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1. What can I do to deter the ground hogs, armadillos, and skunks from getting into my yard or garden?

There are many safe remedies in deterring pesty wildlife and the internet is a good source of information. Sites like www.doityourself.com/scat/wildlifec and www.livingwithwildlife.org offers a lot of information on a variety of topics regarding the wildlife. Specific plants can be protected by sprinkling them with Epsom salts (needs re-application after every rain) or covering them with fabric or gallon milk jugs with the bottoms removed. Or try placing rags soaked in ammonia on posts placed at intervals around the perimeter of the garden. The odor is enough to deter most unwanted visitors. The rags must be re-soaked when the smell of ammonia fades. Read more: www.doityourself.com/scat/wildlifec.

2. I have raccoons (or opossums, etc.) causing a nuisance, what can I do?

Racoons and opossums are rather aggressive animals that can transfer diseases to people via bites, scratches and even indirect contact and at times become nuisances to our neighborhoods.

Racoons and opossums do NOT make good pets and per City code, DO NOT feed our furry friends! It can become difficult at times to live in the Ozarks and share our lives with the wildlife, so when the wildlife become pests call the City's Animal Control Officer.

The City will come out and attempt to trap most small pests, as in racoons, opossums, etc. and displace them to the another area for suitable habitation.

Sites like www.doityourself.com/scat/wildlifec and www.livingwithwildlife.org is a great resource for remedies for pesty wildlife.

3. I have a lost dog or cat, what do I do?

If you have lost a dog or cat you may call the City or the surrounding animal shelters to see if your pet is at either location. When the City is called out to pick up lost or stray dogs or cats, an attempt is made to find the appropriate owner. Marked collars and ID chips work great and are the only source the City has in locating pet owners. The City has limited facilities to house animals for any length of time, therefore, if a lost or stray animal is not claimed by the owner or the owners can not be found in a reasonable time, the City will place the animal in an available shelter in the area.  Contact Lt. Taylor  (573) 302-2010 ext. 0.  The City works with several shelters located in the surrounding area, but the City only has one shelter within the City, Dogwood Animal Shelter - (573) 348-4411.

4. There is a dog running around my property that is not mine, what do I do?

Call the City's Police Dispatch for animal assistance at (573) 302-2010 ext. 0 or 9-1-1 FOR EMERGENCIES.  An officer will pick up the dog and attempt to find the appropriate owner by ID collar or ID chip information. 

5. I have a stray/feral cat(s) at my house, what do I do?

DO NOT FEED stray or feral cats. 

Call the City's Police Dispatch for animal assistance at (573) 302-2010 ext. 0 or 9-1-1 FOR EMERGENCIES.  An officer will pick up the dog and attempt to find the appropriate owner by ID collar or ID chip information.

6. Am I required to spay or neuter my dog or cat?

No, but the City STRONGLY urges pet owners to have their dogs and cats spayed or neutered. Pets that are spayed or neutered remain healthier and are less likely to roam. If you take an animal home from the shelter, spaying or neutering is most often covered in the adoption fee. If you did not adopt your pet from the shelter, there are many veterinarians who perform the surgeries. If you have any questions or need help finding a veterinarian to spay / neuter your pet, please call Lt Taylor (573) 302-2010 ext. 0.

7. What if I live OUTSIDE the City limits of Osage Beach and need animal control assistance?

Property owners OUTSIDE Osage Beach City limits, but within Camden County will contact Camden County Animal Control for animal assistance and questions at (573) 346-4440.

Miller County does NOT currently have an animal control division. Property owners OUTSIDE Osage Beach City limits, but within Miller County must be self reliant in issues regarding animal control.