Animal Control in Tippecanoe County, Indiana
Who to call for stray animals, aggressive pets, and welfare concerns
Quick Answer
Animal Control in Tippecanoe County is handled by Lafayette Animal Control, West Lafayette Animal Control, and the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office. They respond to stray dogs, aggressive animals, welfare checks, and injured animals. Strays are typically taken to Almost Home Humane Society.
Who to Call
Lafayette Animal Control
For incidents inside Lafayette city limits.
Phone: 765-807-1200
Website: https://www.lafayette.in.gov/204/Animal-Control
Handles:
• Stray dogs
• Aggressive or dangerous animals
• Animal welfare and neglect complaints
• Injured pets in public areas
• Deceased animals in public spaces
West Lafayette Animal Control
For incidents inside West Lafayette city limits.
Phone: 765-775-5200
Website: https://www.westlafayette.in.gov/department/?fDD=32-0
Handles:
• Strays
• Aggressive dogs
• Nuisance animal complaints
• Welfare checks
Tippecanoe County Sheriff — Rural Animal Calls
For unincorporated areas and small towns.
Phone: 765-423-9388
Handles:
• Loose livestock
• Stray or aggressive dogs in rural areas
• Injured animals on rural roads
• Welfare checks in rural homes
Where Stray Animals Are Taken
Almost Home Humane Society
1705 S 2nd Street
Lafayette, IN 47905
Phone: 765-474-5222
Website: https://www.almosthomehumane.org/
Most dogs picked up by Animal Control in Tippecanoe County are transported here.
What Animal Control Responds To
• Stray dogs running loose
• Dogs acting aggressively
• Animal neglect or abuse concerns
• Injured pets or wildlife
• Dog bite incidents
• Deceased animals in public roadways
Note:
Most agencies do not pick up healthy stray cats unless injured or posing a danger.
Dog Bite Incidents
Animal Control may:
• Investigate the bite
• Verify rabies vaccination
• Order a 10-day quarantine (at home or shelter)
• Issue citations if laws were violated
Medical treatment and reporting should happen immediately after a bite.
When to Call 911 Instead
• Animal is actively attacking someone
• There is immediate danger to life or safety
Animal Control does not replace emergency responders in high-risk situations.
Helpful Links
Lafayette Animal Control:
https://www.lafayette.in.gov/204/Animal-Control
West Lafayette Animal Control:
https://www.westlafayette.in.gov/department/?fDD=32-0
Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office:
https://www.tippecanoe.in.gov/170/Sheriffs-Office
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where do stray dogs go after pickup?
A: Almost Home Humane Society handles most stray dogs.
Q: Will Animal Control take stray cats?
A: Only if injured, sick, or aggressive.
Q: Can I report animal neglect anonymously?
A: Yes, but contact information may help with follow-up.
Q: Who removes dead animals from roads?
A: Depends on the location—city services or the Sheriff’s Office.
Summary
Animal Control in Tippecanoe County is split between Lafayette, West Lafayette, and the Sheriff’s Office. They handle strays, aggressive animals, dog bites, and welfare checks. Most stray dogs are taken to Almost Home Humane Society.
Related:
For lost or found animals, also see Lost & Found Pets
Owners may be cited for unlicensed pets…
