The Animal Control Unit attempts to locate owners of any animals that are picked up. Unclaimed animals are available for adoption after a three-day waiting period.

Owners may surrender their dog or cat to the Animal Shelter. Fees for animal surrender are listed below in the Other Fees tab.

Adoption Policy

• The adopting party must sign an agreement to have the animal spayed/neutered and vaccinated for rabies, onsite, by the City veterinarian before taking possession of the animal.
• The animal remains property of the City until the sterilization is complete and the adopting party has possession of the animal.
• The adopting party will pick up the animal at the Olathe Animal Shelter.
• Paid fees and all other rights are forfeited when animals are unclaimed.

 *Fee waived if animal was spayed or neutered previously

All residents who own, keep, or harbor any dog or cat six months old and older must license the animal with the City of Olathe, per the Olathe Municipal Code, Title 8 - Animals.

Pet Licensing Instructions

To license a pet in Olathe, you must provide a current rabies certificate and a spay or neuter certificate (this information may be noted on the rabies certificate) with accurate owner and animal information. You can submit the documentation one of three ways:

• Online Licensing Form
• In-Person
• Leave in Outdoor Drop-Box (near front door)

Optional: You can enter microchip information into the City database at no charge to expedite the return of lost pets.

License fees are non-refundable.

Low-cost vaccinations are available at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Customers must call at 10 a.m. on the day pets are to be vaccinated to schedule an appointment. Appointments are required. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

Pet Owner Education

• It is unlawful to allow a dog to "run at large" in Olathe.
• It is unlawful to keep a dog or a cat six months old and older without proper licensing.
• Outdoor dogs and cats must wear a license tag. 
• A Special Use Permit is required for persons, residential premises, or households with more than a combined total of four animals four months old and older.
• Female animals in heat must be confined in a manner that prevents contact with a male animal. Exceptions apply for planned breeding.

Enforcement of Olathe Municipal Code Title 8 - Animals

• Investigate animal bites, cruelty to animals, and other enforcement of the Animal Municipal Code
• License pets
• Offer animal adoption
• Protect animals and city residents
• Reunite pets with their owners
• Register a lost pet or report a found animal. 

 Fees are non-refundable. Altered animals are spayed or neutered. Unaltered animals are not spayed or neutered.

Overpopulation of urban deer can cause a number of problems such as deer-vehicle collisions, damage to vegetation including crops and gardens, disease transmission, predator attraction and a reduced biodiversity of natural habitats. Urban Deer Management hunting permits are issued for managing urban deer populations under the following circumstances: 

• The use of bow and arrow to hunt deer will only be allowed on properties approved annually by the governing body.
• The deadline for permit requests is Aug. 1.
• Hunters must have written permission from the property owner.
• Hunters may not remove more antlered deer than antlerless deer.
• Both State and City permits are required. All state laws, regulations and requirements apply.
• Hunters must provide a written report of their harvest at the conclusion of the season.
• A complete list of regulations can be found in the Olathe Municipal Code.
• Permit fee must be paid to Animal Control after being approved and prior to any hunting activities.
• Submit an application

• Nuisance Wildlife Policy
• Pick Up After Your Pet
• Door Notice – Spanish