Learn about what kinds of pets can be kept in Asheville, as well as processes for licenses and pet vaccination requirements.
Children, family and pets
Apply to be a law enforcement explorer
Apply to get hands on experience from The Asheville Police Department Explorer Post (#57). This is designed for applicants age 14 to 20.
Catch a domestic nuisance animal
Learn how to borrow a trap from the City to catch a domestic nuisance animal.
Child passenger safety seat assistance
Get help from The Asheville Fire Department with child safety seat installation education and assistance.
Contact a school resource officer
School resource officers help protect our schools and provide guidance to youth about the juvenile court system and programs available to them.
Contact animal control
Contact information for animals in and out of the city limits.
Get a birth certificate, marriage license, or death certificate
Learn how to get a birth certificate, marriage license, or a death certificate.
Get an animal permit
Learn how to acquire a required permit for keeping 7 or more animals (including bees, fowl, or livestock such as goats, horses, ponies, and exotic pets which require permits.)
Get or renew a dog license
Dogs must be licensed every year on January 1. Learn about the process and fees.
Gun safety
Learn how to prevent deadly gun accidents and teach your children what to do if they come across a firearm.
Register for Active Older Adult Programs
Learn about Asheville Parks & Recreation programs for senior citizens and active adults.
Register for Asheville Therapeutic Recreation Programs and Adaptive Sports
Learn about and enroll in Asheville's therapeutic recreation programs and adaptive sports like accessible bowling, inclusive football, and baseball.
Register for Teen Recreation and Sports
Learn about and enroll in Asheville teen programs like sports, leadership clubs, camps, and athletics.
Register for Toddler Programs
Learn about and enroll in Asheville toddler enrichment programs such as arts, music, and outdoors.
Register for Youth Programs
Learn about Asheville youth programs for kids and children including afterschool, camps, teacher workday programs, athletics, art and music, and more.
Report a lost animal
Learn how to report a missing dog, cat, or other animal.
Sign up for Community Connect
Sign up your household residence with Community Connect to aid first responders and emergency personnel.
SOAR Financial Assistance Program
SOAR (Scholarships for Opportunities & Access to Recreation) may be available for youth and teen programs.
Spay and neuter law
All dogs and cats six months of age or older must be spayed or neutered, or the owner must posses an Unaltered Pet Permit.
Tips for preventing school violence
How to handle and prevent violence at school.
Wildlife reports or complaints
Information on how to report a concern involving wildlife or bears.