Animal Services


Change to Pet Licensing Ordinance

ANNOUNCEMENT

Effective today, 10/25/2021, we will have limited hours at the shelter located at 5570 Sturmer Park Cir. As with many other businesses in our community to include our partners with the Forsyth Humane Society, a reduction of hours is needed in order to provide the best possible service to our citizens. The Shelter and Forsyth Humane Society will be open Monday through Saturday 2 PM until 6 pm. If you need assistance with administrative issues involving Animal Services, we will have staff available Tuesday through Saturday from 2 pm to 6 pm. You are always welcome to contact us through email at animalservices@fcso.us or by phone at 336-703-2480, option 1 from 10 am to 6 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Citation payments may also be placed in the secure drop box on the outside of the building. For issues or concerns regarding animals where a field officer may need to respond please call our 24/7 non-emergency number, 336-727-2112.

ANNOUNCEMENT

We have been seeing an increase in calls relating to stray/feral cats. Please see the below statement regarding cat trapping: We understand how frustrating it can be when cats are running at large in the neighborhood. Like dogs, cats are required by Forsyth County Code to be contained to the owner’s property and not run at large. Unfortunately, at this time, we do not have the staff or resources to trap and remove nuisance cats. If you or other neighbors wish to set traps on your own property and trap the cats, you are free to do so. Traps can be purchased at most hardware stores or online. In order to remove the cats, whoever traps them would be responsible for contacting Forsyth Humane Society at 336-955-1750 to schedule an appointment to bring in the cat they have trapped. FHS handles the intake of cats and dogs at the Animal Shelter and they schedule appointments as they have availability. Once an appointment is scheduled, the person who has trapped the cat(s) would need to provide food, water, and shelter until they can bring the cat here to the facility – cats cannot legally be simply left in a trap in the yard awaiting transport to the Animal Shelter. Please keep in mind that traps can only be set on your property, not in common areas or on others’ property. If you know specifically, or can find out, which neighbor(s) the cats belong to and can give us a name and address, we will be glad to speak with them regarding the responsibility surrounding animal ownership. Per Forsyth County Code if they are feeding the cats then they are establishing legal ownership and, as such, are responsible for caring for the cats (making sure they have rabies vaccinations and other medical care), as well as keeping them contained to their property.

The Forsyth County Sheriff's Ofice Animal Service Division provides services to citizens of Forsyth County in reference to responsible pet ownership. The Animal Service Officers enforce NC State law and Forsyth County Ordinances related to animal welfare, cruelty, neglect, and rabies enforcement. We also partner with multiple animal welfare groups to make sure our furry friends are happy and safe.

We are located at 5570 Sturmer Park Cir. Winston-Salem, NC 27105 in the Forsyth County Animal Shelter. The shelter is open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 am until 6:00 pm, closed Sunday, Monday and holidays. For animal related complaints or concerns that requires a field officer response please call our dispatch center 24/7 at (336) 727-2112. If you are seeking administrative or general information related to animals please call our administrative offices Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 am until 6:00 pm at (336) 703-2480, option 1 or email us at animalservices@fcso.us.

** Note: email is only checked during normal business hours and should not be used to file a complaint or concern involving an animal. These should be filed using the dispatch center phone number listed above. **

Animal Services

Forsyth Humane Society
Join Our Team
Employee of the Month
Police to Citizens