Our Process & Stray Hold Policy

Steps We Take To Find Pet Owners

When a pet is brought to Noah’s Ark by Animal Control or a member of the public, there is a required process we follow to give owners the opportunity to reclaim their pet. Here are the initial steps we take:

1. Identification & Owner Contact
Every incoming pet is checked immediately for identification.

2. Collar & ID tags
If a collar or tag is present with contact information, we call the owner right away.

3. Microchip Scan
All pets are scanned for a microchip. If one is found, we contact the microchip company and reach out to the registered owner using the information on file. We often make multiple attempts to contact an owner during this time.

4. Stray Hold Period
Under the City of Gainesville Code of Ordinances (Chapter 3 – Animal Control, Sec. 3-9), impounded animals are required to be held for the following minimum time periods:

• At least twenty-four (24) hours after the date of impoundment, or
• At least seventy-two (72) hours if the animal is wearing a current rabies vaccination tag

If an owner does not redeem an impounded animal within the required hold period, disposition is handled in accordance with city ordinance. At Noah’s Ark, our shelter policy is to hold all stray pets for a minimum of 72 hours to give owners every reasonable opportunity to reclaim them. During this holding period, pets are not made available for adoption or transfer.

5. Social Media Posting (Courtesy Only)
As an added courtesy, Noah’s Ark does its best to share photos or information about stray pets on our Facebook page or other online platforms when possible to help spread the word and assist with reunification. Please understand:

• Posting strays on social media is not required by City ordinance.
• While we make every effort to post each stray pet, online posting is not guaranteed and may depend on staffing, timing, or the animal’s condition
• Social media posts do not replace an owner’s responsibility to actively search for their lost pet
• Owners should not rely solely on social media to locate a missing pet and are encouraged to contact local shelters and Animal Control directly.

6. After the Hold Period
If no owner comes forward during the hold period:

• The pet becomes the responsibility of the shelter
• We are then able to spay/neuter, vaccinate, and prepare the pet for adoption
• If a pet enters foster care or is transferred to a rescue after the hold period, those fosters and rescues are not required to continue searching for a previous owner, as the pet has legally completed its stray hold.

Important Note:
This information is provided for general understanding of shelter procedures and does
not replace official city ordinances. For full legal requirements, please refer to the City of
Gainesville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3 – Animal Control.