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Police Department

Administrative Division - Animal Control

 

       

     The Myrtle Beach Police Department Animal Control Unit provides service and support to the Police Department and the Community by enforcing State and City laws regarding animal well-being and animal nuisance.  These officers respond to all types of animal related calls such as: continuous barking dogs, stray animals and cruelty to animals.  The Animal Control Unit also provides traps for wild or stray animal control within the City.  To request animal services, contact the Police Department at 843-918-1382.

     If you have a question regarding animal related services, you can one of our Animal Control Officers below:

 

Becky Macuch - rmacuch@cityofmyrtlebeach.com

Steven Trott - strott@cityofmyrtlebeach.com

Dispatch or Complaints: 843-918-1382
Office Phone: 843-918-1331

Frequently Asked Questions

What are laws pertaining to animals in the city?
http://www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/animallaws.html

Animal Ordinance Brochure
Helpful hint: When interpreting the animal laws, read the section that applies to the violation followed by reading the appropriate terns in the definition section. (i.e. Mistreatment of Animals Sec. 4-4 and the definition of Mistreatment in Sec. 4-1)

Does my pet have to be licensed with the city?
Yes.  All dogs and cats above the age of 4 months must purchase a city license.  Licenses may be purchased at two locations: City Service Building at 921 Oak St or The Grand Strand Humane Society at 3251 10th Ave N Extension.  All licenses are valid for one year and expire on June 30 of the year purchased. Proof of a current rabies inoculation must be presented upon purchase.

Animal

Cost

Un altered Female Dog/Cat

$5.00

Altered Female Dog/Cat

$2.00

Male Dog/ Cat

$2.00

Does my pet have to be micro-chipped with the city?
No. There is no requirement for your pet to be micro-chipped in the city.  However, micro-chipping your pet is an inexpensive life-long form of identification for your pet and will assist officers in returning a lost pet back home.

Where does the Animal Control Unit house or take stray animals?
Animals picked up by our officers are taken to the holding facility at the city animal shelter – The Grand Strand Humane Society.  The animal shelter is located at 3251 10th Ave N Extension.  The animal shelter’s phone number is 843-918-4910.  Hours of operation for the shelter include: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 11:00am – 5:00pm; Friday: 11:00am – 6:00pm;  Saturday: 11:00am – 4:00pm; Closed on Sunday and Thursday. - http://www.grandstrandhumanesociety.com/

How do I reclaim my lost or missing pet and are their fees involved?Animals picked up by our officers are taken to the holding facility at the city animal shelter – The Grand Strand Humane Society.  The animal shelter is located at 3251 10th Ave N Extension.  The animal shelter’s phone number is 843-918-4910.   Hours of operation for the shelter include: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 11:00am – 5:00pm; Friday: 11:00am – 6:00pm; Saturday: 11:00am – 4:00pm; Closed on Sunday and Thursday. All fines must be paid in full before the animal is released to the owner.  Unidentified pets are held for 5-7 days to be reclaimed.  If unclaimed the animals are release to The Grand Strand Humane Society for adoption.

Violation Description

Cost

General Impound Fee (Sec. 4-10)

$15.00

No valid city license (Sec. 4-6)

$10.00

No valid rabies inoculation (Sec. 4-6)

$10.00

Boarding Fees after 24 hrs per day

$03.00

Impound Fee for second offense

$50.00

What is Nuisance Wildlife?
The most common wildlife species encountered in urban surroundings includes but are not limited to: deer, raccoon, red fox, opossum, black bears, squirrels, chipmunks and alligators. In South Carolina, control of wildlife and animal damage is the responsibility of the individual property owner.  Often wildlife problems can be eliminated by habitat modification, behavior modification, or a combination of the two by following the tips on living with wildlife section the brochure listed below.  However, some cases may involve the removal of the animal.  If the removal of the animal is necessary individuals must contact a state certified Wildlife Control Operator (WCO).  The Animal Control Unit also provides traps for wild or stray animal control within the City.  To request a trap, contact the Police Department at 843-918-1382.

Nuisance Wildlife and Rabies Resources:
Urban Wildlife Brochure

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources - http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife.html

  • Referral List of Wildlife Control Operators (WCO)

  • Wildlife Rehabilitators List by County

  • General Wildlife Information

South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control - http://www.scdhec.net/

  • Rabies Control

  • Animal Health Issues

  • Animal Bites

Rabies Dos and Don’ts Guide

Rabies Facts Guide

How do I prepare for a natural disaster with my pet?
General information for preparedness:

  • Identify your pets with ID tags/micro-chipping

  • Have your pets vaccinated and paperwork ready for travel

  • Crate train your pet

  • Prepare a First Aid Kit

  • Have an evacuation plan (most shelters open to people do not accept pets)

Animal Disaster Planning Brochure

City residents may pick up a free Pet Disaster Starter Kit at the animal shelter.

 


P.O. Drawer 2468
Myrtle Beach, SC 29578
Phone:  (843) 918-1000
Fax:  (843) 918-1028

© Copyright 2004, The City of Myrtle Beach. All rights reserved.