Frederick County Animal Shelter: Adoption Hours, Fees & Pets 2026

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2026 Frederick County MD shelter guide

Frederick County Animal Shelter: Adoption Hours, Fees, Lost Pets & Control 2026

Frederick County Animal Shelter is officially the Frederick County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center in Frederick, Maryland. Use this guide to plan adoption reservations, check available pets, understand fees, report lost or found animals, prepare reclaim proof, handle surrender questions and contact the correct animal-control number.

If you are searching for Frederick County Animal Shelter, FCAC, Frederick County Animal Control, adoptable dogs, adoptable cats, lost pets, stray animals, surrender appointments, adoption fees or shelter hours, the county shelter is at 1832 Rosemont Ave in Frederick, MD. This 2026 guide gives you the practical details in one place: reservation-only adoption visits, stray intake hours, administrative hours, phone numbers, pet adoption fees, proof-of-ownership steps, five-day stray hold guidance, renovation-aware visit planning, map directions and verified official county links for final live checks.

Frederick, Maryland 1832 Rosemont Ave 301-600-1546 Reservation-only adoption Stray intake 8–4 daily
Official Adoptable Pets Official Animal Control Lost & Found Help
1
Do not just walk inAdoption visits require a reservation.
2
Check listings firstDogs, cats and small pets can change quickly.
3
Bring proofNeeded for reclaim and useful for adoption.
4
Call correct lineAdoption, complaints, surrender and emergency calls differ.
Construction-aware visit note: Frederick County began a renovation and expansion project at the Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center in 2025, with completion scheduled for fall 2026. Animals remain available for adoption and essential services continue, but tours and non-essential programs may be affected. Confirm current access before visiting.

Frederick County Animal Shelter quick answer

Official name: Frederick County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center. Address: 1832 Rosemont Ave, Frederick, MD 21702. Main office/adoption phone: 301-600-1546. Animal concern or complaint line: 301-600-1544. Emergency or after-hours animal reports: 301-600-1603. General text line: 301-900-5533.

Key rule: adoption visits are by reservation only. Stray intake hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Owned pet intake is by appointment only through 301-600-1855. For active human emergencies, call 911.

Adoption Browse pets online, then reserve before visiting.
Lost pet Search quickly; strays are held 5 calendar days.
Surrender Appointment only; call 301-600-1855.
Emergency Use 301-600-1603 or 911 for active danger.

Frederick County Animal Shelter hours and phone routing

Frederick County separates officer hours, stray intake, administrative office help, adoption reservations and owned-pet intake. That matters because the right phone number changes depending on your situation.

NeedOfficial routeSmart visitor move
Adoption visitBy reservation onlyBrowse pets online, submit/prepare the application and reserve before driving.
Main office / adoption questions301-600-1546Use this for adoption help, lost-pet messages and routine shelter questions.
Animal concerns / complaints301-600-1544Use for general animal-control concerns, not adoption browsing.
Emergency / after-hours animal report301-600-1603Use for urgent animal reports; call 911 for active human danger.
Stray intake8 a.m.–4 p.m. dailyCall first if you found an animal and are unsure what to do.
Owned pet intakeAppointment only at 301-600-1855Do not bring an owned pet without an appointment.
General text inquiries301-900-5533Useful for general requests when a text route is more practical.
Call Main Office Animal Concern Line Emergency / After-Hours

How to adopt from Frederick County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center

Frederick County’s adoption process is not a simple walk-in shopping visit. The county displays adoptable dogs, cats and small animals online, gives application links, and tells visitors to make a reservation or call 301-600-1546 for appointment help.

1

Browse dogs, cats and small animals online

Start on the official Adopt page. If an embedded listing does not load, use the direct search link shown on the county page. Save the animal name, ID, species, age, photo and any notes.

2

Make a reservation before visiting

Frederick County lists adoption visits as reservation-only. Do not assume staff can fit you into the schedule if you arrive without a reservation, especially during renovation and limited-space periods.

3

Complete or prepare the correct application

The county provides adoption application and questionnaire links. The application collects your pet experience, expectations and home situation. If you rent, be ready for landlord confirmation.

4

Bring safe transport supplies

Frederick County recommends a collar and leash for dogs, and a carrier for cats and small animals. Also prepare food, bedding, litter, crate or enclosure basics and first-week setup before adoption day.

5

Ask the adoption counselor real-life questions

Ask about behavior, house training, energy, medical notes, spay/neuter timing, rabies vaccine voucher, microchip, resident-pet introductions, children, apartment rules and first few days at home.

Frederick County Animal Shelter adoption fees

Frederick County publishes adoption fees to recoup part of the cost of caring for, vaccinating, microchipping and neutering animals. Use these as planning numbers only; confirm current fees and pet-specific discounts before your reservation.

Pet typePublished feePlanning note
Kitten or cat under 5 years$97.50$20 reduced fee when adopting two cats at the same time.
Puppy under 1 year$150Ask about training, vaccination timing, chewing, crate setup and future vet costs.
Dog over 1 year$92.50Dogs 5+ receive $20 off; dogs over 10 may receive further discounts.
Rabbit$50Plan for enclosure, hay, diet, chewing control and rabbit-safe housing.
Ferret$45Ask about handling, odor control, enclosure and vet needs.
Reptile$15Confirm heat, lighting, enclosure, food and species-specific care.
Bird$10Ask about cage size, diet, noise level and lifespan.
Guinea pig$10Budget for cage space, hay, bedding, vitamin C and companion needs.
Hamster, gerbil or rat$5Small fee does not mean low responsibility; plan proper enclosure and daily care.

What to bring for an adoption or reclaim visit

Good preparation prevents wasted trips. Bring the basics for your reason: adoption, lost-pet reclaim, found-pet reporting or surrender appointment.

✓Reservation confirmation or appointment details if visiting for adoption.
✓Valid photo ID and accurate contact information.
✓Animal listing screenshot, name, ID and backup choices.
✓Completed application/questionnaire if the county asks you to prepare it.
✓Landlord, apartment or HOA approval if you rent or live under pet restrictions.
✓Leash and collar for dogs; carrier for cats and small animals.
✓Payment method for adoption or reclaim fees.
✓Photos, vet records, bill of sale, microchip details or other ownership proof if reclaiming a pet.

Lost pets, stray animals and reclaim planning

Frederick County says stray pets are kept for 5 calendar days before they may be considered for adoption, rescue or euthanasia. If your pet is missing, do not wait. Call 301-600-1546, check the stray listings, email or provide a photo when possible and visit in person during office hours.

If your pet is missing Search the official stray page, call the shelter, visit in person, update the microchip record, prepare photos and bring ownership proof.
If you found a pet Call 301-600-1546 with a description, bring the pet to the shelter if safe, ask about officer help if you cannot transport, and put up flyers in the found area.

Proof-of-ownership checklist

✓Clear photos showing your pet and unique markings.
✓Vet records, vaccine records, prescription labels or rabies certificate.
✓Microchip registration, tag number or license information.
✓Bill of sale, adoption paperwork or older records if available.
✓Valid photo ID and current phone/email.
✓Payment method for possible reclaim care fees.
Search Stray Animals Official Lost & Found

Surrendering a pet in Frederick County

Frederick County says surrendering a family pet should be a last resort. Owned pet intake requires an appointment, and the county asks pet owners to consider alternatives before surrender. For the quickest response, use the official email/contact route or call 301-600-1855 if you do not have email access.

Appointment required Do not bring an owned pet without scheduling first.
Ask for alternatives Pet food, behavior support, rehoming help or temporary options may prevent surrender.
Be realistic The county is transparent that rehoming is not guaranteed for every surrendered pet.

Bring to your surrender appointment

✓Photo ID showing proof of Frederick County residency.
✓Veterinary and vaccination records.
✓Completed pet profile for each pet being surrendered.
✓Honest notes about behavior, medical needs, bites, fears and home history.
Official Surrender Guidance Call 301-600-1855

Animal control, complaints, bites and emergency routing

Use the right number. Adoption questions and animal-control complaints are not the same task. If there is active danger to people, call 911. For emergency or after-hours animal reports, Frederick County lists 301-600-1603.

Main office 301-600-1546 for adoption help, shelter questions and lost-pet messages.
Animal concerns 301-600-1544 for general animal concern inquiries or complaints.
Emergency reports 301-600-1603 or 911 when human safety is at risk.

For barking dogs, loose animals, possible cruelty, bites, injured animals or after-hours situations, write down the location, animal description, time, risk level, owner information if known and whether people are in immediate danger.

Frederick County shelter visit planner

Use this helper before calling or driving. It does not search a live shelter database; it gives you a practical next-step plan based on your situation.

Choose your situation and click Create My Plan.

Common mistakes to avoid

Showing up without a reservation Adoption visits require a reservation. Start online or call first.
Bringing an owned pet without appointment Owned pet intake is by appointment only through 301-600-1855.
Waiting on a lost pet Strays are held 5 calendar days before the next outcome is considered.
Forgetting proof to reclaim Bring photos, vet records, microchip details or other ownership proof.
Ignoring construction impacts Renovation can affect tours, parking flow and visitor expectations.
Not budgeting after adoption Adoption fee is only one part; plan supplies, vet care, food and training.

Map to Frederick County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center

Use this map for route planning to 1832 Rosemont Ave, Frederick, MD 21702. Because adoption is reservation-based and the shelter is undergoing renovation, confirm your appointment, route and current access before traveling.

Map is for visitor planning only. Confirm current access, reservations, fees, hours and service rules with Frederick County.

Call scripts for faster help

Adoption call “Hi, I’m interested in animal ID/name [details]. Can you confirm the pet is still available and tell me how to reserve an adoption visit?”
Lost pet call “Hi, my [dog/cat] went missing near [area/date]. I have photos and vet records. Can you help me check if a matching pet is at FCAC?”
Found pet call “Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [location]. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. Should I bring the pet in or wait for officer guidance?”
Surrender call “Hi, I need help with a possible surrender. Can you explain the appointment process, alternatives and what documents I must prepare?”

Frederick County Animal Shelter FAQs

What is the official name of Frederick County Animal Shelter?

The official county shelter is Frederick County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center, often shortened to FCAC.

Where is Frederick County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center located?

The shelter is at 1832 Rosemont Ave, Frederick, MD 21702.

What is the main phone number?

The main office/adoption phone number is 301-600-1546.

Do I need a reservation to adopt?

Yes. Frederick County lists adoption visits as reservation-only. Browse available animals and reserve before visiting.

What are stray intake hours?

Stray intake hours are listed as 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog?

The published fee is $150 for a puppy under 1 year and $92.50 for a dog over 1 year. Older dogs may qualify for discounts.

How much does it cost to adopt a cat?

The published fee for a kitten or cat under 5 years is $97.50, with a reduced fee when adopting two cats at the same time.

How long are stray pets held?

Frederick County says stray pets are held for 5 calendar days before they may be considered for adoption, rescue or euthanasia.

Who do I call to surrender a pet?

Owned pet intake is by appointment only. Call 301-600-1855 or review the official surrender guidance before making plans.

Is Animal-Shelter.org the official Frederick County website?

No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent guide. Use official Frederick County pages for live rules, fees, forms, hours and pet availability.

Final takeaway

Frederick County Animal Shelter is the Frederick County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center at 1832 Rosemont Ave. The important visitor rules are simple: adoption is by reservation only, stray intake is 8 a.m.–4 p.m. daily, owned pet intake requires an appointment at 301-600-1855, and lost-pet owners should act quickly because stray-hold timing matters. Check official listings, reserve before visiting and bring the right proof or supplies.

Official Adopt Page Back to Top
USA-wide shelter helper • adoption, lost pets, found pets, surrender and animal control

Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper

Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.

Lost Pet PlanSearch, microchip, shelter checks, flyers
Found Pet HelpSafety, scanning, reporting, holding
Adoption PlannerReadiness, questions, supplies, budget
Visit ChecklistDocuments, call script, official links

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Lost pet recovery checklist

Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.

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Found pet safety decision helper

Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.

Safety first: Do not approach an aggressive, injured, trapped, or traffic-endangered animal if doing so could put you or others at risk. Contact animal control, emergency services, or a qualified professional when needed.

Adoption readiness checker

This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.

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Pet reclaim document checklist

If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.

Owner surrender preparation helper

Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.

Helpful reminder: Ask the shelter about pet food pantries, low-cost vet care, behavior support, temporary foster options, and safe rehoming resources before making a final decision.

Animal control contact decision helper

Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.

Emergency warning: If there is immediate danger to a person, a serious bite, traffic hazard, or active attack, contact local emergency services or animal control according to local rules.

Adoption and first-month budget planner

This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.

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USA-wide Shelter user intent Official-source focused

Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.

Independent shelter-help tool. Not affiliated with any animal shelter, humane society, rescue, animal control agency, city, county, state agency, veterinarian, or microchip company. Always confirm current rules, hours, fees, and requirements directly with the official organization.