Columbia Animal Shelter Guide 2026: Adoption, Hours, Fees & Lost Pets

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2026 Columbia SC animal shelter guide

Columbia Animal Shelter: Adoption Hours, Fees, Lost Pets, Licensing, Rehome & Animal Control 2026

Columbia Animal Shelter usually means City of Columbia Animal Services at 127 Humane Lane in Columbia, South Carolina, serving adopters, lost-pet owners, found-pet helpers, foster homes, rehoming cases and animal welfare reports.

If you are searching for Columbia Animal Shelter in 2026, the official public shelter is Columbia Animal Services at 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209. This guide gives you the important details in one practical place: adoption hours, standard $35 adoption fee, what is included with adoption, Foster to Adopt trial option, lost-pet search steps, 24PetConnect, Petco Love Lost, found-kitten rules, Richland County after-hours contacts, pet licensing fees, leash-law reminders, rehoming steps, foster help, map directions and official links before you visit.

127 Humane Lane (803) 776-PETS Mon–Fri 12–5 Sat 9–4 Adoption fee $35
Official Shelter Site View Adoptable Pets Call 803-776-7387
1
AdoptSearch pets, bring ID, payment and safe transport.
2
Lost petSearch 24PetConnect, Petco Love Lost and visit in person.
3
Found petScan for a chip, post locally and contact the right agency.
4
Rehome or fosterUse Home-to-Home, foster profile and community help first.
Location warning: This guide is for Columbia, South Carolina. Search results may also show Columbia, Pennsylvania; Columbia, Missouri; Columbia County, Georgia; or Columbia-Greene Humane Society in New York. Confirm the address before driving.

Quick Answer: Columbia Animal Shelter Details

Columbia Animal Services is located at 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209. The main phone number is (803) 776-PETS, also written as 803-776-7387. Public hours are Monday through Friday from 12pm to 5pm, Saturday from 9am to 4pm, and Sunday closed. The shelter is also closed on recognized City of Columbia holidays.

Adoption fee Standard adoption fee is $35, with special promotions possible during the year.
Bring ID Adopters must be 18+ and bring government-issued photo ID with current address.
Lost pets Search 24PetConnect and visit in person; phone confirmation may not be enough.
After hours Richland County lists 803-252-2911 for weekends/evenings involving sick or injured strays or attacks.

Columbia Animal Shelter Hours and Best Time to Visit

Columbia Animal Services is open weekdays from noon to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 4pm. Because adoption, reclaim, found-pet drop-off, licensing and rehoming questions all take time, plan your visit earlier in the public window instead of arriving close to closing.

Day / Service Published time Practical visitor tip
Monday–Friday 12pm–5pm Best for adoption, lost-pet checks, licensing questions and shelter help during the week.
Saturday 9am–4pm Good for working visitors, but pet availability can change fast. Search online before leaving.
Sunday Closed Use Sunday to search listings, update microchip records, print flyers and prepare documents.
City holidays Closed Call first around holidays, storms, staff events and emergency closures.
Sick/injured strays or attacks after hours Richland County lists 803-252-2911 for weekends/evenings Use emergency help first if people or animals are in immediate danger.

How to Adopt from Columbia Animal Services

The adoption process is designed to be simple: visit the shelter, sign in, spend time with the pet, talk with staff, complete paperwork and take the pet home in many cases. The best adoption visit starts before you leave home.

1

Search 24PetConnect first

Use the official Columbia adoptable pets search and save several animal IDs. Do not depend on one pet only because animals may be adopted, fostered, transferred, reclaimed or temporarily unavailable.

2

Visit during public hours and sign in

When you arrive, sign in and ask staff or adoption counselors about the pets you want to meet. Ask about behavior, health, age, energy, handling, kennel stress and home fit.

3

Bring ID, payment and transport supplies

You must be 18+ to adopt and bring government-issued photo ID with your current address. The shelter accepts payment and also lists front-desk supplies such as collars, leashes and cardboard cat carriers for purchase.

4

Ask whether Foster to Adopt is available

For select pets, Foster to Adopt may provide a 14-day trial period before finalizing the adoption. This can help confirm compatibility when you are committed but want to make sure the pet fits your home.

5

Use the 3-3-3 rule after adoption

Expect the first 3 days to be stressful, the first 3 weeks to build routine and the first 3 months to build comfort. Keep introductions gradual, calm and controlled.

Search Adoptable Pets Official Adoption Page

Columbia Animal Shelter Adoption Fee, Included Care and Supplies

The standard Columbia Animal Services adoption fee is listed as $35. The shelter also runs adoption promotions throughout the year, so the amount may be reduced during special events.

Item Listed detail What to verify before adopting
Standard adoption fee $35 Ask whether a promotion or event fee applies today.
Included with adoption Spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip, deworming, heartworm test for dogs and starter food Ask for records, booster dates, microchip instructions and vet follow-up timing.
Cat carrier $5 if purchased at front desk All cats must leave in a carrier. Bring one if possible.
Collar $8 if purchased at front desk All dogs should leave safely secured.
Leash $10 if purchased at front desk Bring your own leash/collar if you already have safe supplies.

Before You Visit: Columbia Adoption Checklist

Use this checklist before going to 127 Humane Lane for adoption, lost-pet reclaim or shelter questions.

✓Search 24PetConnect and save more than one animal ID.
✓Bring government-issued photo ID with your current address.
✓Bring an acceptable payment method.
✓Bring a cat carrier if adopting a cat.
✓Bring leash and collar if adopting a dog.
✓If renting, confirm landlord, lease, pet rent, breed/weight rules and pet-limit restrictions.
✓Ask about health records, microchip registration, vaccine boosters and vet appointment timing.
✓Ask whether Foster to Adopt is available for the pet you are considering.

Lost Pet in Columbia or Richland County: Search Fast and Visit in Person

If your pet is missing, search online and visit in person. Richland County warns that phone confirmations are not guaranteed to identify your pet. Photos and descriptions can be imperfect, and pets may look different under shelter lighting or after being outside.

Search and report online Use Petco Love Lost, 24PetConnect and local lost/found groups. Update your microchip company immediately.
Bring proof Bring photos, vet records, microchip details, rabies certificate, adoption papers, license details and your photo ID.

Lost pet first-day steps

✓Walk the immediate area and speak with neighbors, delivery workers and landscapers.
✓Place familiar scent items near home entry points, such as bedding or a litter box for cats.
✓Search Petco Love Lost and create a shareable alert.
✓Search 24PetConnect and check Columbia Animal Services in person.
✓Update the pet’s microchip contact information.
✓Post bright, simple flyers and share in local Columbia/Richland County lost-pet groups.
✓Check again daily because new lost/found listings are added regularly.
Official Lost/Found Steps Check Shelter Listings

Found a Pet or Stray in Columbia?

A found pet does not always need to go straight to a shelter, especially if it is healthy, friendly and likely close to home. First try safe neighborhood reunification, microchip scanning and online posting. If shelter drop-off is needed, Richland County says found pets may be brought to City of Columbia Animal Services, where lost pets from Richland County are held.

If the pet is friendly Check tags, walk the neighborhood, take clear photos, scan for a chip and post locally.
If you can hold temporarily Keep the pet separate from your pets, provide water and shade, then use official lost/found tools.
If unsafe or injured Do not handle aggressive, scared, injured or traffic-endangered animals. Use official help.

Found Kittens? Do Not Scoop Them Up Too Quickly

During kitten season, kittens that look abandoned may actually have a mother nearby. Columbia Animal Services recommends watching from a distance before removing healthy kittens, because the mother is often the best caregiver.

Kitten situation Best action Why it matters
Clean, warm, quiet kittens in a safe area Watch from at least 30 feet away every few hours for 12–18 hours The mother may be nearby, moving kittens or searching for food.
Kittens in a dangerous, wet or busy spot Move them to a safer nearby location where the mother can still find them Safety improves without separating them from the mother unnecessarily.
Mother returns and kittens are safe Leave them with her until old enough for humane trap-neuter-vaccinate-return planning Healthy mothers provide the best care for young kittens.
Mother does not return Keep kittens warm and dry, then seek guidance quickly Young kittens cannot regulate body temperature and can decline fast.
Dirty, cold, sick, underweight or dehydrated kittens Take them to Columbia Animal Services at 127 Humane Lane weekdays 12–5pm The official page says no appointment is needed for these urgent kitten cases during that window.

Animal Control, Abuse, Neglect, Sick Strays and After-Hours Help

Use the correct route based on where the issue happened. City of Columbia animal cruelty concerns go to Columbia Animal Services. Richland County animal cruelty concerns go through Richland County. Emergency danger, attacks or serious injuries should be treated as urgent safety issues.

Situation Best route What to prepare
Abuse, neglect or cruelty inside City of Columbia Columbia Animal Services: 803-776-7387 Address, animal description, photos/video if safe, dates, times and urgency.
Abuse, neglect or cruelty in Richland County Richland County: 803-929-6000 Exact location, jurisdiction, condition of animal and contact information.
Sick/injured strays or attacks after hours Richland County lists 803-252-2911 for weekends/evenings Location, animal type, injuries, active danger and whether people are at risk.
Found pet in Richland County Ombudsman’s Office: 803-929-6000 or ombudsman@richlandcountysc.gov Photo, found location, pet description, tag/chip information and whether you can hold the pet.
Unsure of Midlands jurisdiction Crime Stoppers inquiry or local police department Location and all evidence you can safely gather.
Report Abuse or Neglect Richland County Lost/Found

City of Columbia Pet Licensing, Leash Law and Local Rules

City of Columbia residents are required to license owned cats and dogs annually, and proof of rabies vaccination is required. The city also enforces a leash law for dogs and says no person may keep more than three dogs inside the City of Columbia without a kennel license.

License / rule Official listed detail Practical reminder
Sterilized pet license $5 annually Bring proof of rabies vaccination and sterilization status.
Unsterilized pet license $25 annually Consider spay/neuter support if cost is a barrier.
Dog assisting with handicap Free, with required proof Ask what documentation is required before applying.
Medical reason not spayed/neutered $5, with required proof A veterinarian’s documentation may be needed.
Leash law City enforces restraint/confinement rules for dogs Loose dogs can create reclaim, citation and safety issues.
More than three dogs Kennel license may be required Check ordinance before adding another dog.

Rehome or Surrender a Pet in Columbia

Columbia Animal Services says rehoming should be tried before bringing a pet to the shelter. Home-to-Home is required for a shelter intake appointment at CAS, so do not arrive expecting immediate surrender without starting the process.

1

Ask your network first

Talk with friends, relatives, neighbors, coworkers, your veterinarian and local rescue groups. A direct home-to-home placement can be less stressful than shelter intake.

2

Create a Home-to-Home profile

Columbia Animal Services uses the Home-to-Home process before shelter intake appointments. Make a strong profile with clear photos, honest behavior notes and medical details.

3

Respond to interested adopters

If someone contacts you through the profile, respond privately and safely. If the pet finds a home, remove the listing.

4

Wait for appointment scheduling

After your Home-to-Home profile is submitted, a case worker may reach out to schedule an appointment. If the post is deleted or inquiries are ignored, the appointment can be canceled.

Safety note: If the pet is unsafe for community placement because of aggression, or has untreatable/unmanageable medical issues, the shelter may recommend a different humane outcome rather than adoption rehoming.
Official Rehome Page Home-to-Home CAS

Foster, Volunteer, Donate and Community Pet Help

Columbia Animal Services relies heavily on foster homes. Its foster program includes General Foster and Adoption Ambassador support, and the shelter says fostering frees kennel space, reduces stress and helps animals become more visible to adopters.

Foster needs Puppies, kittens, nursing moms, ringworm cases, neglect victims and recovering medical pets may need foster homes.
Basic requirements Foster parents must be 18+, follow shelter policies, transport animals and access foster communications.
Community help Pet Fix & Return, pet food/vet resource directories and Animal Mission vouchers may help keep pets with families.
Foster Program Community Solutions Donate

Columbia Animal Shelter Action Planner

Select your situation and get the right first steps before calling, visiting or filling out paperwork.

Adoption plan:

Search 24PetConnect, save several animal IDs, visit during public hours, bring photo ID with current address, payment, carrier or leash/collar, then ask about included care, Foster to Adopt and first-week adjustment.

Map to Columbia Animal Services

Columbia Animal Services is at 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209. Use this map for directions, but verify hours, holidays and pet availability before leaving.

Map is for travel planning only. Current shelter operations, adoption promotions and lost/found pet status should be verified through official Columbia Animal Services pages.

Columbia Animal Shelter FAQs

What is the official Columbia Animal Shelter?

The official public shelter is Columbia Animal Services, located at 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, South Carolina 29209.

What is the Columbia Animal Services phone number?

The phone number is (803) 776-PETS, also written as 803-776-7387.

What are Columbia Animal Shelter hours?

The shelter is listed as open Monday through Friday from 12pm to 5pm, Saturday from 9am to 4pm, and Sunday closed. It is also closed on recognized City holidays.

How much is the adoption fee?

The standard adoption fee is listed as $35. Adoption promotions may run during the year, so verify the current fee before payment.

What is included with adoption?

Adopted animals are listed as spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccines, microchipped, dewormed, dogs are heartworm tested, and a starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet food is provided.

What do I need to adopt?

You must be 18+, bring government-issued photo ID with current address, use an acceptable payment method, and bring safe transport such as a cat carrier or dog leash and collar.

Does Columbia Animal Services offer Foster to Adopt?

Yes. Foster to Adopt is available for select pets and provides a 14-day trial period before finalizing the adoption.

What should I do if I lost a pet?

Search Petco Love Lost, check 24PetConnect, update your microchip information, post flyers and visit the shelter in person because phone confirmation may not be enough.

What should I do if I found kittens?

If the kittens are clean, warm and safe, watch from at least 30 feet away for 12–18 hours to see if the mother returns. If they are dirty, cold, sick, underweight or dehydrated, take them to Columbia Animal Services weekdays from 12pm to 5pm.

Who do I call for abuse or neglect?

For City of Columbia cases, call 803-776-7387. For Richland County cases, call 803-929-6000. Animal cruelty can also be reported to local police.

Do Columbia residents need pet licenses?

Yes. City of Columbia residents are required to license owned cats and dogs annually and provide proof of rabies vaccination.

Can I surrender a pet at the shelter?

Do not arrive without checking first. Columbia Animal Services says Home-to-Home is required for a shelter intake appointment, and rehoming should be tried before shelter surrender.

Final Takeaway

Columbia Animal Shelter in South Carolina is officially Columbia Animal Services at 127 Humane Lane. Start with the official shelter site and 24PetConnect, visit Monday–Friday 12pm–5pm or Saturday 9am–4pm, bring ID and safe transport for adoption, and use the correct route for lost pets, found pets, found kittens, rehoming, licensing, foster help and animal welfare concerns.

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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

Build a USA-wide shelter action plan

Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.

Important: Shelter rules vary by city, county, agency, and animal type. Always confirm hours, intake rules, fees, appointment requirements, and proof-of-ownership rules with the official shelter or animal control agency before visiting.

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.

0% readiness signals checked

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.

Your generated shelter plan

Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.

Start with the Planner tab

Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.

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.