Animal Surrenders: Stray Pets

These are animals that are found running at large and no owner can be found.

HART is contracted to accept animals from the city limits of the following.  If you find an animal in these areas, please call the shelter at arrange either a drop off at the shelter or a dispatch of Animal control.

Baxter (dogs), Brainerd (all domestic animals), Breezy Point (dogs), Center Township (dogs), Crosby (dog & cats), Crosslake (dogs), Garrison (dogs & cats), Riverton (dogs), Crow Wing County Unorganized Township (dogs).

If you are outside of these contracted areas and find a stray animal, we require you to find the nearest shelter for intake (helps families get reunited).  If we are your nearest shelter, there will be a $30 intake fee for us to care for said animal.  An appointment will be made for drop off.

Feral cats or cats that are not able to be handled will not be accepted.

ALL STRAY ANIMALS MUST BE HELD FOR SEVEN (7) DAYS FOR AN OWNER TO CLAIM. THE ONLY EXCEPTION IS IF THE PET IS VERY AGGRESSIVE, INJURED OR SICK.

HART does not give out information on a stray animal to anyone other than a perspective owner with proper identification. If the animal is not claimed within the seven (7) day period, it becomes the property of HART.  Once a pet is surrendered to HART it becomes the property of HART.

Any owner picking up their pet that has come as a stray will be charged a pickup and boarding fee.