Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to do to adopt an animal?
- RCACS does not require a pre-adoption application. To adopt an animal from us, you just need to let us know which animal you are interested in. If the animal is available, then you will be able to pay the adoption fee (see RCACS Fee Schedule for pricing). Once the animal is spayed or neutered, it will be able to go home with you!
Do you give out rabies vaccines/tags?
- Yes we do! During normal business hours, you can get a rabies vaccine and tag/certificate for $10.00. We also host a rabies clinic on the first Tuesday of every month from 9am-11am unless otherwise posted. The cost of vaccines is $5.00. All you need to do is bring your animal and the money. ALL ANIMALS MUST BE ON A LEASH OR IN A CARRIER. We will vaccinate animals from outside of Rutherford county.
Payment can be accepted in the form of a credit/debit card, check, or cash. There will be a $2.00 convenience fee for all credit card charges.
The minimum age to receive rabies vaccines is 3 months. All cats, dogs and ferrets are required to be vaccinated for rabies after 4 months of age.
We do not do any other vaccines for the public at this time.
Will you come pick up dead deer/wildlife/domestic animals?
- No, this is not a service that we provide.
If there are any deceased animals in the roadway, contact the local DOT at 828-286-3433 for removal.
The county landfill has accommodations for disposal if you take it there as well. Their phone number is 828-287-6125. Their web page has more information regarding their services here.
Do you provide dog/cat food to the public?
- No, this is not a service that we provide at this time.
If you need assistance with pet food, you can contact the Community Pet Center at 828-287-7738 or PAWS at 888-422-7303 for more information on their pet food pantry programs.
Do I need an appointment to surrender my animal?
- Yes! Policy requires an appointment to surrender your animals. Appointments will be made at least 14 days out from when you contact us. We will gather your information and your pets information and provide you with the appropriate resources to help you rehome or keep your animal before your appointment with us. To schedule an appointment with us, please call 828-287-6025 and leave a message with your contact information if you do not speak with anyone directly.
This policy allows for more space in the facility to house dogs and cats who are truly homeless. We appreciate your compliance and participation in this program.
I have a stray feral/community cat. Will you pick it up from my house?
- No, this is not a service that we provide. You may bring us stray cats, and if they are eligible to be spayed/neutered/vaccinated and returned, then we will provide those services for you. The only time we will pick up a cat in the field is if it is sick, injured, or a threat to public safety by displaying signs of unusual behavior or aggression.
Feral cats (cats that are too wild to touch) and community cats (friendlier cats who live in a neighborhood with no particular owner) are happiest living their lives outdoors in their claimed territories. Typically, these cats are just passing through and will not stay at your residence for very long, unless you have a very cat-friendly property; things like food bowls for your pets and lots of hiding places make for good cat homes. You can call the facility at 828-287-6025 to get more information on getting these cats spayed/neutered/vaccinated and returned to their territories. If you have a large cat population problem, call any of the low-cost spay/neuter resources on the “Additional Resources” tab to speak with someone about getting the cats altered and vaccinated.
Removing cats will only be a temporary band-aid for your over-population problem, as more cats will just take their place once they are removed; this is called the “vacuum effect”. The only humane solution to solving the county’s/state’s/nation’s cat problem is to spay/neuter and return these cats to their territories to prevent unfixed and unvaccinated cats from moving in and producing more kittens.
To find out more information on community and feral cats, please visit the Best Friend’s Community Cat Handbook.