Show All Answers

1. Can Lincoln County Animal Shelter (LCAS) help with providing food for my pets?

If you are in need of assistance with food for your animals we are here to help. Our pick up process is as follows:

Stop by the shelter Wednesday through Saturday between noon and 4 pm to request a food bank withdrawal. It is required that you come into the shelter and answer a few basic questions with one of our team members. The information obtained will be entered into our system to ensure an accurate accounting of animals within our community.

2. How do I find assistance with spay/neuter?

The Central Coast Humane Society has programs to assist with community cats and those unable to afford spay/neuter surgeries. You may reach them at 541-265-3719. They are staffed by volunteers and normally return calls at 3 pm.

3. How do I find assistance with veterinary bills?

Central Coast Humane Society administers funds provided by their own donors, Friends of Lincoln County Animals (FOLCAS) and Beach Bark Funds to assist with community member's pet's medical emergencies. You may call 541-265-3719 for assistance. Please note that they are staffed by volunteers and normally return phone calls at 3 pm.

4. How is the Lincoln County Animal Shelter funded?

The Animal Shelter and Animal Services Deputies are primarily funded by our community through an Animal Services Taxing District. In addition, we are supported by fees, including licenses and adoptions, and generous donations by caring people and businesses. Our spay/neuter programs are funded by the Friends of Lincoln County Animals (FOLCAS). Donations to our Medical Trust Fund allow us to provide extensive life-saving care to animals in need.

5. How many animals find homes?

On average, Lincoln County Animal Shelter (LCAS) adopts or reunites over 1,100 animals per year (100% of healthy/treatable and 88% overall). LCAS provides lost-cost owner request euthanasias and accepts all animals in need, regardless of their behavior or medical condition.

LCAS is a "managed admissions" shelter, which means we accept surrendered pets from Lincoln County as space allows. All lost dogs and injured animals are immediately accepted. Animals are thoroughly evaluated for both health and temperament for our adoption program. Animals receive extensive medical treatment thanks to our medical trust fund, and are cared for by trained staff in partnership with volunteers. We have no breed discrimination rules. We do not euthanize any adoptable animals. All adoptable animals are with us until they find a home, or are transferred to a partner shelter-there is no time limit to their stay.

We do euthanize animals who are a danger to the public, who are suffering mentally and/or physically, or who have communicable diseases that will easily spread throughout the shelter population. The decision to euthanize an animal is never taken lightly, and each case is thoroughly assessed on an individual basis. If an animal must be euthanized, he or she is treated humanely and with respect, and all applicable laws and regulations are followed. Euthanized animals are cremated offsite.

6. What are the adoption fees?

Adoption fees help offset the daily cost of care for our animals, and for the medical treatment they receive ranging from vaccinations to extensive surgeries.

• Puppy: up to 1 year of age $250
• Dog: aged 1 to 7 years of age $175
• Senior dog: age 8 and above $125
• Kitten: up to 1 year of age $100
• Cat: aged 1 to 7 years of age $75
• Senior cat: age 8 and above $50

All adoptions include initial vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchip, and a certificate for a free examination with a local veterinarian. Dog adoptions also include a one-year license, leash, collar, and two free behavior consultations.

7. What if the adoption isn’t working out? Can I return the pet?

If you are experiencing difficulties with your new pet, we are happy to work with you to try to resolve the issue through behavior advice, tips and/or training. If you find that the match still isn't working out, you may return the pet within 7 days of adoption to receive a full refund of your adoption fee. We always welcome back any animal we have adopted.

8. What is included with adoptions?

Every adoption through Lincoln County Animal Shelter (LCAS) includes the spay/neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, flea treatment/wormer, a vet exam, and microchip. Dog adoptions also include a one-year license, collar, leash, and two behavior training sessions. In addition, we evaluate pets for health and temperament, so that we can help match adopters with the pet that's right for them. We also offer post-adoption support to address concerns and questions that may come up after a pet goes home. In all, adopting a pet is a tremendous value for the price.

9. Why do so many people surrender their animals? Is there something wrong with the animals?

Most animals are surrendered because the owner's circumstances change, not because there is anything wrong with the animal. People may find that they can no longer afford to care for their animal, they need to move and their new housing does not accept pets, or they no longer have the time to spend with them. Failure to spay or neuter a pet also results in hard-to-place litters, which are then brought to the shelter. Many animals brought to the animal shelter are healthy, temperamentally sound, and terrific companions for their new adopters.

10. Do you accept and adopt other animals?

Lincoln County Animal Shelter (LCAS) primarily finds homes for dogs and cats; however, we do help small animals, birds, reptiles and livestock in emergencies. To rehome small animals, we recommend posting their information on Rehome: https://rehome.adoptapet.com/.

11. Can I bring in a feral cat?

Yes, but please be aware that truly feral cats cannot be accepted into our adoption program. If a cat is semi-social, we are able to place them as barn or shop cats. We encourage you to attempt cat deterrents to help solve issues you are experiencing.

We also encourage you to contact the Central Coast Humane Society to learn about local Trap/Neuter/Return options. You can also contact the Feral Cat Coalition for information about caring for community cats. We encourage colony caretakers to take steps to help the cats be good neighbors.

12. What do I need to do if my pet bites someone?

Call an Animal Services Deputy at 541-265-0777. By law, dogs that bite humans and break skin must be quarantined and observed for a 10-day period to ensure there are no symptoms of rabies. If an animal is up to date on its rabies vaccine, it usually can be observed at home. If an animal is not up to date on its rabies vaccine, or if the bite was a particularly dangerous one, the animal may be required to be quarantined and observed at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter. Unless there is a need for a hearing, the animal will be returned to the owner at the end of the observation period.

13. What should I do if I've been bitten by an animal?

Make sure to obtain the contact information for the owner and seek medical attention if necessary. Follow the instructions from Lincoln County Environmental Health. You should also report the bite to Animal Services at 541-265-0777 to file a report and to determine if the animal needs to be quarantined for rabies observation.

14. What should I do if my dog or cat is exposed to an animal with rabies?

Dogs and cats who are current on their rabies vaccines and are exposed to an animal that is known to have rabies will require a 45-day quarantine/observation period, which can most often be done at home. Dogs and cats that are not current on their rabies vaccines require a six-month quarantine period during which time they cannot have direct contact with humans or other animals. Please contact Lincoln County Environmental Health for guidance.

People often vaccinate their dogs against rabies, but fail to vaccinate their cats. Cats are more likely to come into contact with bats than dogs. Even indoor cats have been exposed to rabid bats. It is just as important to keep your cat up-to-date on rabies vaccines as it is your dog.

15. If I witness animal abuse or neglect, what should I do?

Under Oregon law, animal caregivers must meet "minimum standards of care," which means care sufficient to preserve the health and well-being of the animal. Essentially, it means animals must be provided with potable water, food, shelter, a clean environment, and proper veterinary care. If you believe minimum care standards are not being met, or if you believe an animal is being physically abused, has been abandoned, or is in immediate danger, please contact an Animal Services Deputy at 541-265-0777. You may also submit a citizen report online. Law enforcement may decide to remove or seize the animal and may place him or her in protective custody with Lincoln County Animal Shelter (LCAS).

16. How do I report a barking dog or other nuisance?

You may contact an Animal Services Deputy through dispatch at 541-265-0777 or submit a citizen report online.