Animal Control &
Service Areas

As the county’s largest and busiest shelter with a dedicated animal control team on call 24/7 365 days a year, the ARL is one of the only shelters in Berks County uniquely positioned to handle the management of stray domesticated animals found within contracted municipalities, as well as enforce dog law and handle animal emergencies, including hoarding cases or natural disasters affecting domesticated animals. We’re pleased to offer each municipality in Berks County the opportunity to contract with us on a yearly basis to offer animal control services to its residents.

Residents in contracted municipalities are able to drop off strays at the ARL for no charge, and to receive other animal control services, such as assistance with controlling outdoor-living community cats, access to low-cost microchip and vaccine clinics, and investigation of non-cruelty complaints, such as nuisance dogs.

Residents who drop off stray animals at the ARL are asked to first call the Admissions department at 610-373-8830. Please know that you may be asked to provide proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill so that we can ensure participating municipalities are billed accurately. Thank you!