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Frequently Asked Questions

The material in this question and answer series is for your information only. It is not legal advice and is not designed to be used in place of legal advice. You should consult your own attorney for legal advice. The St. Joseph Legal Department provides this series to provide a general summary of procedures concerning violations of city ordinances in the City of St. Joseph, Missouri. It is issued to inform generally, not to advise of specific rights. As with any general information, the answers given here may not specifically apply to you.
What do I do if I've found an animal?

If you have found an animal with a city registration tag, you may contact the shelter and the owner’s name will be provided. You can take the pet to a veterinary clinic or the animal shelter to have it scanned for a microchip. Our community has an active lost and found pets Facebook page which has been successful in reuniting many pets with their owners. You can bring the found animal to the animal shelter during business hours or call the shelter to ask if an officer can pick him up for you.  The shelter does not accept pets from outside the St. Joseph city limits.


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1. What qualifies as an emergency for calls that are after hours?
2. What are your adoption fees?
3. What are the redemption fees?
4. What do I do if I've lost my pet?
5. What do I do if I've found an animal?
6. What are the license requirements for a pet?
7. Is there a ban on pit bulls or other breeds?
8. Is there a leash law?
9. What can I do about a barking dog?
10. My neighbor doesn't pick up his pet's waste and now it stinks, what can I do?
11. How do you handle animal bites?
12. Is there a handling fee for unwanted animals?
13. Is there a handling fee for stray animals?
14. When do I need a breeders or litter permit?
15. Is it a crime to abandon an unwanted animal?