Animal Control

The St. Charles County Division of Humane Services/Animal Control program is limiting contact with individuals and animals during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you need stray/found animal collection or have concerns about violations of St. Charles County Animal Ordinances, please contact our staff at 636-949-7387. We ask that you do not bring animals to the Pet Adoption Center without having made a prior appointment.

The Division of Humane Services is responsible for enforcing the St. Charles County Animal Control Ordinance. This ordinance assists and protects the residents of St. Charles County’s unincorporated areas and contracting municipalities from nuisance or dangerous dogs and cats.

It requires the owner or keeper of animals to properly control them. It also requires dogs and cats be vaccinated against the rabies virus, and that the vaccination be registered with the Division of Humane Services. In addition, the ordinance prohibits the keeping or owning of certain species of dangerous exotic animals and reptiles.

The ordinance also protects animals from inhumane treatment by requiring adequate shelter, food and water. It has provisions for penalties for injuring, abandoning or overworking an animal, and for failure to provide adequate control.

Municipal Regulations

In addition to county ordinances designed to protect animal welfare and the public, many St. Charles County municipalities have enacted animal regulations within their jurisdictions. Please contact the city in which you live or visit to discover regulations that may apply to you or your pet.

Personal Pet Shelter Guidelines

Owners must provide safe and adequate shelter for their animals. Read these guidelines for recommendations and regulations for building a shelter for your pet (PDF).

Rabies Vaccinations

All dogs or cats owned or cared for in St. Charles County must be vaccinated for rabies. The animal must display a current registration-vaccination tag. You may purchase this tag from your veterinarian or at the Pet Adoption Center after obtaining a current rabies vaccination certificate.