Animal Control Info
Adoption Policy
All animals from our pound are adopted through the State's Animal Population Control Program (APCP). The APC Program pays for two pre-surgical immunizations and for the animal to be spayed or neutered by a participating veterinarian within 60 days of ownership. It pays up to $100.00 for a male dog/$50.00 for a male cat (neutered); $120.00 for a female dog/$70.00 for female cat (spayed), and $10.00 each for two vaccinations. If the veterinarian bill exceeds those amounts, the adopting party is responsible for payment of the additional charges.
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Adoption fee: $50.00 ($45.00 APCP fee + $5.00 fee to the Town of Portland).
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If the animal is already spayed or neutered, $5.00 non-refundable adoption fee to the Town. Out-of-state adopters are not eligible to participate in the APCP program.
Bobcat Sighting l June 1, 2020
There have been reports of sightings of a bobcat wearing a tracking collar in Portland. CT DEEP is aware and tracking her movements. This particular bobcat is a mom and has babies. Please do not approach them and do not cause them harm, as she is hunting to feed her cubs. Bobcats tend to be shy and avoid humans.
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Should you encounter a bobcat, you should keep as much distance between you and the animal as possible. Protect your children and pets by never leaving them unattended. When possible, make a lot of noise (banging on pans/pots, blowing an air horn).
Karen Perruccio
Portland Animal Control Officer
Dog Licensing
Connecticut State Law requires that all dogs in the state be licensed by the age of six months. The license must be renewed each year in June. Proof of current rabies vaccination and a spay/neuter certificate must be provided.
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Annual fees are $8.00 for a spayed or neutered dog and $19.00 for an unaltered dog. There is a $1.00 per month per dog late fee starting August 1st, 2020.
There are 4 Ways to License your Dog:
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1) MAIL - 1. Mail a Dog License Form 2. Cash, Check, or Money Order 3. Current rabies certificate, and 4. a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Michael Tierney
Town Clerk
P.O. Box 71
Portland, CT 06480
2) EMAIL - 1. Complete a Credit Card Authorization Form, 2. Current rabies certificate and 3. Send to mtierney@portlandct.org
*Note: You must save the pdf form to your computer first in order to save*
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3) ONLINE - Create a user ID at https://www.hitslabs.com/register-individual
4) IN PERSON - Come to the Town Clerk's office during regular business hours.
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*Due to COVID-19 please make an appointment before visiting Town Hall. 860-342-6743
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Nuisance or Distressed Wildlife
Contact the state for nuisance and/or distressed wildlife at:
Dept of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) - Wildlife Division
79 Elm Street, Hartford CT 06106
860-424-3011
www.ct.gov/deep
For additional information pertaining to Dogs:
CT Dept of Agricultural - Animal Control Division
165 Capitol Ave - Hartford CT 06106
860-713-2506
www.ct.gov/doag
Shelter Information
Hours of operation - by appointment only​
List of Adoptable Pets: www.petfinder.com
The Portland Animal Control Shelter is a municipal dog pound that houses dogs from Portland.
We house only dogs.
Town Animal Ordinances
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Feeding of raccoons and other wild animals prohibited
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Removal of dog litter
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Roaming and nuisance animals
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Regulation of vicious dogs