The Animal Control Department, located at 7300 Haywood Taylor Blvd. in Sebring, protects the public from animal related health hazards. Animal Control also impounds stray dogs, cats and livestock. They trap animals that have become a nuisance and provide round-the-clock coverage for citizens in the county, responding to hundreds of complaints and calls each month, including holidays and weekends.

Animal Control is a county wide receiving facility for housing stray, quarantined, and unwanted domestic animals. These animals are brought to the facility by citizens finding strays, pet owners that no longer can care for their pets and by Animal Control Officer's. The facility also serves in the procurement of licenses in compliance with local and state laws. The facility aids and promotes the spay and neuter of pets and the prevention of cruelty to animals.

One important aspect of the Animal Control Director’s job is to arrest animal abusers. Catching animal abuses is difficult and requires close contact with the community. The prosecution of such abusers is a fairly recent phenomenon and demands a close working relationship with the State Attorney’s office as well as with local law enforcement agencies. The Animal Control Department also cooperates with the Environmental Health Department when it investigates domestic and wild animal bites or rabies cases.