WHAT WE HANDLE:  Dog, Cat and livestock complaints
What we don’t handle: Wildlife (raccoons, skunks, deer, etc.)

IMPORTANT NUMBERS AND LINKS:

**The Town of Cortlandt does not provide recommendations for Emergency Veterinary Care, Wildlife Nusiance/Removal, or Wildlife Rescue. There are several reputable companies in the area that can be found by internet search.

 

Dog Licensing:

Many residents do not realize New York State requires that all dogs be licensed and registered in the Town in which they reside.  Licenses can be obtained in the Town Clerks Office in Town Hall and must be renewed yearly. 

DOG LICENSING INFORMATION

 

Dog Park:

The Towns dog park is managed through the Town of Cortlandt Recreation Department. All dogs must be licensed with the Town Clerk prior to applying for the Dog Park. 

CORTLANDT DOG PARK

 

Animal complaints:

All animal complaints should now be submitted through our online portal OpenGov.  We always recommend giving a detailed description of the complaint as well as any photos or videos of the issue.

ANIMAL COMPLAINTS

 

Common questions:

I found a dog running loose in the street, what should I do?

  • Contact the Animal Warden. We’ll work to locate the dogs owner.  If we can’t find their owner, we’ll keep them safe until their owner can be located.

We found a cat, what should we do?

  • Stray, feral or unidentified cats can be picked up by the Town and brought to our partnered shelter.  Cats that are determined to be un-owned and are intact (not spayed or neutered), may be good candidates for the Towns Trap/Neuter/Release (TNR) Program.
  • Cats that we believe may be owned will be held in an attempt to find their home. If no owner is found, they will be adopted out.
  • Note: The Town will not take possession of surrendered cats or dogs.  This must be done through shelters or rescues.

What kind of animals can I have?  

  • The number of animals permitted depends on lot size.  A lot that is less than 2 acres can have up to 3 dogs and 4 chickens/small birds.  Roosters are not permitted.  There are currently no restrictions on cats.
  • Additional guidance can be found in our Town Code.  NOTES TO TABLE OF PERMITTED USES.

 

IF YOUR DOG GETS AWAY FROM YOU:

SPCA Westchester, located at 590 North State Road in Briarcliff, NY provides shelter services for the Town.  You may contact them at 914-941-2896 to see if your dog has been picked up by the Animal Warden.  You can also contact the Code Enforcement office at 914-734-1010.

DO NOT HEAD STRAIGHT TO THE SHELTER. Dogs picked up by the Animal Warden must be licensed with the town and the owner must pay a release fee to the Town Clerks office.

Impoundment fees are as follows:

1st offense: $25.00*

2nd offense: $50.00*

3rd offense: $75.00*

*Plus prevailing charges at SPCA Westchester