What should we do until you arrive to help?
Try to remain calm. Call 911 if you are reporting a
life-threatening situation. 911
can deploy police and rescue units faster than we can in such instances.
For non-life threatening situations call us directly. When you call,
tell the Telecommunicator your situation.
Telecommunicators have a wealth of information, and in many instances
can help you help yourself without having to wait for an Enforcement Officer
to respond. The Telecommunicator
will also evaluate the circumstances of your call to determine if a Field Officer
should respond and a case report will be initiated.
Please provide your name, address, phone number, and directions on how
best to get to your location. Also have a description of the animal(s) and the
owner address, if known. Providing this information can expedites your call. Please stay on the phone
until the Telecommunicator gets the information typed in and reads it back to
you for accuracy and confirmation.
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Can I
remain Anonymous?
Yes. However, in doing so, you have to provide an exact address to
respond to and provide more information about the circumstances of your call.
We will investigate based on information provided.
We respond to anonymous calls for the protection of the animal. If it is determined that the initial
call is unfounded (has no merit), follow up anonymous calls about the same
thing may not be responded to without the caller leaving their name, address
and telephone number.
<top>
What are your operating hours? Administrative
offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed
Saturday, Sunday and on all Major
Holidays. The South and North Animal Care Centers are
open Daily from Noon to 6:00 and closed on Wednesdays.
<top>
What do you consider an
Emergency? Emergencies are life
threatening conditions such as aggressive animals, animals that have bitten
someone, injured or sick animals with someone standing by with the animal
until we arrive, and animals inside the living area of a dwelling that are of
a high risk for rabies, such as Bats and Raccoons.
<top>
Who is in charge of Animal
Services?
Kathy Beatson is the Interim Director of Animal Services and
Enforcement.
<top>
Where are you located?
The Department Director, Telecommunications, Tag
Office, Customer Service, Dispatch, Enforcement Officers and Supervisors are
located at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Building A, Viera, FL 32940-6605. The South Animal Care and Adoption Center is located at 5100 W. Eau
Gallie Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32935. The North Animal Care and Adoption Center
is located at 2605 Flake Road, Titusville, FL 32796. <top>
Why do I have to trap
stray cats? Catching cats not confined in some way such as in a room, garage, shed, etc.,
is difficult. There are many places for a cat to hide or climb, putting them
out of reach. Cats may be friendly to a resident but will run from an officer because of all the
animal smells on the officer’s uniform. Officer uniforms smell of dogs,
raccoons, etc., which are natural enemies to a cat.
When a cat smells these odors they instinctively flee to safety.
Because of this we do not take cats being held by people.
This could cause the person holding the cat to get scratched or bitten
exposing the person to potential rabies. Because of limited resources and the
high degree of failure in catching cats out in the open it has become
necessary for residents to trap cats before we can successfully remove them
from an area. <top>
I need a trap now! Is
there any other place where I can rent, purchase or borrow a trap? Yes. We can give you a
retailer near you where you can rent a trap for a small fee.
You can purchase traps at places like Lowe’s, Home Depot, Scotties,
etc. In some cities, you can borrow a trap from City
Hall.
<top>
My Pet has a 3 year rabies vaccination. Does that mean I only have to get a
tag every 3 years? No, you still have to register them every
year.
<top>
How many animals are
you allowed to have? Four (4) adult dogs. Puppies under six (6)
months
there is no limit. Code Enforcement is the agency that enforces such law.
<top>
How
long will it be for an officer to respond or arrive? We are a
small department in comparison to other county agencies in Brevard County.
The faster response of other agencies is due to their greater numbers.
Calls we receive are responded to on a priority basis. Police Assistance,
Bite investigations and other priorities are handled first.
<top>
How
long of a leash can an owner use to walk their pet? the maximum
legal length of a leash is six (6) Feet.
<top>
Can my cat run outside?
No. The same leash laws that apply to dogs,
apply to cats as well.
<top>
Who can I
call to trap or remove nuisance wildlife?
For assistance on nuisance wildlife please contact
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission . <top>
