Taking a Found Animal to the Shelter
Deciding whether a cat or dog should go to the shelter:
Do you know the owner? Contacting the owner about a loose dog or cat is always the best, first step. The Bell County Animal Shelter accepts cats or dogs, but there is a limit on the total number that the shelter can house. For every animal brought in, space must be made through adoption or euthanasia of another animal. There is no "after-hours" drop area at the shelter, so please don't release any found or stray animals at the shelter site.
Has the cat or dog been around for more than 24 hours? Ask whether this could be a lost pet, or is truly an abandoned animal.
Does the dog appear ill or injured? If so, please let the warden know. Sick or injured dogs require special attention for the public's safety.
Does it cost anything? There is no charge to Bell County residents. For animals dropped off from Virginia, Tennessee, or other KY counties, there is a $20.00 fee.
The shelter is north of Middlesboro on Hwy 25E, on the Page Cutoff Road. It is open between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM on weekdays, with extra hours until 6:00 PM on Thursday and from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM on Saturday.
