FAQs • St Charles County, MO • CivicEngage

How do I introduce a new cat to my household that already has a cat?: First, be sure the new cat has been tested negative for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). The key to introducing a new pet is to go slow! Put the new cat in her own room for about a week, this way the two cats can sniff each other under the door. After a week or so, put your cat in the new cats room and let the new cat roam the house. The next step is to let them see each other from across the room or through a tall baby gate you put across the doorway of the new cats room. When they become used to this, let the cats out together supervised. Do not let them together unsupervised, as they could fight and hurt each other. The entire process will probably take about 4 weeks, and even then they might not be buddies but can be in the same room without fighting. Good luck, and remember - patience.

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Humane Services

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1. What animals do you currently have available for adoption?: We always have a variety of dogs and cats (and sometimes even have other animals) ready and waiting to go into their forever home. Puppies and kittens are most prevalent in the spring and summer months, but can sometimes be available over the winter months as well. Our adoption program has been so successful that we suggest you come in personally and view the animals available for adoption.

Although we can give you some information on what is available on the telephone, it is very likely that the animal that sounds like the pet you want will be gone when you come in. Some animals are adopted within minutes of being put in the adoption area!

We do get a lot of small dogs and some of our animals are purebred. If you are seeking a specific breed or aged animal, we suggest that you check the shelter as often as you can.

And, once at the facility, you will be asked to complete an adoption application, which will be kept on file for up to 90 days. On this application, you can mark your "Wish List," and we will attempt to contact you should that animal become available. However, please understand that all animals are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. Are you a No-Kill Shelter, and what does this mean?: The St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center is an Open Admission Shelter, which means that we accept authorized stray animals regardless of their adoptability. Owner-relinquished pets are individually assessed based on current shelter resources at the time of surrender. All stray dogs and cats are required by law to be held for a minimum of five business days, and 10 business days if they animal has identification. Once that legal hold time has been satisfied, we make all healthy, behaviorally sound animals available for adoption.

We have a very high adoption rate, but, not all of the animals we take in can or should be adopted to the public. Some dogs and cats come to us with serious health or behavioral problems. For example, dogs that are extremely aggressive to people or that have a history of biting are not made available for adoption.

We do not give adoptable animals a time limit. We make them available for as long as we have space, and as long as they remain physically and mentally healthy. We also work with other area shelters and rescue groups, and have a very active foster parent program, which helps us to place more animals - including those with special needs.

3. How old do you have to be to volunteer at the Pet Adoption Center?: You must be at least 17 years old and have your own transportation to and from your volunteer session. Exceptions to the age requirement may be issued at the discretion of the Division Director. For more information, visit the Application Requirements & Process page. Application Requirements Process Page

4. Can you pay for my vaccines and medical expenses for my sick/injured pet?: We do not pay for animal care, but do offer several low-cost programs. For information, please call 636-949-PETS.

5. What do I do if I've lost my pet?: Please visit our Missing/Found Pets page. Missing/Found Pets Page

6. How does a dog get heartworms and how do I know if they have it?: Canine Heartworm is a blood-borne disease. Mosquitoes feeding on an infected animal pass the infection to other animals that they bite. One bite from an infected mosquito can pass the infection on to your pet. Your veterinarian can test your pet for this deadly parasite and tell you how to protect against it.

7. What causes hot spots on my dog?: "Hot spots" are a self-induced moist dermatitis from trauma when your dog bites and scratches itself in an attempt to alleviate pain or itching. Most cases are from an allergic reaction to flea saliva injected during a bite. Dog breeds particularly susceptible are those with a dense undercoat such as Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Collies, Akitas, Chows, and German Shepherds. The problem is much more common in hot, humid weather and may be related to poor ventilation of the hair coat.

If your pet is suffering from hot spots we would recommend that you visit the veterinarian that you normally go to for regular care or that you establish an ongoing relationship with a veterinarian in your area.

8. Does spaying / neutering make a pet fat and lazy?: Spaying / neutering does not make your pet lazy or fat. Lack of exercise and too much food causes pets to get fat and lazy. Altered animals tend to expend less energy because they roam less, and their food intake may need to be adjusted accordingly.

9. What should I do about a barking dog problem in my community?: The first thing we recommend is to contact the dog's owner directly and to reach a mutual agreement with your neighbor. If you cannot come to an agreement, please call our office at 636-949-7387 and file a report. An Animal Control Officer will contact the owner of the dog to check on the animal, educate the owner and advise them on ways to stop the problem. Unfortunately, a barking dog problem can be difficult to resolve and may require more than one response. Should the issue continue after an Animal Control Officer's visit, please let us know.

10. What should I do if my neighbor's dog runs at-large?: If you know the pet's owner, it's always best to talk to neighbors first regarding potential problems with their pets. They may or may not know that their dog or cat is creating a problem with others. But, if that is not possible, please call the Division of Humane Services at 636-949-7387 and file a report.

An Animal Control Officer will be dispatched to patrol the area and will make contact with the pet's owner to educate them on County ordinances and pet responsibility. If the dog is found at-large by the Animal Control Officer, it may be impounded, and/or the owner may be issued a citation.

11. What should I do if there is a dangerous or threatening dog in my neighborhood?: Any time there is a threat to public safety by an animal, immediately call the Division of Humane Services at 636-949-7387. If a dog or cat has bitten someone or your pet after hours, please call the St. Charles County Sheriff's Department at 636-949-0809.

12. I have discovered a stray or lost pet, what should I do?: The best thing you can do is to bring the stray or lost pet into your local shelter. Shelters are the first place that owners will go to search for lost pets. Most locations keep a lost and found log, which can be checked daily by pet owners. In addition, you should request that the shelter or your veterinarian check the animal for a microchip to help locate the animal's owners.

13. My pet is missing. Can you take my information and call me if it comes in?: Most people will bring any stray pets they find to a nearby shelter to be held for the owner. However, it is very important that pet owners looking for missing pets visit the shelter themselves several times each week to look for their animal. Your description of your pet may be drastically different than the one given by another person, which can add to confusion. And, if it is a mixed breed, it is very likely that another person would not call it by the same breed as you might. If you cannot get to the shelter right away, you should call as soon as possible to file a lost animal report.

14. Is chocolate poisonous to dogs and cats?: Chocolate-related poisoning is one of the most common poisonings seen in veterinary clinics, especially around the holidays. The lethal ingredient, theobromine, is 10 times stronger in baking chocolate than it is in milk chocolate. Since the effects of chocolate poisoning are heart arrhythmias and may not be apparent right away, it is important you contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic right away.

15. My pet has fleas, how do I get rid of them?: Controlling and eliminating an already existing case (PDF) takes a lot of time and effort. The best way to rid your pet of fleas is to see a veterinarian, and follow his instructions closely. A successful flea control program requires treating the indoor and outdoor environment of your pet as well as the pet itself.

There are 4 stages to the flea life cycle: eggs, larvae, pupae (cocoons), and adults. The adult fleas are the only stage of the lifecycle that feeds on the dog or cat. The eggs, larvae, and cocoons are present in the pet's environment. Since only 5% of the fleas are adults, MOST of the flea problem is in the pet's environment.

Therefore, it is important that both the pet(s) and the pets' environment be treated for fleas.

16. How do I stop my cat from scratching the furniture?: You cannot stop a cat from scratching completely, so you need to teach it to scratch only things that you want it to. A scratching post or strategically placed pieces of carpet will give your cat an alternative place to scratch. You might try spraying the targeted areas with catnip or keep a catnip toy nearby. Use an enzyme cleaner to eliminate the cats scent from the areas you want to stop the cat from scratching.

17. What kind of food should I feed my dog / cat?: Cats and dogs are living longer lives today, due in part to completely balanced, high quality foods that we find in the grocery stores, pet stores, and veterinary offices today. The standards for nutrient levels in pet food have been established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The standards include recommendations on protein, fat, fat soluble vitamins, water soluble vitamins, and mineral content. Do not feed cat food to a dog, nor dog food to a cat because their nutrient needs are very different. Consult with your veterinarian about specific dietary needs for your pet if you suspect it is overweight, underweight, or not eating right.

18. If I become pregnant, do I have to get rid of my cat?: No, it is not necessary to get rid of a cat because its owner is pregnant. Care should be taken to prevent exposure to Toxoplasma, a disease associated with the handling and consumption of undercooked or raw meat from infected animals, and cats. Of all animals infected, cats are the perfect host for the production of the infectious and resistant Toxoplasma oocysts. The oocysts are released from the cat in its feces. Because the oocysts are not infectious immediately, the risk of infection can be greatly reduced with minimal preventative measures. Avoid changing the litter box if possible.

If you must change it, use rubber gloves. Change the litter box daily, dispose of the litter in a sealed plastic bag, and always wash your hands with soap and water when finished. Try not to raise a lot of dust from the litter as it is changed. Since most cats clean themselves constantly, it is unlikely for them to leave feces on their fur, and it is unlikely that humans will become infected by handling the cat.

19. How do I introduce a new cat to my household that already has a cat?: First, be sure the new cat has been tested negative for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). The key to introducing a new pet is to go slow! Put the new cat in her own room for about a week, this way the two cats can sniff each other under the door. After a week or so, put your cat in the new cats room and let the new cat roam the house. The next step is to let them see each other from across the room or through a tall baby gate you put across the doorway of the new cats room. When they become used to this, let the cats out together supervised. Do not let them together unsupervised, as they could fight and hurt each other. The entire process will probably take about 4 weeks, and even then they might not be buddies but can be in the same room without fighting. Good luck, and remember - patience.

20. I have a wild animal in my yard or home. What can I do?: The Division of Humane Services does not collect wild creatures. However, if the wild animal is trapped, if it appears to be injured or sick, or if it has bitten a human or other animal, please report this immediately to the Division of Humane Services 636-949-7387.

There are many types of wildlife living with us in our community. For the most part, they will leave us alone if we leave them alone. It is important to note that one should never feed a wild animal (except for songbirds), because this can cause many problems in the future for both the animal and people in the community. Please visit the for more information on how to live responsibly with wildlife.

For additional helpful information on living with wildlife, please call the Bi-State Wildlife Hotline at 855-WILD-HELP, Missouri Department of Conservation (St. Charles Office) at 636-441-4554, and Wildlife Rescue at 636-394-1880.

21. There is a dead animal on the street or in my yard. What do I do?: For stray, domestic animals found on private or public property (excluding those within the cities of O'Fallon, St. Charles, St. Peters and Wentzville), please call St. Charles County Animal Control at 636-949-7387. If you discover an animal on a county roadway, please call the Highway Department at 636-949-7305. For animals on State Highways, please call the Missouri Department of Transportation at 888-275-6636. For any deer or animals larger than a deer, regardless of the location, please call the Missouri Department of Conservation at 636-441-4554-