Duties and Responsibilities 

The Animal Control Department of the Gadsden Police Department is responsible for:

• The welfare of domesticated animals within the Gadsden city limits
• The enforcement of Gadsden's Leash Law
• The removal of dead animals along our roadways
• The issuance of court citations for: animals running at-large, animal cruelty, and for owning a vicious animal without the proper permit. Whenever possible, Animal Control uses live-capture dog and cat traps to remove a nuisance animal.

Animal Control is not responsible for responding to barking dog nuisance calls, as these problems fall under the city's Noise Ordinance. If you have a neighboring dog that is a barking nuisance, call Gadsden Police Dispatch at 256-549-4500. A police officer will be dispatched to handle the problem.

Register Your Pet or Commercial Breeding Business

The City of Gadsden has implemented registration for dogs and cats within the city in an effort to deal with overpopulation in our community, alleviate overcrowding in animal shelters, and improve public safety.

All dogs and cats over six (6) months old inside the city limits must be registered. Registrations can be obtained through the Revenue Department.

For more information, including costs, exemptions and more, please visit the page for Animal Tags and Breeder Permits.

Hours and Contact Information

Animal Control is available seven days per week:

Monday through Friday: 7:00am to 3:30pm

Saturday and Sunday: 9:00am to 3:00pm

Animal Control can be contacted by phone at 256-549-4508. If you are unable to speak to someone or if you are using email, please be sure your message is as detailed as possible. Be sure to include your name and a callback telephone number.

Additional Information 

Gadsden's Leash Law states that both cats and dogs cannot run free. They should be contained by a fence, on a chain, or on a leash (or some other form of restraint).A vicious animal is defined as: a Pitbull, a Pitbull mix, or a wolf hybrid.

Humane Society Pet Rescue and Adoption Center 

http://www.hsprac.com/ 

4200 Brooke Ave. Gadsden, AL 35904

Phone: 256-442-1347 

Email: info@hsprac.com

Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 10am - 4pm. Sat: 10am - 2pm. Closed Wed & Sun. 

The Humane Society Pet Rescue and Adoption Center serves as a center for animal adoptions and also provides animal control sheltering services for the cities of Gadsden and Attalla.  The shelter houses animals brought in by the public, strays, and all animals brought in by animal control officers in the contracted municipalities, including animals involved in cruelty cases.  The staff of the Society is actively involved in assisting with cruelty investigations in northeast Alabama.  The HSPRAC employs a full time Executive Director and staff, and is governed by a volunteer board of directors.  HSPRAC also relies on hundreds of volunteers throughout the community who assist with programs and fundraising.