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Pet Owner Resources
Start Your Pet Ownership Journey Right
Bringing a pet into your home is a big decision, and a lifelong commitment. Whether you're a first-time owner or adding to your furry family, being prepared helps ensure a safe, healthy, and happy life for your pet.
Responsible pet ownership starts with planning. From proper identification to everyday care, knowing what your pet needs will help reduce risk and build a strong bond. Pitt County Animal Services offers helpful resources, tools, and tips to support you at every step.
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Bringing a New Cat Home
Preventing problems when introducing a new cat
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Bringing a New Dog Home
Preventing problems when introducing a new dog
Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics for Dogs and Cats
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Pitt County Animal Services, in partnership with various local organizations and agencies, offers low-cost rabies vaccination clinics throughout the year to help pet owners reduce the risk of rabies in their communities.
The date for the next Drive-Through Rabies Vaccination Clinic is to be determined
General Rabies Vaccination Clinic Information
These clinics provide affordable rabies shots for dogs and cats over four months of age. One-year and three-year vaccinations may be available.
Rabies vaccines will cost $5.00 each, and a limited number of micro-chips will be $10.00 each, while supplies last.- Vaccines and micro-chips are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
- No appointments are needed.
- Owners must provide paperwork showing prior vaccinations to receive the three-year vaccination. Staff will be unable to look up previous rabies vaccination.
What to Know Before You Go
- Dogs must be on a leash with a secure collar or harness.
No retractable leashes or chains. - Cats must be in carriers.
Use separate carriers for each cat when possible. - Bring a photo ID with your current address.
If your ID is outdated, bring a utility bill with your name and current address. - Puppies and kittens under four months of age will not be vaccinated.
- Pets must be due for their rabies vaccination.
A shot cannot be given more than 30 days before the previous vaccine expires. - If you are bringing a pet for someone else,
- A copy of the owner’s photo ID with current address, and
- Written permission to vaccinate their pet.
When attending a clinic, check in at the designated location, usually marked with signage or a check-in tent. Volunteers will be on site to help guide you.
North Carolina Law:
"The owner of every dog and cat over four months of age shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies." In Pitt County, owners of dog and cats that have not been vaccinated in accordance with this law are subject to a civil penalty in the amount of $100.Stay up to date on upcoming clinics and pet care services
Follow Pitt County Animal Services on Facebook
Or call 252-902-1725 for more information.
Be a Responsible Pet Owner
Provide proper care, safety, and commitment to your pet’s lifelong well-being.
Owning a pet is a lifelong commitment. In Pitt County, we ask all pet owners to provide safe, healthy, and loving homes for their animals. Responsible pet ownership means more than meeting basic needs, it’s about being fully prepared and consistently caring for your pet.
Lifelong Commitment
Pets depend on you every day. Make sure you're ready to care for your pet emotionally, physically, and financially for their entire life.
Veterinary Care
Schedule regular vet checkups. Keep vaccinations up to date and stay on top of flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. This helps reduce the risk of disease and keeps pets feeling their best.
Rabies vaccinations are required by law in North Carolina for all dogs, cats, and ferrets over four months of age.
Spay and Neuter
Spaying or neutering your pets helps control the animal population and reduces unwanted litters in Pitt County shelters.
Identification Matters
Microchipping and visible ID tags are the best way to make sure lost pets get home safely and quickly.
Safe Shelter and Food
Provide clean, secure shelter and ensure pets always have access to fresh water and nutritious food.
Secure Containment
Keep dogs leashed or in fenced areas, and bring cats indoors or use safe enclosures. This keeps them safe and protects wildlife.
Training and Socialization
Start with positive training early. Socializing your pet helps reduce fear, anxiety, and behavior issues.
Time and Attention
All pets need daily interaction and exercise. Mental stimulation and companionship are key to a happy, healthy animal.
Know the Law
Follow Pitt County’s leash laws, pet limits, and licensing rules. These laws protect pets and people.
Responsible pet ownership helps ensure a healthier, safer community, for animals and humans.
Making End-of-Life Decisions For Your Pet
Euthanizing a pet is one of the hardest decisions a pet owner can face. It is often done to prevent suffering and ensure a pet’s quality of life remains as high as possible. Every pet is different, so what defines a poor quality of life for one may not be the same for another.
Assessing Your Pet’s Well-Being
A quality-of-life scale can help you evaluate your pet’s condition.
Consider the following:
- Is my pet in pain?
- Can they urinate and defecate normally?
- Are they having seizures?
- Have they stopped eating?
- Do they no longer respond to me?
- Are they experiencing more bad days than good?
- Is their condition only getting worse?
- Have all treatment options been exhausted?
- Has a veterinarian recommended euthanasia?
Tools to Help You Decide
- Talk to your vet – They can provide medical insight, though the decision is yours.
- Look at old photos/videos – Compare their behavior before and after their illness.
- Track their good and bad days – A simple calendar can help reveal trends.
- List their favorite activities – If they no longer enjoy them, their quality of life may be declining.
What To Do If Your Pet Passes Away at Home
Losing a pet is never easy. If your pet passes away at home or outside of a veterinary office, you still have options for handling their remains with care and respect.
- Stay calm and allow yourself a few moments to grieve.
- Contact your veterinarian for advice.
Precautions for Handling a Deceased Pet at Home
- Wear protective gear: Use gloves and a mask to protect yourself from fluids and odor.
- Protect surfaces: Place towels or plastic sheeting under the pet to prevent stains.
- Position the body: Gently arrange your pet within a few hours, before rigor mortis begins.
- Wrap securely: Use a towel or blanket, then seal the body in a heavy-duty plastic bag or container.
- Keep remains cool: Store in a garage or cooler with ice packs if burial or pickup is delayed.
- Choose a safe burial site: Stay away from water sources when selecting a location.
- Clean up afterward: Wash your hands and disinfect any surfaces that were touched.
Disposal Options
- Private Cremation: Contact a local pet cremation service. Many offer pickup or drop-off options and return your pet’s ashes in a memorial urn.
- Burial on Private Property: You may bury your pet on your own land, as long as it meets local guidelines. For guidance on pet burial regulations within city or town limits, please contact your local municipality, as rules may vary by jurisdiction. North Carolina regulations, deceased pets must be buried at least three feet underground and at least 300 feet away from any water sources. Additionally, the burial should occur within 24 hours of the pet's death.
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