Animal Care and Control

The Habersham County Department of Animal Care & Control (HCACC) promotes and protects public safety and animal care through sheltering, pet placement, education, and animal law enforcement. Their mission is to enforce state laws and county ordinances about animal control and management; to promote the health, safety, and welfare of all animals in Habersham County; to promote compassion towards animals; to promote safe human-animal interactions, and to help educate the community in responsible pet ownership.

As the agency responsible for animal-related public safety, our mission is achieved through shared county values, including professionalism, responsibility, compassion, commitment, integrity, accountability, and community partnerships.

HCACC is staffed by paid employees who receive and care for an average of 250 animals per month, most of which are dogs and cats. HCACC staff also manage the animal shelter and animal control.

Habersham County Animal Control Officers enforce the Habersham County animal ordinance and are responsible for the following:

• Stray animal pickup
• Rabies enforcement
• Cruelty or neglect of animals
• Leash law violations
• Excessive animal noise

Please note that at night and on weekends, Habersham County animal control officers handle emergencies only. Emergencies consist of police assistance, animal bites, etc. Therefore, we strongly advise that you do not falsify claims to receive service immediately or after hours.

Emergencies and Animal Bites:  Dial 911

You may also request service by completing the Reporting a Stray Animal or Problem Form to the right.

Animal Control does NOT:

• Pick up deceased animals from roadways or private property.
• Pick up owner surrendered animals. All owners must bring all owner-offered animals to the Habersham County Animal Shelter.
• Capture/trap or remove nuisance wildlife. Please contact the Department of Natural Resources at 770-918-6401.
• Administer Veterinary Services to the public or provide medical advice. Unfortunately, we do not have a vet on staff. Please contact a licensed veterinarian about any health-related issues your pet may have. 
• Offer euthanasia as a service. Owners must surrender animals to the Habersham County Animal Care & Control Department. Please see Surrendering Your Pet for details; the link to this page is on the right.