Pet Owner Questions

Do I need a license for my pet?

Residents of the City of Asheville must obtain a license annually for their dogs who are 6 months or older. The fee for a license is $10.00. You may obtain a license registration/renewal form at City Hall. If you reside in Buncombe County but not in the Asheville City Limits, you do not need a pet license, although we do encourage you to obtain an ID tag.

Can I obtain an ID tag from the shelter if I don't adopt my animal there?

Absolutely, and we strongly encourage you to do so. We are one of the only animal shelters in the country to make tags available at no charge to the community (although we appreciate a small donation to offset our costs associated with the tag). These tags obtained from us contain a unique animal number, which we enter into our computer system. Whenever animal control officers pick up an animal with one of these tags, we will attempt to contact the owner.

We also sell customizable tags at the shelter: for the low cost of $5.00, you may have a tag printed with your name, address, telephone number, and other information.

For those of you interested in outfitting your pet with a more artistic tag, consider creating an identification tag through www.dogtagart.com which offers original art designs available from an Asheville-based company. Buy a cool tag from Dog Tag Art and a donation will automatically be made to AHS for every tag! Simply enter the coupon code AHS09 when you place your online order.

Can I board my pet with you?

Since space is limited at the shelter and must accommodate all of the animals     being brought to us we are unable to board animals.  You can check the phone     book or online for area boarding facilities.

I can’t keep my pet what do I do? I don’t want it to be euthanized!

Unfortunately we can’t guarantee placement of animals that come to us. Although we try our best, not all animals fair well in the shelter environment, or we simply run out of space. We suggest that you exhaust all other options first. 

Ask friends/family if they can keep your pet. 

If it is due to a landlord issue, try to find pet friendly housing immediately.

If you think your pet needs more attention, you're wrong. Dogs and cats don’t mind being left alone in a home. They’re just glad they have a home.

If you can’t afford food, see our free pet food locations. On most days have free pet food available to the public.

Can you help me get my own animals spayed or neutered?

There are several community resources that may be able to help you:
•    Humane Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic operates a low-cost spay-neuter clinic. You may reach them by calling (828) 252-2079.
•    Animal Compassion Network offers assistance to low-income pet-owners at their adoption days and through the mail. You may contact them at (828) 258-4820.
•    Asheville Kennel Club has limited spay/neuter funds for dogs only. You may reach their answering service at (828) 258-4833.

Asheville Humane Society sometimes has a limited amount of spay/neuter assistance available, primarily for cats. If you are unsuccessful with the above options, please call us at (828) 236-3885.

Can anyone help me with vet bills?

Click HERE to access organizations that may be able to help you.

I need to find a foster home for my pet while I move/have surgery/go out of the country. I can’t afford to board them.

Unfortunately, if we have open foster homes we fill them quickly with needy     animals here at the shelter, that have no alternative. Try asking friends/family to keep your pets for you. 

Do you still have rabies vaccination clinics?

At this time we do not offer rabies vaccination clinics, but Buncombe County Animal Services does. You can contact them at 828- 253-1195. Or click HERE for additional information on the clinics.