Reclaiming Animals

Individuals reclaiming an animal are required to purchase a $20 microchip, as of August 7, 2020.

For those animals brought in to the Animal Services shelter following a biting incident, before the animal will be released at the end of the 10 day rabies quarantine, the individual reclaiming the animal has the choice to make an appointment with a licensed veterinarian of their choosing, which Animal Services officers will transport the animal to the veterinarian clinic or a licensed veterinarian can come to the Hot Springs Animal Services to administer the vaccination, at the owner’s expense.  This procedure is to ensure that all animals have a current rabies vaccination after the 10 day rabies quarantine.  

For city and county residents reclaiming impounded animals, there will be the choice to “spay or pay,” which is the option to sterilize the animal for $135 or pay the foregoing fees and charges, notwithstanding the euthanizing or adoption of the animal. The $135 fee will cover the cost of sterilization, rabies vaccination, microchip, city license and daily boarding fees, but will not be applied to any outstanding fines or penalties.