Here are a few friendly reminders and helpful tips from Thompson Dog Control Officer Joanne Gerow!

Joanne Gerow is Thompson's Dog Control Officer. She is pictured with her dog, a Bernese Mountain dog.

First, it’s helpful to know exactly what the Thompson Dog Control Officer or DCO does and how they can assist you:

  • The DCO Is a part-time mandated position under Article 7 of the NYS Ag & Markets law. The DCO enforces licensing, rabies vaccines, and laws for strays and dangerous dogs within this law as well as within our Town Code.
  • The Thompson DCO is here for you in an emergency situation as well. While the Town of Thompson does NOT accept surrenders of unwanted dogs, we will take in a dog if it is dangerous and an immediate threat OR if you have an urgent health matter that prevents you from providing adequate care for your dog/s.
  • If you need help rehoming your dog or any other animal, please contact the shelters listed below in FAQ #4!

1) The Importance of Licensing Your Dog/s
Every Thompson resident must get a license from the Town for each dog they own. If your dog is spayed or neutered, it’s only $8 per dog. If your dog is not fixed, it’s $16 per dog. These are annual fees. Proof of rabies vaccination is needed before administering your dog license. We remind residents that the key benefits of licensing are 1) Keeping everyone safe from rabies, a deadly disease, and 2) if your dog is found by Dog Control, and is licensed with the Town, you’ll get your dog back faster! If it’s unlicensed, the Town must acquire proof of rabies and ownership which takes longer.

2) Ask Your Vet to Microchip Your Dog!
When our Dog Control Officer finds a loose or lost dog, they scan the dog for a microchip. A microchip is a very small chip embedded in the dog’s skin in a virtually painless procedure by a vet. The chip contains the owner’s address and phone number. We remind you to ensure your phone and address are up to date if you currently have your pet microchipped.

3) What to Do When You See a Loose or Lost Dog
Please, don’t approach the dog. Call 845-866-3366 and provide the exact location where you spotted the dog and provide a description of the dog. Leave a message if it’s outside Town hours and the Dog Control Officer will look for the dog as soon as possible.

4) Where Lost/Loose Dogs Go and Where to Adopt Them
Dogs are taken to the Town kennels, which are heated, secure, and comfortable. The dog will get access to food, water, and medical attention if injured. The dog is held for 5 days as required by law. If no owner comes forward, we assess the dog for health, temperament, and adoptability. Then, whenever possible, we bring the dog to one of several local shelters that the Town has a contract with, where the dog is put up for adoption.

Here are the local shelters we work with:

Catskill Animal Rescue in Liberty (CARE)

Humane Society in Middletown

Sullivan County SPCA in Rock Hill

5) If You See or Suspect Dog Abuse
Dogs are required to have access to food, water, and adequate shelter and to be treated humanely. If you see or suspect that someone is neglecting or harming the dog, report this immediately! Animal abuse cases are handled through the Sullivan County Sherriff’s Office and you can also call the State Police.

  • NYS Police 845-292-6600
  • Sullivan County Sheriff 845-794-7100

There is also a Sullivan County animal abuse registry you can check at https://sullivanny.us/Departments/Sheriff/AnimalAbuserRegistry.