 | Frequently Asked Questions
(1) What should I do if my dog is missing?
Call your local dog control officer as soon as possible; it may have been sighted by someone, and its location may be known. Call the neighboring towns to report as well, as he may be wandering. Posting fliers in the area and canvassing neighbors may also be helpful. Call again if the dog is still missing after two days, as the description may be misleading. Remember, your dog's license tag is his ticket home, the number will tell where he belongs!
(2) I can no longer keep my dog-can I turn him in to the local shelter?
This is sad; a dog is part of the family and as such should remain in his forever home. There are, however, circumstances that force a family to part with their pet. Many landlords do not allow pets in their building and a sudden move forces owners to find a home quickly. Illness or a death in the family may require the relocation of the pet also. Our shelter is equipped to accept a surrender of a Marbletown dog that is properly licensed and adoptable. You should first attempt to find a home for him with a friend or relative who you believe would make a good owner, and who might be willing to return him to you if your situation should change.
(3) My neighbor's dog comes on my property and (1) scatters my garbage (2) chases my cat (3) digs up my flowers (4) messes on my lawn (5) barks all night, etc.!!
Take a batch of cookies over to the offending neighbor. Ask them politely if they would please confine their dog to their own property. They may not realize that their dog is causing a problem and a gentle reminder may be all that is necessary. In a perfect world this is all it would take, but as we all know, stronger measures will probably be needed. In order to keep on good terms with your neighbor (after all, you will have to live there) a call from your local DCO will do the trick without putting your friendship in jeopardy.
(4) My dog has been hit by a car and the vet is closed! What can I do?
Call your local vet's office, he may have a number to call for emergencies. The number you may call for the emergency vet in Poughkeepsie is (845)471-8242. Everyone should have basic first aid knowledge for pets. There are many good books on the subject available. Your local DCO is there to help if you need it. Call!
(5) My child was bitten by a dog! What should I do?
Take the child to the doctor immediately. If it was not your dog, have someone locate the dog's owner and determine whether his rabies vaccination is up to date. If the dog cannot be located, call your DCO and give him a description of the dog and location so he can search for it. In any case, all dog bites must be reported to your DCO and the County Health Department at 340-3023.
(6) There is an animal (horse, skunk, raccoon, snake, bat, goose, buffalo, turtle, cow, ferret, goat, pig, etc.) in my yard
Give us a call! All the above, and more, have been encountered. Our advice is free! Regrettably, we are not allowed to handle wildlife, but we can put you in touch with a wildlife rehabilitator who will remove the offender for a fee. We may also be able to locate the owner if it is a domestic animal, as its disappearance will be reported to us.
(7) There is a dog tied to a tree on a short chain with no shelter, is this proper?
Of course not. Any case of animal cruelty should be reported to the local DCO who will check on the situation and if necessary contact the cruelty officer at the SPCA. A dog locked in a closed car in the summer is an emergency that requires prompt action-GET HELP!
(8) How can I get a dog license?
Contact the Town Clerk's office at 845-687-7601, or click here
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