 Mission StatementTo promote responsible pet ownership, animal care, community safety, increase adoptions and reduce pet overpopulation.~ To treat the symptoms of irresponsible pet ownership while seeking to eliminate the causes by compassionately using education and enforcement.
Monroe County has animal control shelters in Key West, Big Pine Key, Marathon and Key Largo (the Big Pine Key Shelter is a temporary holding facility).
Three independent contractors are currently operating animal Control.
Animal Control is responsible for enforcing state and county animal control regulations, protecting the public from the dangers and nuisances of uncontrolled, dangerous or feral animals, and protecting animals from cruelty, abuse or abandonment. Services are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week including patrolling of the County and all incorporated Cities.
Animal Control Officers conduct investigations, issue citations and attend court proceedings related to alleged violations. The shelters provide all animals in its custody with proper care, nutrition and shelter. The contractors provide an adoption service for all adoptable animals that are not claimed by their owners, and they are responsible for insuring that all dogs and cats are properly vaccinated for rabies, and that all dogs have received an annual County license certificate.
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