General information
The Public health office provides public health services including animal control, environmental disease investigations, rabies control and limited Veterinary services to the communities of the North Slope. Animal control services include stray and loose dog management and confinement, pet relinquishment, and pet adoption.
Hours of service: Monday through Friday 8:30-noon and 1-5pm. For after-hour emergencies, call Police Dispatch at 852-6111.
What to do for rabies? All cats and dogs are required by North Slope Borough and the State of Alaska to be vaccinated annually for rabies. The first rabies vaccine should be given at 12 weeks of age, and then yearly thereafter due to the prevalence of rabies on the North Slope.
Ways to adopt pets? We often have relinquished or stray pets available for adoption. There is no adoption fee, but new owners will need to pay for collars, food or other items the dog or cat may need.
What you need to do before you’re eligible to adopt a pet? All new pet owners must sign an adoption form. Also, new pet owners should contact their land lord to be sure that pets are allowed in the rental house or apartment.
How often you plan to visit the villages? Veterinary staff travels to the villages twice a year. The spring trips are usually in late April, May, or June. Fall trips are generally in September or October. Vaccines, spays, neuters, and general health exams are provided during these times. During other times of the year, the NSB Veterinary Clinic is available to see sick or injured animals from the villages. Pet owners need to call the clinic to schedule an appointment, and contact Wright Air to arrange and pay for shipping of the animal back and forth to Utqiagvik.
Anything else you think would be important to residents? Responsible pet ownership is very important to the health and safety of our community. There is no charge to have your pet spayed or neutered at the NSB Veterinary Clinic. Every pet owner should consider having their pet spayed or neutered to help decrease the number of loose dogs and unwanted puppies.
Contact
5000 Boxer Street
Utqiagvik, AK 99723
Phone Number: (907) 852-0277
Fax Number: (907) 852-0477
