Animal Control
The purpose of Animal Control is to educate and encourage responsible pet ownership while enforcing animal and rabies control laws and regulations as set forth in the NC General Statutes and the Carteret County Ordinance.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Investigates all reports of animal bites within Carteret County in accordance with NC General Statute 130A-196.
- Ensures that county residents comply with rabies vaccination requirements for pets in accordance with NC General Statute 130A-185.
- Respond to reports of potentially rabid animals, and coordinate with public health officials to determine whether rabies testing is necessary.
- Respond to reports of animals running at large in areas of the county that are subject to the Carteret County Ordinances (unincorporated areas).
Rabies Control
NC General Statute 130A-185 requires all cats, dogs, and ferrets over 4 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website offers extensive information about rabies.
Animal Shelter
Any animals that are picked up by Carteret County Animal Control are delivered to the Carteret County Humane Society Animal Shelter, at 853 Hibbs Road, Newport, NC. Please note that the Animal Shelter is an independent organization from Animal Control. For more details and contact information, visit the Animal Shelter's website.