Animal Control Services Animal Control Services

Animal Control Officer: Lynn Meager 

Phone: (518) 915-3677

Public Safety Office: (518) 664-9884 ext. 5

The Animal Control Officer enforces New York State Agriculture & Markets Laws and City of Mechanicville ordinances relating to dogs.

Our Responsibilities:

• Investigate animal bite cases and enforce quarantine regulations
• Conduct preliminary investigations of alleged animal abuse or neglect

Important Notes:

• We do not handle nuisance wildlife complaints (animals living in or around homes, outbuildings, or private property). Please contact a professional pest control or wildlife removal service for these issues.
• We cannot pick up stray cats. New York State law considers cats “free to roam,” so we have no legal authority to capture them. However, a Good Samaritan may transport a stray cat to an animal shelter.

Dog Licensing 

New York State law requires all dogs 4 months of age or older that have lived in the state for more than 30 days to be licensed annually. The license tag must be worn on the dog’s collar or harness at all times.

Licensing Fees:

• $10.00 – Spayed or neutered dogs
• $20.00 – Intact dogs

Requirements:

• Proof of current rabies vaccination
• Spay/neuter certificate (for discounted fee)
• Previous New York State license number (if previously licensed anywhere in the state)

Licenses are available at the City Accounts Office.

City Ordinances – Dogs (Section 70-3)

A. Leash Required 

No dog may run at large. All dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 8 feet and under the control of a competent person at all times.

B. Noisy Dogs 

No owner shall allow their dog(s) to create unreasonably loud or continuous barking that disturbs the peace or interferes with the health, safety, or welfare of others.

C. Disposal of Feces 

Owners must immediately clean up after their dog on any public sidewalk, park, or private property. Feces must be properly disposed of in a sanitary sewer or appropriate waste container.

D. Playgrounds 

Dogs are not permitted in any City playgrounds.

Saratoga County Animal Shelter 

All animals picked up by Mechanicville Animal Control are transported to:

Saratoga County Animal Shelter 

6010 County Farm Road Ballston Spa, NY 12020 Phone: (518) 885-4113

Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Sundays and holidays)

The shelter also offers rabies vaccination clinics throughout the year and has animals available for adoption.