What kind of animal you find?
Help! I found an injured or sick pet.
If you are able to transport the animal, you can bring them to Watauga Humane Society, located at 312 Paws Way, Boone, NC.
If you are unable to transport them, contact the Watauga Humane Society at 828-264-7865.
Please note that the Humane Society hours are Tuesday thru Saturday 12:30pm-5:00pm. The Humane Society is closed on Sunday and Monday.
I found a healthy, uninjured pet.
If you are able to transport the animal, you can bring them to Watauga Humane Society, located at 312 Paws Way, Boone, NC.
Stray animals can be dropped off at the side entrance labeled "Animal Intake" during our normal hours, Tuesday - Saturday, 12:30 to 5 pm. If you have found a stray before business hours, you can call our main line at 828-264-7865.
Please note that Watauga Humane Society will not pick up stray animals.
If you are unable to transport them, contact the Watauga Humane Society at 828-264-7865.
Please note that the Humane Society hours are Tuesday thru Saturday 12:30pm-5:00pm. The Humane Society is closed on Sunday and Monday.
I found a kitten or a litter.
Changes are the kitten, or litter, is not abandoned. Mother cats are working moms who need to hunt for food regularly to provide for their babies. Before touching the kittens, read our found kitten guide to learn when you should intervene.
Found Kitten GuideI found an ear-tipped cat.
If the cat is healthy and has an ear tip, it is a community cat that has been spayed or neutered. In general, they are not family pets and are often happiest outdoors. Trapping a community cat can be highly stressful for them, so it is best to leave them alone unless they appear injured or malnourished.
I found an unfriendly dog.
If you have found an unfriendly dog do not approach or try to trap the dog on your own. Please contact Watauga Humane Society at 828-264-7865 during business hours and someone will guide you on next steps.
I found a healty domestic animal.
Please call the Watauga Humane Society at 828-264-7865 before moving or transporting the animal if it is in a safe location. If the animal is not in a safe location, please do not try to trap or move the animal. Call the Watuaga Humane Society for assistance.
I found wildlife.
Generally, if you find a wild animal, the best thing to do is leave it alone or call a wildlife rehabilitation center.
A rehabilitator can help you determine if a wild animal needs humane intervention and will give you information on what to do next.
If you have found a sick or aggressive animal at large, after business hours, please call Watauga County Sherriff's Department at 828-264-3761.
I need help finding my pet.
If you have lost a pet, you can view all animals within our care on our website by clicking the button below, to see if someone has turned your pet in as a stray animal. All animals that are brought in as strays, will be held on a mandatory 72 hour stray hold as to allow the owner time to reclaim and will be unavailable for adoption.
If not reclaimed, stray pets will be spayed/neutered, microchipped, receive all neccessary vaccinations, and made available for adoption.
Owner Surrender
Making the decision to surrender your pet can be very difficult. At Watauga Humane Society our staff is here to assist you in this decision. Working with you, we can help find alternatives to surrendering.In the event that surrendering is the only option, we will help set up an appointment to ensure there is space available for your pet. Please note that surrender appointments can take up to 30 minutes.
To speak with a staff member regarding your current situation, please call (828) 264-7865.
Once an animal is in our care, they will receive appropriate vaccinations to protect them during their stay. We ensure every animal is spayed/neutered, up to date with rabies vaccination, and mircochipped before adoption. Our staff and volunteers provide daily care and enrichment to every animal, and make every effort to ensure they are comfortable with us. You can check out some of the activities and care provided here!