Augusta Animal Services handles over 6,000 animals annually, with less than 550 being reclaimed by their owners each year. The department is responsible for investigation, enforcement, sheltering, and public education, which helps with issues like dog bite claims and animal cruelty cases, among others.
Augusta residents should know who to call when they encounter stray or dangerous domestic animals.
Contact Information For Augusta Animal Services
Augusta Animal Services handles all animal control matters within Richmond County. The organization operates from a central facility and provides essential services to keep the community safe from dangerous animals.
The department’s main contact details are as follows:
Phone: 706-790-6836 (706-821-1080 for after-hours emergencies)
For in-person visits, officers request that residents be mindful of the time-sensitive nature of their work, even requiring appointments for certain services.
Who To Contact When You Encounter Wildlife
The presence of diverse wildlife adds another dimension to animal control needs in Augusta. The city’s warm climate and natural landscape, including wooded areas and rivers, attract numerous wild species like raccoons, foxes, beavers, and even alligators. These animals sometimes wander into residential areas seeking food or shelter.
Augusta Animal Services doesn’t handle wildlife complaints. For these concerns, residents should contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources at 706-557-3333.
When Should You Contact Animal Control?
Several situations require immediate notification of animal control, including aggressive animals, roaming strays, suspected rabid animals, bites, and animal cruelty or neglect. The department also handles the disposal of dead animals in the streets (for instance, following vehicular accidents).
According to Georgia Department of Public Health data, domestic animals show low rabies infection rates. Nonetheless, animal bites are considered a notifiable condition in Georgia and must be reported to the Department of Public Health within 24 hours, regardless of the animal’s status.
What To Do After an Animal Attack
Following an animal attack, seek immediate medical attention and document the incident with photos if possible. Report the attack to Augusta Animal Services and try to identify the animal’s owner. Under Georgia law, dog owners can be held liable for injuries their pets cause if they knew the dog was aggressive or failed to follow leash laws.
Microchipping and Pet Identification
Augusta Animal Services provides microchipping services during regular business hours for $15. Owners must register the chip number with a national database and maintain current contact information to help reunite lost pets with owners. City ordinances also require pets to wear collars with current rabies and identification tags.
How To Recover Lost Pets
Augusta Animal Services holds stray animals for five full business days before assessing them for adoption status. To find a lost pet, owners should visit the shelter in person and check 24Petconnect using zip code 30906. Additional steps include contacting local veterinarians and posting notices in the community.
What Are Your Rights After a Dog Bite?
Georgia law protects victims of dog attacks. Those injured may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and future medical care. Animal attack incidents often lead to personal injury claims, especially when victims suffer serious injuries like scarring, nerve damage, or post-traumatic stress.
The Value of Animal Control in Augusta, GA
Having accurate animal control contact information readily available helps Augusta residents respond quickly to dangerous situations. Knowing how to report problems and understanding your rights provides essential protection when incidents occur.
However, the law also requires residents to keep their pets under control at all times, either secured inside fenced areas or on leashes. Owners must also maintain current rabies vaccinations and report lost pets promptly, besides ensuring that their pets wear collars with current identification tags.
Contact an Augusta Dog Bite Lawyer at Nicholson Revell Personal Injury Attorneys Today