Stray Animal Procedures in Hamilton County
Last Updated: August 2026
If you find a stray dog or cat in Hamilton County, there are specific steps to follow. The Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC) handles sheltering and lost-and-found reports, while Animal Control and local law enforcement handle stray-animal pickup.
Quick Answer
If you find a stray animal:
- Check for tags or identification.
- Safely contain the animal if possible.
- Have it scanned for a microchip.
- Report the found pet to the Humane Society for Hamilton County.
- Contact local Animal Control or law enforcement if pickup is needed.
Hamilton County requires anyone finding a stray animal to notify HSHC within 48 hours.
Need the Stray Picked Up?
The Humane Society for Hamilton County does not pick up stray animals.
For pickup, contact Animal Control through the appropriate local law-enforcement agency. Hamilton County recommends safely confining a non-dangerous stray in a fenced yard or other secure area while waiting for assistance.
Hamilton County Animal Control: 317-776-4110
Non-Emergency Dispatch: 317-773-1282
→ View Hamilton County Animal Control Information
Bringing a Stray to the Humane Society
Found stray animals can be brought to:
Humane Society for Hamilton County
10501 Hague Road
Fishers, IN 46038
Phone: 317-773-4974
HSHC currently accepts strays during its administrative/intake hours. If you find an injured stray after hours or the animal requires immediate pickup, contact your local police department on its non-emergency line.
Humane Society for Hamilton County
Can You Temporarily Keep a Found Pet?
Possibly.
Hamilton County’s ordinance allows HSHC, at its discretion, to let the finder temporarily keep the animal while a Found Pet Report is on file. This gives the owner an opportunity to locate and reclaim the pet.
You should not simply keep a stray without reporting it.
Check for a Microchip
If the animal doesn’t have visible identification, take it to HSHC or a local veterinarian to have it scanned for a microchip.
A registered microchip may provide the owner’s contact information and allow the pet to get home quickly.
→ View Microchipping Information
→ View Local Vets
How Long Are Strays Held?
Hamilton County requires stray animals brought to HSHC to be held for 7 days beginning on the date the animal arrives.
If the rightful owner does not reclaim the animal during that period, the animal becomes the property of the Humane Society and may then be placed for adoption.
What If the Animal Is Aggressive?
Don’t attempt to capture an aggressive, injured or frightened animal if doing so could put you at risk.
Contact Animal Control or local law enforcement instead.
For an animal that presents an immediate danger to people, call 911.
Local Tips
- Report found pets to HSHC within 48 hours.
- Check with nearby neighbors first — the animal may live close by.
- Check collars and tags before transporting the animal.
- Have animals without identification scanned for a microchip.
- Don’t put yourself at risk trying to catch an aggressive stray.
- File a Found Pet Report even if you’re temporarily keeping the animal.
- Contact local law enforcement when stray pickup is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who picks up stray animals in Hamilton County?
Local law enforcement and Animal Control handle stray pickup. HSHC does not operate a stray pickup service.
Do I have to report a stray I found?
Yes. Hamilton County’s ordinance requires a person finding a stray animal to notify the Humane Society within 48 hours.
Can I bring a stray directly to HSHC?
Yes. HSHC accepts stray animals during its intake hours.
Can I keep the animal while looking for its owner?
HSHC may allow the finder to temporarily keep the animal after a Found Pet Report is filed.
How long does the shelter hold a stray?
Strays brought to HSHC are held for 7 days before an unclaimed animal becomes the property of the Humane Society.
Related Pages
→ Animal Control
→ Animal Shelters
→ Microchipping
→ Local Vets
→ Pet Adoption
Official Resources
Hamilton County Animal Control
Stray pickup procedures and local Animal Control information.
Hamilton County Animal Control
Humane Society for Hamilton County – Lost & Found
Report a found animal or search for a missing pet.
Hamilton County Municipal Contacts
Find the correct Animal Control or law-enforcement contact for your community.
Animal Control Municipal Contacts
Summary
If you find a stray animal in Hamilton County, notify the Humane Society for Hamilton County within 48 hours and file a Found Pet Report.
For stray pickup, contact local law enforcement or Animal Control. If you can safely transport the animal yourself, HSHC accepts strays during its intake hours.