Field Services - BJC Animal Control Services

BJC Animal Control Services, Inc. operates the Jefferson County impoundment facility under contract with the Jefferson County Commission and the City of Birmingham. The Alabama Rabies Control Act requires every county to provide a facility and Impounding Officer to impound animals not displaying proof of current rabies vaccination. These impoundment facilities are also to impound animals in violation of local leash laws.

Animal control services are provided throughout unincorporated Jefferson County and the City of Birmingham. Other municipalities may contract with BJC Animal Control Services, Inc. to provide specific services in those jurisdictions. BJC Animal Control Services, Inc. provides enforcement of applicable sections of the Alabama Rabies Control Act, in addition to any other local animal control ordinances. Municipalities that perform their own enforcement and capture may contract with BJC for impoundment facilities. Click here for a listing of laws and regulations relating to animal control.

Currently, four animal control trucks are dedicated exclusively to service within the Birmingham city limits, one other truck operates primarily within the Birmingham city limits. Two animal control trucks provide services exclusively to unincorporated Jefferson County and another truck operates primarily in unincorporated Jefferson County. A trap truck (set and pick up traps) operates throughout all jurisdictions as needed. BJC Animal Control Services, inc. will assess service needs and response time to determine future equipment and personnel requirements.

Ordinarily, impounded animals are held at the shelter for a minimum of seven days to provide owners ample opportunity to redeem their animals. Reasonable efforts are made to locate the owners. Identification and rabies tags help owners recover their animals sooner. Unless an animal is wearing identification, BJC employees cannot identify specific animals. Owners must visit the shelter to identify and redeem their animals. Animals must leave the shelter on a lease or confined in a carrier. The Jefferson County Commission has adopted a flat fee schedule for all citizens of Jefferson County who utilize the shelter. It is our policy to accept cash only. Click here for information on current service fees.

BJC Animal Control Services, Inc. office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Due to daily maintenance and feeding of animals, kennel visitation hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on Saturdays. To file a complaint or for general inquiries, BJC Animal Control Services, Inc. may be reached during business hours at (205) 591-6522.

BJC Animal Control Services, Inc. is available to respond to emergency situations at times other than normal business hours. The local police or sheriff's office should be contacted first for after-hours emergencies. The local law enforcement agency will receive assistance from BJC Animal Control Services, Inc. upon request.

BJC Animal Control Services, Inc. provides its services for the protection of the health and welfare of the citizens of Jefferson County and its municipalities. Certain unclaimed animals are available for adoption from the BJC Animal Control Services, Inc. shelter. Owners wanting to place their pets for adoption are encouraged to use the Greater Birmingham Humane Society or other pet adoption services. BJC Animal Control Services, Inc. strongly advocates a central impoundment location where all stray and at large animals can be placed to enhance the opportunity for pets to be reunited with their owners.

The staff and management of BJC Animal Control Services, Inc. have extensive experience in the enforcement and interpretation of animal control laws and ordinances, animal capture and handling, animal housing and euthanasia.

Urbanized wildlife has become become a major concern in almost every neighborhood in the United States. Attics, crawl spaces, and basements have become nesting sites for these animals that were once rarely seen, except in their natural habitat. The animals sharing our homes can include raccoons, squirrels, snakes, birds, bats, and opossums. Structural damage, injuries, and diseases can occur from these sometimes cute, but uninvited guests.

If you need assistance in removing wildlife from your home, give us a call. You will find our rates very competitive.

Here are some helpful tips from our wildlife expert :

1. Keep garbage can lids sealed tightly.

2. If you have outside pets, do not leave food out over night.

3. Keep yards clear of debris that can provide shelter.

4. Check roof lines and crawl spaces for construction gaps that allow entry.

5. DO NOT FEED WILD ANIMALS FOR ANY REASON.

6. When a wild animal does invade your property, it is always best to call a professional to trap and remove them. Although they look cute and cuddly, they can and will bite. Many wild animals are rabies carriers.

Click here for a listing of laws and regulations relating to animal control.