Town of Lancaster Dog Control Department
Our Mission
It is the mission of the Lancaster Dog Control Department to protect and serve the residents of the Town of Lancaster, Village of Lancaster, and Village of Depew by addressing the health, safety, and welfare needs of the inhabitants and dogs in these communities. The Lancaster Dog Control Department actively works towards achieving this mission by responding to community needs through calls for service, educating the public about responsible companion animal ownership, the Laws of the State of New York, and Local Ordinances while also enforcing such Laws and Ordinances as necessary. Through compassionate and humane care for stray, abandoned, and abused dogs in custody or care of the Department, Lancaster Dog Control hopes to give adoptable dogs a second chance at finding their forever home.
Adoption Policy
Thank you for your interest in adopting a dog from the Lancaster Dog Control Department! Included in this adoption information packet you will find: an adoption application and adoption agreement you will be expected to agree to and sign prior to adopting a dog. Requirements and frequently asked questions are addressed below.
All applicants must be at least 21 years of age. Please understand that adoptions are not processed or determined on a first-come first-serve basis, approval is determined based on the best interests of the dog. The determination of Lancaster Dog Control regarding suitability of a particular dog for adoption by a particular applicant shall be at the sole discretion of Lancaster Dog Control and shall be final.
If you are interested in a dog, you may call or email the Lancaster Dog Control Department at the respective phone number and email address listed below and schedule a time to come meet the dog. Anyone wishing to meet or interact with a dog must complete a liability waiver before such meeting or interaction.
Should you decide to adopt the dog, you may be asked to submit to a background check completed by the Lancaster Police Department. You are responsible for any fees or costs associated with the background check that may be required by the Lancaster Police Department. Additionally, the Lancaster Dog Control Department may request to perform an inspection of the interior and exterior of your residence to ensure that it is suitable to meet the needs of the dog you are adopting.
If your adoption application is approved, there is no adoption fee, however State-mandated costs/fees include:
• A dog licensing fee of $13 if the dog is spayed/neutered.
• In the event the dog you are adopting is not spayed/neutered, you will be subject to a license fee of $20 and a spay/neuter deposit of $35. The spay/neuter deposit will be returned to you if the dog is spayed/neutered within 30 days, or in the event the dog has not reached sexual maturity, within 30 days of the dog reaching 6 months of age. If proper proof of the dog being spayed/neutered is not provided to Lancaster Dog Control within 30 days, the deposit will be forfeited.
• If the dog is not vaccinated against rabies, Lancaster Dog Control will have the dog vaccinated and you will be responsible for reimbursing the Department for the cost of vaccination. The cost for vaccination is generally $44.
All fees and/or deposits due to the Lancaster Dog Control Department must be paid on or before the execution of the Adoption Agreement. The dog licensing fee and rabies vaccination reimbursement may be paid for by cash, check (made payable to: Town of Lancaster), or credit card (during normal business hours). The spay/neuter deposit must be paid for in cash only.
All dogs must leave the Lancaster Dog Control Department with a leash and collar or harness. If you do not have these items, the Department may be able to provide them to you at no cost, dependent on inventory.
Any questions or requests for information may be directed to:
Phone: (716) 220-5620
E-mail: DogControl@LancasterNY.gov
