Shelter requires public to make appointments or go online for pet adoptions

The Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center is requiring the public to make an appointment if they wish to adopt a pet or surrender an animal.

The new policy, which took effect Tuesday, is an effort to help protect the public and shelter employees from possible exposure to the COVID-19 virus, commonly known as the coronavirus.

"We're taking these steps to reduce the possibility of spreading the coronavirus," said County Executive David Coulter. "When this public health emergency is over, we anticipate returning to our normal procedures. We appreciate everyone's cooperation."

The following services will require an appointment until further notice:

- Pet adoptions
- Owner surrender of an animal
- Reclaiming a pet
- Searching for a missing pet

Anyone wishing to make an appointment should call 248-858-1070. Normal business hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stray animals and owner-requested euthanasia will be accepted during business hours.

Dog owners wishing to purchase a dog license may go online to: https://land.oakgov.com/OPLS/MainIndex.aspx.

Published: Wed, Mar 18, 2020