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Animal Warden
*Please note as of September 18, 2023, animal trapping is unfortunately booked through the end of the season.
The City offers a trapping service for nuisance animals, but unfortunately, as of September 18th, the list is full for the season. The normal trapping season goes until the end of October, weather permitting. With the fall in temperature and the abundance of natural food falling from the trees (e.g., walnuts, acorns, crab apples, and cherries), trapping later in the year becomes even less effective. If you were unable to get on the trapping list this year, but are still having problems with nuisance animals, there are deterrents and exclusion methods you may try that could alleviate your problem. The 2024 trapping season should begin at the end of March or early April, again weather permitting. Moving forward, the only way to request a humane trap is by filling out the form on the City’s website and call-ins will no longer be accepted. Thank you for understanding.
Animal Deterrents
As far as deterrents, there are some commercial solutions that have worked before, like fox or coyote urine, mothballs, ammonia, and solar-powered ultrasonic emitters. I have also heard that cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes sprinkled around where the animals are gaining access to your property can work to deter animals. If there are skunks digging holes on your property, then they are more than likely digging for grubs or other insects. In this case, it may be beneficial to apply an insecticide or other spray to rid your lawn of these insects. Exclusion is preventing access to your property by the animals. So any gaps underneath your fencing should be filled in and any groundhog holes should be collapsed and filled back in.
Dog Registration
All dogs in the city older than 3 months are required to wear a county registration while in any public setting; this includes taking your dog on a walk. The annual registration period starts on December 1st and goes until January 31st. Registrations can be purchased online at the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter’s website, or in person at the shelter or at Pet Supplies Plus on Rockside. If you do not purchase the registration during this period, then it can still be purchased for an increased amount.
Please get in touch with the Animal Warden at 216-475-1108 to report stray or nuisance animals. The normal business hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. You can also email the animal warden at animalwarden@garfieldhts.org.