Dealing with our Furry Friends
The City of Hazel Park and the City of Ferndale have divided costs for the animal control officer and offer this combined service.
In years past, both Hazel Park and Ferndale maintained individual animal control officers. When Hazel Park's longtime animal control officer retired, both cities took the opportunity to combine the services. You will notice when you call for the services of the animal control officer, a vehicle marked with Ferndale identifiers comes to your service. On the vehicle, it clearly notifies the residents that it also proudly services the Hazel Park community.
You can contact the animal control officer by either:
When residents call for the service of the animal control officer, we have noticed that there are common questions for which we can provide answers or direction. Please take a moment and review the frequently asked questions before calling.
Q: A person has seen a possum, what should they do?
A: Leave it alone. It will not bother you. It is a scavenger. If there is no food source it will not stay around. It will attempt to get into garbage cans when it smells food in them. Keeping the garbage cans closed with lids, elevating them 18 inches above the ground and keeping them away from fences will help keep the animal out of your garbage. They don't carry rabies. parvo or distemper.
Q: Will animal control trap nuisance animals?
A: Animal control will assist in the trapping of raccoons, cats and ground hogs (rabies carriers). Skunks must be trapped by private contractors at the property owner's expense.
Q: How do I obtain a trap?
A: To obtain a trap, please call animal control at 248-546-2394 and leave your name, phone number and what animal it is that you are attempting to trap. You will be called back with a date when the next trap is expected to be available. When the trap has been returned by the previous party, you will be called and arrangements will be made to get the trap to you. Traps require a $25.00 deposit, preferably a check made out to the Ferndale Police Department. Trapping may be done on a Sunday night for a Monday pickup, through Thursday for a Friday pickup. No trapping on Friday or Saturday since there will be no pickup available. Animal control is off on Saturday and Sunday.
In addition, if the resident prefers, traps are available for purchase at various out-of-doors equipment and outfitter type stores or stores that sell yard and garden supplies as well as on the internet. Please check around to various stores before making that trip if you decide to purchase your own. Click here for an example of traps sold at stores like Cabela's or some online options.
Q: Who do I call for an animal complaint?
A: If you live in the City of Hazel Park, and your animal complaint is of an urgent nature and/or it needs immediate attention, call Hazel Park Police dispatch at 248-542-6161 and listen to the voice options. When you speak to the police dispatcher, please be prepared to provide details such as nature of problem/complaint, your name, address and phone number as well as the address from where the complaint originates (if different than your address).
If you live in the City of Hazel Park and your complaint is not urgent and it can wait, call animal control direct at 248-546-2394 and leave your name, phone number, your address and the nature of your question or complaint and the address of where the complaint is located if different than your own. The animal control officer will return your call as his soonest opportunity. Your information is confidential and only used if questions arise about the complaint.
Q: How do I report a lost or found animal?
A: Call animal control at 248-546-2394. Leave your name and phone number first. State that you have lost or found the animal you are calling about. Then describe the animal that you are calling about by giving the breed the animal most looks like. Dogs and cats can be described as long and short haired if you don't know the breed. Then state the sex of the animal if known and any coloring.
Q: I have a general question pertaining to animals, who do I call?
A: Please call animal control at 248-546-2394. Leave your name and phone number first. Then state your question as simply and clearly as possible. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.
Q: What are the fees for release of impounded animals?
A: Impound fees are $25.00 the for the initial impound and $7.50 for each additional day.
Fees to surrender an animal are $25.00. All surrenders must be brought to the Ferndale Police Department. Payment must be made there and a form must be completed.
Adoption fees are $15.00 per animal plus a $25.00 deposit for neutering which is required by state law. All adopted animals are tempered tested but not guaranteed for temperament or health and are as is. An adoption application and hold harmless form must be completed before the animal is turned over to a prospective owner.
Hazel Park Animal Control and the City of Ferndale have combined their Animal Control departments. For more information please contact: Animal Control Officer 248-546-2394.
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