Many people think of Gladstone"s Animal Control as the dog catchers who run the dog pound. While our officers do, in fact, respond to calls of roaming animals and they do operate the City"s Animal Shelter, these are only a part of their duties and activities. They are involved, on a daily basis, in all aspects of animal care including ordinance enforcement, adoption, veterinary services and education. The most visible part of a Gladstone Animal Control Officers job is ordinance enforcement. They are responsible for enforcing the City"s leash law which requires all dogs to be restrained on a leash, chained to an unmovable object or kept in an enclosed fence. The ordinance is designed to protect both the animal and the public. Free roaming dogs can be injured by cars or other dangers and can be a menace to walkers and joggers. In addition to the leash law, Gladstone requires that all dogs be licensed. Any dog over the age of six months must be licensed, regardless of whether the dog is kept inside or outside the house. To obtain the license the dog must have a current rabies vaccination. Like the leash law, this ordinance protects both the health of the dog and the public by requiring regular rabies vaccinations.

Two other City ordinances regulate the treatment and sanitation of animals. City Code specifies that any animal kept outside must be provided adequate shelter and a constant supply of water. During harsh weather pet owners should also provide bedding (straw is recommended) for outside animals. City ordinance also requires animal owners to clean-up any feces from their pets. This requirement applies to both public and private property. To encourage compliance, sanitary disposal stations are provided in several City parks.

Along with basic care and sanitation, pet owners are responsible for the noise their animals make. Owners may not permit their pets to habitually bark, howl or be a public nuisance in any other way. Violation of this ordinance may result in a citation and a court fine.

While ordinance enforcement is the most visible part of an Animal Control Officers" job, animal care is by far the most time consuming. Homeless and unwanted animals are kenneled and provided veterinary care at the Gladstone Animal Shelter. The Officers work to successfully find the animals new homes by providing information and suggestions to make the best possible match between animal and owner. The animals are also given vaccinations, a physical exam and a spay or neuter before being adopted.

Gladstone"s Animal Control Officer"s also conduct public education programs. They often talk to areas schools, neighborhood associations and childcare facilities. The Officer"s make presentations on a variety of topics including animal safety and wildlife cohabitation.

Adoption Fees
Adoption fee on cats and kittens is $154.20, which includes a veterinary check, vaccinations, feline leukemia testing, worming, spay or neuter, microchipping and adoption fee. Adoption fee on dogs and puppies is $176.70, which includes a veterinary check, vaccinations, a heartworm check, worming, spay or neuter, microchipping and adoption fee.

Electronic Fences
Gladstone permits the use of electronic fences to restrain non-dangerous dogs. Electronic fences may not be used in front yards. On corner lots, the fence must be at least ten (10) feet away from any public street or sidewalk adjacent to the side or rear yard of a lot. If an electronic fence is in use, a sign must be posted to notify the public. Please contact animal control for further instructions and to obtain a sign for posting.