If you have lost a dog or cat in York County or have found one running loose, there are several steps that should be taken for the safety of the animal as well as the public.

First, immediately notify the York County Animal Shelter. Provide a description of the dog or cat and any information on it's tag. An Animal Control officer will come to your home to set a trap for dogs and cats that are running loose or pick up those that are found.

If your pet is lost it may have been taken to the Animal Shelter. The shelter is located off Highway 5 near the York County Landfill, one mile east of York. You can stop by the shelter anytime during office hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to see if your pet is there.

Dogs and cats are kept for 5 days before they are put up for adoption or are euthanized. The fee to claim a stray pet is as follows:

• $75 for the first offense
• $125 for the second offense
• $150 for the third offense

***Note: If you are not able to show proof of current rabies vaccination, please add an extra $6 to the above fees.

Additional offenses will bring court action against the owner of the stray pet.

Animals held longer than the first 24 hours of being picked up cost pet owners an extra $9 a day. Owners claiming their pet can apply the impoundment fee toward having it spayed or neutered. It's also a good idea to notify area veterinarians and the media about lost pets. Post notices with a photograph of your pet on bulletin boards of local businesses, churches and other public locations.

To report a lost or found pet, contact the York County Animal Shelter at 628-3190 or submit a Lost Animal Form.

 If you have found a lost pet or a stray animal, contact Animal Control at (803) 628-3190.  An animal control officer will come to your home to pick up a found animal or will set traps for animals that are running loose.