Animal Services

graphic-COVID-updateAnimal Services closing lobby due to COVID-19

March 18, 2020

In response to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control relating to social distancing to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the lobby of the City of Hot Springs Animal Services will be closed to customers until further notice starting on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

Individuals interested in adopting or looking for lost pets can view the animals from the outside kennels or look on the Animal Services Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/HotSpringsAnimalServices/).

To adopt or reclaim pets, call Animal Services at 501-262-2091 for assistance. To fill out paperwork on adopted or reclaim animals, one person will be allowed in the lobby at a time.

All other Animal Services business will be conducted as usual with precautions.

Tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Animals and COVID-19:

“In the United States, there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets, livestock, or wildlife, might be a source of COVID-19 infection at this time. However, because all animals can carry germs that can make people sick, it’s always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals.

•  Wash your hands after handling animals, their food, waste, or supplies.

•  Practice good pet hygiene and clean up after pets properly.

•  Take pets to the veterinarian regularly and talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s health.

For more information, visit CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People website (https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/) .

If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed), you should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. This can help ensure both you and your animals stay healthy.

When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. Avoid contact with your pet including, petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them. For more information visit: What to Do if You are Sick (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html).”

John Seales Animal Services Center



History


The John Seales Animal Services Center was named after John Seales, who started an Animal Shelter, called John’s Dog Hotel while he was stationed in Vietnam in the 1960s. He then started his career with the City of Hot Springs Animal Services in 1977.  John was instrumental in getting legislation passed in Arkansas making animal fighting a felony.  He also was a co-founder of the Arkansas State Animal Control Association getting certifications for the state's animal control officers.  After moving to the current location of Animal Services in 1995, The shelter was named “The John Seales Animal Services Center.”

Services

Animal Services is first and foremost about the health and safety of the citizens in Hot Springs and Garland County. 

Some of the services offered by Animal Services includes, but is not limited to, the use of live animal traps for nuisance animals such as skunks, raccoons, squirrels, and feral cats.

We also offer $20 microchipping throughout the week.

Animal Services picks up stray and nuisance animals off the streets of Hot Springs and Garland County. 

We pick up deceased animals off the roadways and public right of ways.

Events


We have two $5 rabies drives each year, one in the fall, and one in the spring. The rabies drive include $20 microchipping and $10 yearly city license (for unaltered animals) or $20 lifelong city license (for altered animals).

Animal Services has ½ price adoptions several times a year for various holidays. 

We also have a big “Home For the Holidays” adoption event at Christmas time.