Hardin County Animal Shelter: Adoption, Pets, Fees & Local Rules
This guide is for Hardin County Animal Care & Control at 220 Peterson Drive in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Use it to adopt a dog or cat, search lost pets, reclaim a pet, surrender by appointment, report roaming dogs, purchase a county dog license, support the shelter, or understand the free TNR route for community cats.
It is built as a scan-first action page, not a long paragraph directory. The key official details are inside the article so users can get answers before opening forms or calling the shelter.
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SAFE
Which Hardin County Animal Shelter Is This?
Several states have a Hardin County. This article is for the county-run shelter in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
| Search result confusion | Correct meaning | Use this guide? | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardin County Animal Care & Control | Elizabethtown, Kentucky county shelter | Yes | Address: 220 Peterson Drive, Elizabethtown, KY 42701. |
| Hardin County Animal Services | Often used for Savannah, Tennessee searches | No | Different state, phone, hours and adoption process. |
| Hardin County Humane Society of Ohio | Ohio nonprofit humane society | No | Different organization, not the Elizabethtown KY county shelter. |
| Friends of Hardin County Animal Shelter | 501(c)(3) support organization | Partly | Helpful for fundraising, donations and support, but adoption/reclaim is through the county shelter. |
Which Number Should You Call?
Use this before driving or reporting an animal issue.
| Need | Contact | Use when | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adoption, lost pet search, reclaim, license, donations | 270-769-3428 | Normal shelter business and public visit questions. | Pet name/listing, ID, photos, records, license tag if any. |
| Roaming dog complaint | 270-769-3428 | Official page says roaming dog complaint calls go through the office Monday-Friday 8-11am and noon-4pm. | Exact location, direction of travel, description, collar/tag, urgency. |
| After-hours emergency | 270-737-4217 | Emergency animal-control routing after business hours or urgent public safety. | Location first, then the animal description and risk. |
| General Hardin County government | 270-765-2350 | County-government routing, not the fastest shelter desk. | Department name: Animal Care & Control. |
| Friends of Hardin County Animal Shelter | 502-437-4227 | Support organization donations, events, fundraising and Friends-specific questions. | Donation or event question, not urgent animal-control issue. |
Hardin County Animal Shelter Adoption Fees and Process
Adoptable pets can be seen Monday-Saturday from noon to 4 pm. An approved application is required, all animals must be spayed or neutered before leaving, and a 24-hour hold may be made with an approved application.
| Pet type | Official fee / planning fee | Includes | Ask before visiting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat adoption | $60 | Spay/neuter, feline vaccination, deworming and rabies vaccination. | Ask if the cat is ready to leave, needs surgery first or has a hold. |
| Medium / large adult dog | $90 | Spay/neuter, distemper-parvo, Bordetella/kennel cough, rabies, deworming, microchip and county license. | Ask about size, behavior notes, dog-to-dog history and go-home timing. |
| Puppy or small breed dog | $200 | Dog adoption package details may apply; verify with the shelter for the specific animal. | Small dogs and puppies move fast. Call before driving. |
| Long-time resident dog | $25 | Ask which long-stay pets qualify and why the pet has been waiting. | Ask about training needs, home fit, medical notes and shelter support. |
| Applicable sales tax | Added where applicable | The adoption page notes applicable sales tax will be applied. | Bring payment method and confirm total before finalizing. |
Check live listings
Use the county adoptable pets page, Petfinder, Facebook or shelter call line. Save the pet name, species, age, photo and listing screenshot.
Call before driving
Call 270-769-3428 to confirm the pet is still available, whether the pet is already altered, and whether a 24-hour hold is possible.
Visit during public hours
Plan for Monday-Saturday, noon to 4 pm. The shelter closes for lunch from 11 am to noon.
Submit the application
Adoptions require an approved application. Staff may need to verify your fit, timing and the pet’s readiness.
Review the adoption packet
The shelter gives adopters packets with local veterinarians, groomers, trainers, coupons and “Rule of 3” advice for the first 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months.
Know the return rule
If a newly adopted pet does not work out, call the office. The pet may be returned within 30 days, but adoption fees are not refundable.
What the Adoption Package Includes
These details make the article more helpful than a simple pet listing page.
Spay / neuter
All animals must be spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter.
Vaccines
Cat adoptions include feline vaccination and rabies. Dog adoptions include distemper-parvo, rabies and Bordetella/kennel cough.
Deworming
Both cat and dog adoption packages include deworming.
Microchip for dogs
Dog adoption package details include a microchip.
County license
Dog adoption package details include a license. Hardin County residents should confirm local licensing details.
Local packet
Adopters receive information on local veterinarians, groomers, trainers, coupons and transition advice.
Lost, Found or Reclaiming a Pet in Hardin County
Lost/found pet users need exact steps, not generic advice. Use the shelter line quickly and prepare proof before reclaiming.
If your pet is lost
- Call 270-769-3428 during live phone hours.
- Check the shelter during public hours if staff recommends it.
- Search Petfinder and the shelter’s social channels.
- Update microchip and license tag contact details.
- Post clear photos with cross streets, date and description.
- Call nearby vets, neighbors and local community pages.
If you found a pet
- Do not restrain an unknown roaming dog if unsafe.
- Call 270-769-3428 for routing.
- For roaming dogs, the official page says call the office immediately.
- Officers can scan for a microchip in the field.
- Keep pets separate from your animals.
- Bring current Hardin County ID if turning a stray into the shelter.
To reclaim a pet
- Bring government ID.
- Bring proof of ownership.
- Bring photos, vet records, rabies record, microchip or license details.
- Ask about reclaim/impound fees before arriving.
- Bring leash, carrier or safe transport.
- Call before coming to confirm pickup timing.
Surrendering a Pet: Hardin County Rules and Fees
Hardin County residents can surrender an owned cat or dog by appointment. The shelter accepts only animals from Hardin County, and a current Hardin County ID is required.
| Surrender type | Fee | Rule | What to bring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altered owned cat or dog | $30 | Appointment required; Hardin County residents only. | Current Hardin County ID, proof of ownership, vet verification that pet is altered. |
| Unaltered owned cat or dog | $70 | Appointment required; Hardin County residents only. | ID, records, honest medical and behavior history. |
| Litter of puppies or kittens under 4 months | $45 | Appointment required. | Age estimate, mother information if known, health notes. |
| Aggressive or serious behavior concern | Not guaranteed | The shelter maintains the right to refuse owner surrenders including but not limited to aggression. | Be honest about bite history, behavior and safety risk. |
| After 30-day adoption return window | Applicable intake fee | Appointment required after first 30 days if pet cannot be kept. | Adoption details and updated medical/behavior notes. |
TNR, Community Cats and Live-Humane Traps
The shelter’s community-cat guidance is important because many people confuse a free-roaming cat with a lost indoor pet.
Community cat definition
A community cat is a free-roaming cat that may be cared for by local residents and may or may not be socialized.
Ear tip meaning
Ear-tipped community cats are sterilized and have received at least one rabies vaccination.
Free TNR for residents
Unowned community cats are handled through TNR at no charge for Hardin County residents, by appointment.
TNR services
The cat is spayed or neutered, given a rabies vaccination, ear tipped, and returned to where it came from.
Kittens under 4 months
Kittens under 4 months are not normally put through TNR; they are usually kept for adoption placement.
Trap borrowing
Live-humane traps can be borrowed for 1 week. A current Hardin County ID is required; citizens may borrow up to 2 traps at once.
Hardin County Dog Licenses and Kennel Licenses
Dogs aged 6 months and older are required to have a Hardin County dog license. Licenses renew annually and run from July 1 to June 30.
| License type | Official fee | Required detail | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spayed/neutered dog | $15 | Dog is altered. | Rabies certificate upload/copy required for online form. |
| Unaltered dog | $30 | Dog is not spayed/neutered. | Renew annually July 1-June 30. |
| Kennel license: up to 10 dogs | $75 | Available only at Hardin County Animal Control. | Individual licenses must still be purchased for each dog. |
| Kennel license: 11-20 dogs | $150 | Kennel license tier. | Call before visiting with kennel questions. |
| Kennel license: 21+ dogs | $250 | Kennel license tier. | Prepare ownership and rabies records. |
Animal Control, Roaming Dogs and Bite Quarantine
Hardin County Animal Care & Control handles public-health and animal-welfare calls, but users need to know what they should and should not do.
| Issue | What to do | Official detail | Local tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roaming dog | Call 270-769-3428 immediately. | The shelter says officers are dispatched and will scan for a microchip in the field. | Do not restrain or transport the dog unless staff specifically directs you and it is safe. |
| Animal bite breaking skin | Report and seek medical guidance. | A dog or cat that has bitten someone and broken skin must be placed on a 10-day quarantine hold. | Preserve owner info, vaccination info, photos and medical records. |
| Owned animal quarantine at shelter | Owner may be responsible for quarantine fee. | Official search result notes a $250 fee if Hardin County must hold an owned animal during quarantine. | Ask staff for exact current billing and release steps. |
| Cruelty, neglect or welfare concern | Call animal control. | Animal complaints include welfare/cruelty checks, strays, running at large, injured animals and bites. | Report facts, dates, location and photos if safely obtained. |
| After-business emergency | Use emergency routing. | An Animal Control Officer is on-call daily for after-business-hours emergencies processed through 911 dispatch. | Use 911 for immediate danger or emergency dispatch. |
Wildlife, Dead Animals and What the Shelter Does Not Handle
This section prevents the wrong call and makes the page much more practical for local residents.
Wildlife complaints
The shelter states it does not respond to wildlife complaints; those are handled by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Animals in trees, under houses or attics
The shelter states it does not remove animals from trees, under houses or attics.
Small dead animals / pets
If inside a city, contact local city works, or contact Kentucky Department of Highways at 270-766-5066.
Farm animals
The official page points to dead animal disposal details and phone 270-734-1336 for farm animal disposal.
Deer on roadside
The official page routes deer-on-roadside issues to Kentucky Department of Highways.
When unsure
Call the shelter office for routing during phone hours, or emergency dispatch if there is immediate public danger.
Donations and Friends of Hardin County Animal Shelter
There are two useful support routes: the official county shelter donation route and the Friends of Hardin County Animal Shelter nonprofit support group.
Official county donation route
- Donate online, in person or by mail.
- To avoid processing fees, donate in person or mail check/cash donation to 220 Peterson Drive, Elizabethtown KY 42701.
- Donations go to Hardin County Animal Care & Control, a department of Hardin County Fiscal Court.
- County page says donations are used solely for public purposes.
Friends group support
- Friends of Hardin County Animal Shelter is a 501(c)(3) public charity.
- Mail: P.O. Box 951, Elizabethtown, KY 42702.
- Phone: 502-437-4227.
- Support areas include medical care, spay/neuter, rescue transport and educational programs.
Volunteer and Community Help
The official volunteer page provides Animal Control student waiver and volunteer application links. Check current requirements before arriving.
Volunteer application
Use the official Hardin County volunteer application link for Animal Care & Control.
Student waiver
The county page lists an Animal Control student waiver for student volunteer situations.
Ask before visiting
Call 270-769-3428 to confirm current volunteer onboarding, age rules, scheduling and available tasks.
Map and Directions to Hardin County Animal Care & Control
Use this map for route planning to 220 Peterson Drive in Elizabethtown. Confirm hours before driving, especially around holidays, weather events or lunch closure.
Call if you need a specific pet, surrender appointment, TNR slot, trap pickup or reclaim timing.
Photo ID, proof of address, pet records, carrier/leash, application details, and cash/card/check if applicable.
The shelter is closed for lunch from 11 am to noon daily.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Use short, specific wording. It helps staff route your request faster.
Adoption
Hi, I’m interested in [pet name/species] listed online. Is this pet still available, is an approved application required before visiting, and can the pet leave today if approved?Lost pet
Hi, I lost my [dog/cat] near [location] on [date/time]. The pet is [description] and may have [microchip/license/collar]. Has a matching pet been impounded or reported?Found / roaming dog
Hi, I found or see a roaming dog near [exact location]. The dog is [description] and is [safe/aggressive/injured]. Should I stay nearby, and can an officer be dispatched?Surrender
Hi, I’m a Hardin County resident and need to discuss surrendering my [dog/cat/litter]. What appointment times are available, what fee applies, and what records should I bring?Official Links for Final Action
The key details are summarized above. Use official links for current forms, live pet availability, appointments, donations and policy updates.
Final Hardin County Shelter Checklist
Before adoption
- Check live listing and save pet screenshot.
- Call 270-769-3428 to confirm availability.
- Visit Monday-Saturday noon-4 pm.
- Prepare approved application details.
- Ask if spay/neuter is complete.
- Bring carrier/leash and payment.
Before surrender, reclaim or TNR
- Call first; intake is by appointment.
- Bring current Hardin County ID where required.
- Bring veterinary verification if claiming altered surrender fee.
- Ask about reclaim or impound fees.
- Arrive on time for TNR appointments.
- Do not restrain unknown roaming dogs.
Hardin County Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Hardin County Animal Shelter located?
Hardin County Animal Care & Control is located at 220 Peterson Drive, Elizabethtown, KY 42701.
What is the phone number for Hardin County Animal Shelter?
The shelter phone number is 270-769-3428. The emergency phone listed on the official page is 270-737-4217.
What are Hardin County Animal Shelter hours?
The shelter is open to the public Monday through Saturday from noon to 4 pm and is closed Sundays. It is closed for lunch from 11 am to noon daily.
When is live phone assistance available?
Live phone assistance is listed Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 11 am and noon to 4 pm.
How much are Hardin County Animal Shelter adoption fees?
Cat adoptions are $60. Medium and large adult dogs are commonly listed at $90, puppies and small breeds at $200, and long-time resident dogs at $25. Applicable sales tax may be added, and current pet-specific fees should be verified with the shelter.
What does a dog adoption include?
Dog adoptions include spay or neuter surgery, distemper-parvo vaccination, Bordetella or kennel cough vaccination, rabies vaccination, deworming, microchip and a license.
What does a cat adoption include?
Cat adoptions include spay or neuter surgery, feline vaccination, deworming and rabies vaccination.
Do I need an appointment to surrender a pet?
Yes. Hardin County residents can surrender an owned cat or dog by scheduling an appointment. A current Hardin County ID is required, and the shelter accepts only animals from Hardin County.
How much does it cost to surrender a pet?
The surrender fee is $30 for an altered pet and $70 for an unaltered pet. A litter of puppies or kittens less than 4 months of age may be surrendered by appointment for $45.
Are Hardin County dog licenses required?
Yes. Dogs aged 6 months and older are required to have a Hardin County dog license. The annual license fee is $15 for a spayed or neutered dog and $30 for an unaltered dog.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.