www.cityofpoughkeepsie.com/departments/animal-control
The Animal Control Office is responsible for providing timely rescue and confinement of stray, exotic and quarantine animals in the City of Poughkeepsie.


The Animal Control Officer is responsible for providing timely rescue and confinement of stray, exotic and quarantine animals in the community. The Animal Control Officer also provides services that address public health and safety issues involved with stray and abandoned animals. In addition, the Animal Control Officer assists in training and educating the community on animal care and licensing ordinances.

For information on obtaining a dog license, please contact the City Chamberlain.

Adoption Program

The City of Poughkeepsie Animal Control Unit has an adoption program for dogs and cats in need of homes. Strays that are found will be spayed or neutered and immunized. An adoption fee enables us to provide basic veterinary care to these animals. Dogs and cats become eligible for adoption after they have been in the City’s care beyond (7) seven days from the time we take them in.

You must fill out an application and be approved to adopt.