They calculate and collect fees, prepare data for licenses, past due notices, invoices, and assist citizens and callers by providing specific information concerning adoptions, reclaims of animals, State and County animal control ordinances, and other related matters. Animal Control impounds and cares for stray, diseased, injured, and unwanted animals at the Animal Shelter. The animals are properly housed and cared for until owners either reclaim their pet, the animal is placed with a new owner through the adoption-medical program , or the animal is humanely disposed of in accordance with State Law and County Ordinance. Animal Control conducts, promotes, and sponsors educational and training seminars, sometimes through Gaston College, held at the college, the Agricultural Center, various schools and civic buildings, and the shelter itself. These workshops have been attended by personnel nationwide and the Gaston County Animal Control program has been recognized nationally by the National Association of Counties, as being one of the best in the state.
Some fees do apply for services.
Adoption Procedures Animal Control, in cooperation with participating Gaston County Veterinarians and the Gaston Humane Society, has an adoption program for dogs and cats. Veterinarians that participate in the program are All Creatures Pet Hospital, Applewood Veterinary Hospital, Bessemer City Animal Clinic, Carolina Cat Clinic, Cherryville Animal Hospital, Crossroads Animal Hospital, Dickson Animal Clinic, Eastridge Animal Hospital, Forestbrook Animal Healthcare, Gaston Veterinary Hospital, Lineberger Veterinary Hospital, New Hope Animal Clinic, PetSmart Veterinary Service, Tessneer Animal Medical Hospital, Wilkinson Animal Hospital, and Veterinary Home Care. Animal Control delivers the adopted pet to the Veterinarian Clinic of choice, and the adopter picks their pet up at the veterinarian's office. Back to Animal Control Services. In Gaston County, all dogs and cats, four months of age, are required to be vaccinated against rabies.