well as cats and dogs. Please view the Albany County Department of Health’s Rabies Clinic Schedule. For more information about the law, visit the Albany County Department of Health’s web pages.

7. What happens to dogs found loose in the town?

Dogs seized and impounded by the town are taken to Mohawk Hudson Humane Society located at 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12204, 518-434-8128

8. Where do I go if I want to adopt an animal?

There are a number of reputable rescue groups and shelters in our area. A good source of information regarding pet adoption is PetFinder.com, where you can learn before you adopt, search for adoptable pets, and find adoption/rescue groups in your area (search by your zip code.)