FAQs • Clayton, NC • CivicEngage

How long will my pet or strays be held if found?: Stray animals picked up in Clayton are taken to Johnston County Animal Shelter in Smithfield. The county animal shelter holds stray animals for a minimum of 72 hours so that they can be reclaimed by their owners. After 72 hours the animal is released from stray hold and can be put up for adoption, sent to an outside animal rescue or, in certain cases, euthanized. That’s why it’s so important to notify animal control and your local shelter as soon as possible if your pet is missing!

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Animal Control

1. How do I report an animal control issue?: Call 911. All Clayton Police Department calls are routed through 911. Even if it's not an emergency, the dispatchers are trained to route any and all calls for the Town of Clayton, and they will get your information to our animal control officer. Never hesitate to call 911 if you need police response of any kind – including our animal control officer.

2. What if I just have a question about animal control?: Hopefully you’ll find answers on this page, but if you still need to speak to someone, please call the Clayton Police Department at 919-553-4611 and ask for Animal Control. Business hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also send an email to info@townofclaytonnc.org. If you need an officer to come to your location, call 911.

3. Does the Town of Clayton have an animal shelter?: The Town of Clayton does not operate an animal shelter. We have an agreement with Johnston Animal Services to impound animals taken into our custody. The Johnston County Animal Control Shelter is located at 115 Shelter Way, Smithfield, NC 27577. Its hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Pet Adoption Center is open 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Their phone number is 919-934-8474. Click here for a list of their fees.

4. Can you chain or tie up dogs?: No, the Town of Clayton Code of Ordinances states that animals can NOT be tethered, tied or chained for ANY length of time. Animals must be kept inside a fenced area or walked on leash.

5. My dog is lost. What can I do?: Call Animal Control and surrounding animal shelters immediately to let them know. Provide them with a picture, information about your pet, and also let them know if your pet has been micro-chipped. Distributing flyers or posters in the area are a great idea. You can also post pictures, last seen location/time and contact information on websites and social media including the Triangle Lost Pets website and Facebook page, the Town of Clayton Facebook page, the Lost & Found Dogs – North Carolina Facebook page, Craigslist Lost & Found and forums like 40/42 Facebook page, or your neighborhood HOA’s member email list or social media page. If you micro-chip your pet, make sure your address and telephone numbers are kept current with your microchip company. Many people change numbers or move and forget to update this information and pets can’t be found! A collar with current rabies tag and name tag is also a great way to get your pet back home safely.

6. How long will my pet or strays be held if found?: Stray animals picked up in Clayton are taken to Johnston County Animal Shelter in Smithfield. The county animal shelter holds stray animals for a minimum of 72 hours so that they can be reclaimed by their owners. After 72 hours the animal is released from stray hold and can be put up for adoption, sent to an outside animal rescue or, in certain cases, euthanized. That’s why it’s so important to notify animal control and your local shelter as soon as possible if your pet is missing!

7. How many animals can I have in my home or yard?: Town of Clayton Code of Ordinances limits the number of animals per household to four.

8. My neighbor’s dog won’t stop barking – What can I do?: If you don't feel comfortable talking directly to your neighbor – or he or she is ignoring your requests – feel free to ask the Town to intervene. Our animal control officer can contact your neighbor, make him or her aware of our barking dog ordinance and make suggestions on methods the dog owner can use to help correct the issue. If this does not help the situation, call 911. An officer can be dispatched to witness and document in the computer system when the events happen. Dog owners can be issued citations for nuisance violations. In addition, the police department can serve a nuisance abatement order in the event of repeated, verified issues which can lead to the dog being impounded.

9. What is the Town of Clayton doing about stray/feral cats?: Stray and/or feral cats are a nationwide problem. Animal Control works to help educate the public and pet owners of the importance of spay/neuter to help control the unwanted animal population. If you are having a problem with stray and/or feral cats you can request them to be removed. Animal Control can humanely trap and transport the cats to the animal shelter.

10. Does my pet need a rabies shot?: Yes. State law requires all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies. See the affordable options below for reduced-cost rabies vaccines.

11. There's a wild animal in my yard, and it looks sick or injured. What should I do?: Stay away from the animal and call 911.

12. I live outside Clayton's town limits but still need help. Whom do I call?: Call 911 for immediate help when dealing with sick, aggressive or injured animals. For general questions or concerns, call Johnston County Animal Services at 919-934-8474

13. Is there a dog park in Clayton?: Yes, the East Clayton Dog Park is located at 2027 Glen Laurel Road just off N.C. 42 East. It’s open 7 days a week from sunrise until sunset, and there are two separate areas for small and large dogs.

14. Can Animal Control come speak at my school or event?: We'd love to! Simply call the Clayton Police Department during business hours and ask for Animal Control. The phone number is 919-553-4611.

15. Are there any low-cost programs to get my pet spayed, neutered and/or vaccinated?: Yes! Check the Johnston County Animal Services website about upcoming rabies clinics and know that they also offer $5 rabies vaccines for cats and dogs Monday through Friday by appointment! The Spay-Neuter Assistance Program of North Carolina (SNAP-NC) is a non-profit mobile surgery group funded through grants and donations. SNAP-NC is a completely equipped and staffed "spay and neuter clinic on wheels" that comes directly to the Johnston County Animal Shelter to perform safe surgical sterilization of dogs and cats. Similar to SNAP-NC, All Walks of Life out of Raleigh also offers mobile veterinary services. Every Tuesday and Thursday, they travel to Johnston County to perform low cost surgeries and exams. The SPCA of Wake County (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) also offers affordable spay/neuter and vaccines. If you have found feral or stray cats, Operation Catnip in Raleigh, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to reducing feral and free-roaming cat populations, works to sterilize and routinely vaccinate wild cats trapped humanely.

16. Does the Town of Clayton remove dead animals from private property?: No, the Town is not responsible for removing dead animals from private property.