Show All Answers

1. 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.

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

If it is obstructing traffic, the police or animal control can move it.  If the animal is a deer, call 518-439-9973 and tell the dispatcher of its location so they can 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.

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 and tag, collar, etc.  Please note that dogs seized and impounded by the town are no longer taken to Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.  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; etc.

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

Bobcats, coyotes, fishers, foxes, birds of prey, 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 or children out unattended, not to feed pets outside, thoroughly clean grills after use, 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?

Please call 518-439-9973.  The town currently has no contract with a shelter or similar facility.

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.  Use the internet to find information on breeds, their adult sizes, care, feeding, and projected costs including veterinary.  Once you are sure your household is all in agreement about a new pet, there are a number of good sources of information regarding pet adoptions.  These sites can further educate you before you adopt, allow you to search for adoptable pets, and find adoption/rescue groups in your area (search by your zip code.)  Try PetFinder.com, AdoptAPet.com, ASPCA.org, Best Friends Animal Society, PetSmart Charities, AKC Rescue Network.  RescueMe.org has not only has countless pets up for adoption, but also has resources available for wildlife rehabilitators/shelters.  Should you need to rehome an animal, use these resources to contact area rescue groups and shelters for information and advice.

9. What do I do if I find an animal that could be someone's pet?

All animals will be frightened when they are not in their normal environment so take caution, for instance, wear gloves in case of scratches or nips.  If you can't get the animal, try local rescue groups to see if they have a Have-A-Heart trap you could borrow.  If you have a veterinarian, contact them to see if they will scan the animal for a microchip; if not, see if a local vet will perform the scan for you.  Veterinarian offices would be the best first line source of information for rehoming and temporary care.  After that, you can try adoption web sites to locate reputable rescue groups and shelters in our area.  Use their search function along with your address/zip code to find those closest to your location and their contact information, and then start reaching out.  Please note, shelters and rescues are constantly inundated so keep trying while being respectful of their situation.  Consider fostering for one of them!  Until you can place the animal, keep it separated from any pets you may have but keep it comfortable, fed, watered, and provided potty breaks and positive human interaction.

Try PetFinder.com, AdoptAPet.com, ASPCA.org, Best Friends Animal Society, PetSmart Charities, AKC Rescue Network.  RescueMe.org has not only has countless pets up for adoption, but also has resources available for wildlife rehabilitators/shelters.