Important Update: Changes to Our Owner Claim Policy Starting November 1st

Starting November 1st, ECCHA is making a change to our owner claim policies. Our known-owner stray hold is moving from 7 days to 4 days, in line with state statute. The day the animal arrives at our facility is considered day 0. 

Why We’re Making This Change

There are a few reasons behind this decision. The biggest is that a shorter hold lets us provide needed medical attention and vaccinations sooner than we could before. Getting animals the care they need quickly is better for their health and well-being.

We also know that most animals with a known owner are picked up the same day they come in, or well before the 4-day hold is up. For the vast majority of families, this change won’t affect how quickly they are reunited with their pets.

What If You Need More Time?

We understand that life doesn’t always go as planned. If an owner needs more time, for example because they have been hospitalized, ECCHA will give them the opportunity to reclaim their animal by paying the associated adoption fees.

The Law Behind the Change

This update follows Wisconsin State Statute 173.19, which covers animals considered unclaimed. Under the statute, a political subdivision or person contracting under s. 173.15 (1) may treat any animal taken into custody as an unclaimed animal if, within 4 days after custody is taken, it is not claimed by and returned to its owner.

You can read the full statute here: Wis. Stat. 173.19

Questions?

If you have questions about this change or about reclaiming a pet, please reach out to ECCHA. We’re always happy to help reunite pets with their families. View more information about owner claiming an animal here.