Responsible Pet Ownership

Commit

  • Avoid impulsive decisions when selecting a pet.
  • Select a pet that's suited to your home and lifestyle.
  • Keep only the type and number of pets for which you can provide appropriate food, water, shelter, health care and companionship.
  • Commit to the relationship for the life of your pet(s).
  • Provide appropriate exercise and mental stimulation.
  • Properly socialize and train your pet.

Invest

  • Recognize that pet ownership requires an investment of time and money.
  • Make sure your pet receives preventive health care (vaccinations, parasite control, etc.), as well as care for any illnesses or injuries.
  • Budget for potential emergencies.

Obey

  • Clean up after your pet.
  • Obey all local ordinances, including licensing, leash requirements and noise control.
  • Don't allow your pet to stray or become feral.

Identify

  • Make sure your pet is properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and keep its registration up-to-date.

Limit

  • Don't contribute to our nation's pet overpopulation problem: limit your pet's reproduction through spay/neuter, containment or managed breeding.

Prepare

  • Prepare for an emergency or disaster, including assembling an evacuation kit.
  • Make alternate arrangements if you can no longer provide care for your pet.
  • Recognize any decline in your pet's quality of life and make timely decisions in consultation with a veterinarian.

Click here to view the Sampson County Animal Control Ordinance (w/ amendments attached)(PDF, 2MB) .

To report animal cruelty, rabid or pestering animals, or any other animal conflicts, please call the Sheriff's Department at 910-592-4141.

Back to top