Services

Dog cat and ferret Rabies Vaccine

One year rabies vaccinations are provided at the Davidson County Animal Shelter for $5 any day of the week, during business hours. No appointment is necessary. All counties welcome. 

North Carolina rabies law requires that all owned dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age (NCGS 130A-185). One vaccine is not enough; rabies vaccinations must be kept current. Even if your pet is "inside only", they must have a rabies vaccine up to date. 

If your animal bites someone and its rabies vaccine is not up to date, it will mostly likely have to be quarantined at the animal shelter, where it is at risk of contracting a variety of infectious diseases from the many unwanted animals from this county that the shelter houses. Even if your animal is kept separate, it is at risk since most of these diseases are airborne and can be transmitted in many different ways. 

In addition, if your animal is not up to date on rabies and it comes in contact with a rabies vector species (raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats, etc) and that animal tests positive for rabies, your animal could potentially be euthanized unless you can afford to have it quarantined at a vets office for a period of 4 to 6 months, which will cost you thousands of dollars. It is your responsibility as a pet owner to make sure your animal has its necessary vaccinations. Please keep them vaccinated. Our shelter stays full and rabies quarantined animals take up much needed kennel space.


Humane Euthanasiadog paw on hand

Perhaps the kindest thing you can do for an animal that is terminally ill, aged or so severely injured it will never have a good quality of life, is to induce his or her death quietly and humanely through euthanasia.

We recommend that you discuss the euthanasia of your pet with your veterinarian. If you and your veterinarian decide euthanasia is the best course of action, we recommend your veterinarian perform the procedure at his/her office. If you cannot afford to have your animal euthanized at your vet, the Davidson County Animal Shelter provides humane euthanasia services to the public free of charge for animals whose quality of life is no longer sustainable. Unfortunately, owners cannot be present during the procedure due to state law. Disposal is provided by the shelter. Please call in advance to help us prepare for your arrival.

Please be aware that the Davidson County Animal Shelter reserves the right to refuse euthanasia services if ownership of the animal cannot be confirmed or if we do not deem it medically necessary. 

  • Owner must be a resident of Davidson County
  • Must provide proof of ownership
  • Valid ID is required