Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control is responsible for handling animal complaints within Ottawa County. Animal Control Deputies routinely investigate complaints regarding the handling and care of companion animals, including situations involving abuse or neglect, as well as those involving dangerous animals. While Ottawa County Animal Control Deputies are concerned with the humane treatment of animals, their primary goal is to protect human health.

Animal Control Deputies regularly pick up stray dogs and assist in reuniting owners with lost pets. In addition, they perform the following duties:

• Investigating housing and care of farm domestics
• Investigating animal cruelty complaints
• Determining the origin of stock losses
• Enforcing state animal control laws, including licensing statutes
• Providing kennel inspections and licensing
• Documenting animal bite reports
• Providing information on wild animal issues
• Providing permits for wolf-dogs and large carnivores

Ottawa County does not operate an animal shelter but instead contracts with Harbor Humane Society for services.

For dog licensing information visit : Dog Licensing | Ottawa County, MI

Rabies Prevention Protocol

The below links provide information regarding quarantine protocol and State of Michigan rabies prevention.

Rabies Pets Flowchart

Animal Quarantine Guide

Road Kill

The Ottawa County Road Commission picks up and disposes of dead deer in roads and road rights-of-way once per week. This removal service is generally limited to dead deer. To submit information about the location of a dead deer for removal, contact the Road Commission by calling 616-842-5400 or utilize their online service request form. The Road Commission does not collect and discard other small wild or domestic animals such as opossum or cats. There is no public service for the disposal of dead animals on private property. Contact your local landfill to see if they collect and accept dead animals.

Nuisance Wildlife

Animal control does not respond to nuisance wildlife. Options for handling issues will vary by species. Learn how to prevent and resolve conflicts with wildlife. In some instances, you can work with a nuisance animal or pest control company. You can use the state’s nuisance animal control directory to search for a company closest to you.