Public Health - Muskegon County - Vector (Animal) Control

In October 2003, the Animal Control program was reorganized to focus on vector control and surveillance activities. The change was made in an effort to enhance the public health and safety of Muskegon County residents and visitors from the risks associated with the spread of vector-borne illness. Animal Control was renamed Vector Control.

Vectors are carriers that transfer an illness from one host to another. Some examples of vectors include bats, birds, cats, dogs, fish, horses, mice, mosquitoes, raccoons, rats, reptiles and ticks. Examples of vector-borne illnesses include bovine tuberculosis, E. coli O157, eastern equine encephalitis, hantavirus, lyme disease, mad cow disease, malaria, plague, rabies, salmonella, west nile virus, and many others.

Other Useful Information

Vector Control Program Annual Report (2010)

Zoonotic & Vector-borne Disease Surveillance Report (MDCH)

In Muskegon County, the Vector Control program is part of Public Health and is responsible for enforcing laws regulating domestic animals and protecting residents from animal injury and disease. Vector Control offers the following services:

In addition, Vector Control also has the responsibilities of investigation, intervention, control, and prevention of vector-borne illness, integration of planning for vector-borne illness into public health emergency preparedness planning, and development of relationships with area veterinarians including voluntary reporting of vector-borne illness.

Other Useful Information

Animal Control Ordinance

Vector Control Regulations

Vector Control Contact Information

Public Health - Muskegon County

209 E Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442
(231) 724-6007 Phone

Any dog that is impounded is delivered to the animal shelter facility located at 1300 East Keating Ave in Muskegon. The shelter facility is managed by Pound Buddies Rescue and can be reached by calling (231) 724-6500.

In addition to licensing, microchip implantation and tattooing are two ways to make it easy to identify your dog.

Microchip Implantation

A microchip is a tiny computer chip which has a serial number programmed into it. The chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is enclosed in glass and injected with a needle under the skin between an animal’s shoulder blades. The microchip is read using a scanner at the animal shelter facility. The scanner sends a radio signal to the chip and the chip sends it’s serial number back to the scanner. The manufacturer is then contacted and provided with the serial number to obtain the owner's contact information from their registry.

Dog Tattoo Program

The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) no longer operates the dog identification and registration program. Effective March 30, 2009, the MDA no longer accepts applications of registration for tattooed dogs nor does it register individuals to be designated dog tattoers for the state-run program. The MDA will maintain the database of designated dog tattoers and the database containing registrant information for dogs, tattooed prior to March 30, 2009, until December 31, 2029. Anyone interested in more information about this program or these changes should call the MDA at (517) 373-1077.

Other Useful Information

Holding Time Requirements for Impounded Dogs (MDA)

The Dog Law - Act 339, PA of 1919, Section 14a

Vector Control does not provide dog adoption or sheltering services. These services are provided by Pound Buddies Rescue. Pound Buddies Rescue manages operations at the shelter facility. Many dogs that are not claimed during the impound period are made available for adoption through Pound Buddies Rescue. If you are looking for your lost dog or to adopt a dog, please call the animal shelter facility at (231) 724-6500 or visit the Pound Buddies Rescue web site.

Other Useful Information

Holding Time Requirements for Impounded Dogs (MDA)

Pound Buddies Rescue

Shelter & Adoption Contact Information

Pound Buddies Rescue

1300 E Keating Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442

(231) 724-6500 Phone

The Bodies of Dead Animals Act, Public Act 239 of 1982, as amended, establishes guidelines for the proper disposal of dead animals, to protect human, animal and environmental health.

For guidance on disposal of dead animals, please visit the MI Dept of Agriculture web site by clicking here.

Local law enforcement is responsible for investigating complaints of animal abuse and neglect. Examples of abuse and neglect include purposely depriving an animal of water, food, veterinary care, shelter, or socialization. Abuse also includes torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal.

How to Report a Suspected Case of Animal Cruelty

Because a report of animal cruelty may result in a criminal investigation, please start by contacting your local police department to make a complaint. The police will contact us for assistance with the animal(s). Please keep in mind that although a complaint can be made anonymously, a successful prosecution of a cruelty case often depends on an identifiable witness that may be called upon to testify.