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1. Are you a "no-kill" animal shelter?

No, we are an "open door" shelter. As we accept all animals, we are faced with the difficult task of evaluating them for medical and behavioral problems. Animals that can't be medically rehabilitated are euthanized to prevent suffering. Animals that pose danger to people and/or other animals are humanely euthanized to prevent harm to the residents of our community.

2. How can I volunteer?

Currently, there are no volunteer opportunities available. 

3. Can I reserve a pet for adoption when it becomes available?

No all adoptions are on a first come, first serve basis. We highly suggest that you arrive to the shelter at 12:00 p.m., we start adoptions at 12:15 p.m. for animals that are available for adoption. If more than one person shows up for the same animal, we will hold a drawing.

4. When will an animal become available for adoption?

There is no guarantee an animal will be available for adoption. Our kennel supervisor evaluates each animal and can take one to three days, depending on signs of illness and/or temperament issues. We hold animals for many reasons, we are unable to divulge why an animal is unavailable for adoption.

5. How much are adoption fees?

Adoption fees are $75 for each dog; $55 for each cat; $25 for each hoofed animal; $15 for any other animal and $0 for foul or poultry. The prices are as stated regardless if the animal has already been microchipped, sterilized or vaccinated. 

6. When do I need to keep my pet contained?

The City of Hot Springs Animal Services strongly encourages citizens to take precaution when allowing pets to be outside uncontained and/or off a leash. For the safety of every pet and the well-being of every pet owner, when taking pets outdoors, make sure they are in a confined area or on a leash to keep everyone safe and in compliance with City ordinances.

“Every week, at least two to three pets end up on the side of the road,” said Animal Services Coordinator Michelle Stone. City Ordinance 10-1-11 (2) refers to dog owners within the city limits keeping their dogs under control to prevent the pets from running at large. This ordinance was put in place to keep citizens and pets safe and out of harm.

7. Why is it important to microchip my pet(s)?

The importance of microchipping goes well beyond simply injecting a microchip into your pet(s). When the chip is registered with a national pet database, valuable information is made available to others for situations related to lost pets. The microchip serves as a safety net for instances when a lost pet is separated from its collar and their owner’s contact information.

These lifetime-guaranteed devices transmit a unique ID number that is connected to the owner’s name, valid phone number and any other relevant up-to-date contact information. If a microchipped animal is taken to almost any shelter or a veterinarian office, they’ll be scanned for their owner’s information so they can be returned to their family.

When the City of Hot Springs Animal Services officers are out in the field, they scan every animal for a chip before taking it to the shelter. If the animal has a valid registered microchip, the officers will try to return the pet(s) before taking them into the shelter. Because several owners have microchipped their pets, Animal Services officers have been able to reunite a large amount of lost pets with their families.

Over the course of 2019, the City of Hot Springs Animal Services microchipped more than 500 animals, which includes the animals adopted out and pets brought to the Rabies Drive events and the Animal Services facility.

Owners can bring their pet(s) to the City of Hot Springs Animal Services facility, 319 Davidson Drive, to be microchipped for only $20 a pet. This service is available Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m., and takes less than five minutes. 

For more information, contact Animal Services at 501-262-2091.

8. How long do you hold "found" animals?

We hold "found" animals a minimum of five business days for an owner to claim them. After that time, the decision to hold an animal is based on space and adoptability. We hold animals as long as we can.

9. How do I adopt an animal?

You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid drivers license. Our adoption fee is $75 for puppies /dogs and $55 for kittens /cats. The adoption fee covers the spay and neuter, rabies vaccination and microchipping.

If you choose to have your new pet spayed/neutered at another location, that expense is not covered through the adoption process. All dogs and cats must be spayed/neutered before they can go into the custody of their new owner.

The Hot Springs Animal Shelter reserves the right to refuse any adoption.

10. Does my pet(s) have to have rabies vaccinations?

(10-1-6)  All dogs and cats over three (3) months of age within the city shall be vaccinated against rabies once each year by a licensed veterinarian, who will issue to the owner a durable metal tag and a certificate of vaccination approved by the Animal Control Authority. Tags must be attached to the collar or harness of the dog or cat and be worn at all times. Tags are not transferable from one dog or cat to another dog or cat.

The health officer and the Animal Control Authority may adopt such other rabies control regulations as they deem necessary for the protection of the public health and safety.

11. Does my pet(s) have to have a license?

(10-1-7) All dogs and cats over three (3) months of age shall be licensed as provided herein. Application for a dog or cat license shall be made to the licensing authority and shall state the name, address and telephone number of the owner(s); the name, breed, color, age and sex of the dog or cat; and a certificate of rabies vaccination issued by the licensing authority.

Applicants shall pay the following license fees:

• Annual -- neutered or restrained: $10.00 per year for each neutered or restrained dog or cat; or (Ord. No. 5411, §1, 12-19-05)
• Lifetime -- neutered: $20.00 for each neutered dog or cat provided the animal is vaccinated annually for rabies as evidenced by a current certificate of rabies vaccination.

Failure to have the animal vaccinated annually will result in revocation of the lifetime license. Un-neutered animals shall not be eligible for a lifetime license.

Application for a license must be made within thirty (30) days after obtaining a dog or cat over three (3) months of age, or within thirty (30) days of establishing residence in the city. This requirement will not apply to a nonresident keeping a dog or cat within the city for no longer than sixty (60) days.

For registered dogs serving the blind or deaf or government owned dogs used for law enforcement, licensing fees shall be waived. All other licensing and vaccination provisions shall apply.

The licensing period shall be for one year and shall be concurrent with the rabies vaccination.

The licensing authority shall include licensed veterinarians who are hereby empowered to collect the license fee and issue a dog or cat license and a durable metal tag at the time a dog or cat is vaccinated for rabies. Dog or cat license receipts shall be collected from such veterinarians by the city clerk on at least a quarterly basis.

Tags must be attached to the collar or harness of the dog or cat and be worn at all times. Tags are not transferable from one dog or cat to another.

12. Can my pet ride in the open part of my vehicle?

(10-1-10) It shall be unlawful for any person to transport any animal in an open vehicle without said animal being restrained in such a manner as to prohibit such animal from leaving or being thrown out of the vehicle while in a public place or upon the public streets. If the animal is tethered, it shall be done in a manner as to prevent such animal from exiting the vehicle and from causing harm to said animal or persons.