Castaic Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours, Fees, Lost Pets & LA County Guide 2026
Looking for the Castaic Animal Shelter? The official LA County facility is the Santa Clarita Valley / Castaic Animal Care Center on North Charlie Canyon Road. This guide explains adoption hours, fees, lost-pet help, animal-control routing, visitor preparation, official links, map directions, and the practical details people need before driving to the shelter.
Castaic Animal Shelter Quick Details
These are the details most visitors need first: official name, address, phone, public hours, online animal search, and which LA County contact route to use for adoption, lost pets, or animal control.
Address
Santa Clarita Valley / Castaic Animal Care Center, 31044 North Charlie Canyon Road, Castaic, CA 91384.
Main Phone
Call 661-257-3191 for Castaic center questions, pet availability, lost/found help, and visit details.
Public Hours
LA County adoption guidance lists animal care center visits Monday through Saturday, 11 AM to 5 PM.
Online Animal Search
Use LA County’s View Our Animals page before driving.
What the Castaic Animal Care Center Does
The Castaic Animal Care Center is part of the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control system. It serves people who want to adopt a pet, search for a lost animal, reclaim a pet, ask about found animals, use licensing-related resources, or report animal-related concerns in LA County service areas.
The most important point for visitors is jurisdiction. LA County DACC is not the same as City of Los Angeles Animal Services. Castaic is an LA County care center. If you found an animal or need animal control assistance, the right agency can depend on where the animal was found, whether the area is unincorporated LA County, and whether your city contracts with LA County.
Adoptions
Use the official LA County animal search, then visit during public hours if you are interested in an animal available at the Castaic center.
Lost & Found
Check LA County’s lost-pet resources, search online listings, and call quickly if you believe your animal may be at the Castaic facility.
Animal Control
For loose, injured, dangerous, or neglected animals, use LA County DACC’s official field and service request routes.
How to Adopt from Castaic Animal Shelter
A successful adoption starts before you arrive. Search the official LA County animal listings, confirm the pet is still available, bring the right documents, and ask practical questions about health, behavior, and your first week at home.
Search LA County’s official animal listings
Start with the official View Our Animals page. If you find a pet you like, save the animal ID, location, name, and profile details before calling or visiting.
Read LA County’s adoption process first
Review LA County’s Adopt a Pet page before visiting. LA County says people interested in adopting may visit animal care centers Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Call if you are driving for a specific animal
Pet availability can change quickly. If you are coming from Santa Clarita, Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, Castaic, or farther away, call 661-257-3191 before making a long drive for one animal.
Bring identification and real-life household details
Bring a government-issued photo ID, payment method, landlord or HOA pet approval if relevant, and a safe ride-home plan. If you already have pets, ask whether the animal’s behavior notes suggest a slow introduction or any special transition plan.
Ask smart adoption questions
Ask about medical notes, vaccines, microchip status, spay/neuter status, behavior observations, energy level, age estimate, size, known restrictions, and whether the pet has any “Adoption Partner only” or medical/behavior review notes.
Castaic Animal Shelter Adoption Fees and Extra Costs
LA County publishes adoption fee guidance for animals in its care. Promotions can reduce or waive fees at certain times, but visitors should not assume a social media promotion is active unless it is still listed by LA County.
| Fee Topic | LA County Listed Guidance | What Visitors Should Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Standard adoption fee | LA County lists $50 if an animal has been in care 10 days or less, and $30 if in care more than 10 days. | Confirm the exact animal’s status, length of stay, and whether a promotion applies. |
| Dog sterilization fee | LA County lists a dog spay/neuter fee of $50, plus pain medication if needed. | Ask whether the animal is already altered or whether sterilization fees apply. |
| Cat sterilization fee | LA County lists a cat spay/neuter fee of $40, plus pain medication if needed. | Confirm the current total at the care center before finalizing adoption. |
| Microchip fee | LA County lists a microchip fee of $7.50, not including national chip database registration. | Ask how to update or register the microchip after adoption. |
| License fees | LA County notes license fees can be mandatory and vary depending on where you live. | Confirm dog or cat licensing rules for your city or unincorporated area. |
| Promotions | LA County sometimes runs discounted or waived-fee adoption promotions. | Check official LA County website/social channels on the day you plan to adopt. |
Lost and Found Pets at Castaic / Santa Clarita Valley ACC
If your pet is missing in the Santa Clarita Valley, Castaic, or a nearby LA County service area, act quickly. Search official listings, contact the correct center, and bring proof that connects you to the pet.
If Your Pet Is Missing
- Use LA County’s official Lost a Pet? page.
- Search the View Our Animals listings daily.
- Call Castaic at 661-257-3191 if a listing may be your animal.
- Bring photos, vet records, microchip information, license/tag records, and proof of address.
- Keep searching broadly by color, size, gender, location found, and intake timing.
If You Found a Pet
- Use LA County’s official Found a Pet? guidance.
- Check for ID tags, ask nearby neighbors, and have the pet scanned for a microchip when safe.
- Do not approach an injured, aggressive, or frightened animal if it is unsafe.
- Use LA County field services if the animal is loose, injured, dangerous, or needs official response.
- Check jurisdiction before assuming the Castaic center is the correct intake location.
Castaic Animal Control and LA County Field Services
Many searches for “Castaic animal control” are really about LA County Department of Animal Care and Control services. The correct response depends on the issue: stray animals, bites, animal noise, animal neglect, licensing, dead animal pickup, disaster-related evacuation, or a shelter-specific question.
Castaic Care Center
Call 661-257-3191 for Castaic shelter questions, adoption listings, lost/found help, and location-specific information.
LA County DACC
Use LA County’s Animal Care & Control website for department services, field requests, fees, licensing, and care center locations.
Service Requests
For animal control issues, start with LA County’s request services page or call the correct LA County DACC contact.
Rehome, Surrender and Owner Support Near Castaic
Surrendering a pet should be handled carefully and only after checking official options. LA County provides resources for pet owners who may need help, support, or rehoming guidance.
Start with LA County’s owner resources
Use the official Rehome Your Pet page before assuming shelter surrender is the only path. Rehoming resources can help keep animals out of crowded shelter settings when safe alternatives exist.
Ask about support before surrender
If the issue is cost, housing, food, behavior, veterinary access, or temporary hardship, ask whether support options are available. A short-term plan may prevent a permanent surrender.
Confirm process before bringing an animal
Call 661-257-3191 or use official LA County resources to confirm the correct center, intake expectations, timing, and required information before bringing an animal to Castaic.
What to Bring When Visiting Castaic Animal Care Center
Whether you are adopting, reclaiming a lost pet, asking about a found animal, or checking animal-control routing, bring the right information so staff can help faster.
For Adoption
- Government-issued photo ID.
- Payment method for adoption, licensing, or related fees.
- Animal ID/name from the online listing.
- Landlord, lease, or HOA pet approval if relevant.
- Safe ride-home plan, leash, collar, crate, or carrier.
For Lost Pet Reclaim
- Recent photos of your pet.
- Microchip number or registration information.
- Veterinary records and vaccination paperwork.
- License or tag details.
- Proof of address and identity.
For Animal Control Questions
- Exact location of the animal concern.
- Whether the animal is loose, contained, injured, aggressive, or deceased.
- Photos or videos only if safe to take.
- Your city or unincorporated-area information.
- Time, direction of travel, and any immediate safety risk.
Common Castaic Shelter Mistakes to Avoid
Using old pet screenshots
Pet availability changes quickly. Always use official LA County animal listings before driving for one specific animal.
Confusing LA County and LA City
Castaic is an LA County DACC center. City of Los Angeles Animal Services is a separate system.
Arriving too late
Adoption conversations, questions, and paperwork take time. Arrive earlier than the final part of the day.
Forgetting documents
Bring ID and proof documents, especially if reclaiming a lost pet or verifying ownership.
Assuming fees are final from one page
Adoption fee, sterilization, microchip, license fees, and promotions may affect the final amount.
Assuming surrender is drop-off
Always check LA County rehoming and intake guidance before bringing an animal to a care center.
Castaic Animal Shelter Map and Directions
Use the map below for directions to 31044 North Charlie Canyon Road, Castaic, CA 91384. LA County’s directions reference taking the 5 Freeway, exiting at Parker Road, going east, then using Castaic Road / Tapia Canyon Road and Charlie Canyon Road.
Official Castaic and LA County Animal Resources
Use these official links when you need current details. Animal availability, fees, public hours, animal-control routing, promotions, licensing rules, and care center names can change.
Nearby California Shelter Guides and Internal Resources
If you are comparing Southern California shelter systems, you may also find our LA Animal Shelter guide and Orange County Animal Shelter guide helpful. Each system can have different adoption fees, licensing rules, lost-pet procedures, animal control routing, and public hours.
Castaic Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the official name of Castaic Animal Shelter?
The official LA County name is Santa Clarita Valley / Castaic Animal Care Center.
What is the Castaic Animal Shelter address?
The official address is 31044 North Charlie Canyon Road, Castaic, CA 91384.
What is the phone number for Castaic Animal Care Center?
The published phone number for the Santa Clarita Valley / Castaic Animal Care Center is 661-257-3191.
What are Castaic Animal Shelter adoption hours?
LA County’s adoption guidance says people interested in adopting can visit animal care centers Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM. Confirm holiday or emergency changes before visiting.
Where can I see Castaic adoptable pets online?
Use LA County Animal Care & Control’s official View Our Animals page to search current pets and check whether an animal is listed at the Castaic center.
How much does it cost to adopt from Castaic Animal Shelter?
LA County lists a standard adoption fee of $50 if an animal has been in care 10 days or less and $30 if in care more than 10 days. Additional spay/neuter, microchip, pain medication, licensing, or promotional changes may affect the final total.
What is included with LA County adoption fees?
LA County says adoption fees include vaccinations, microchip, and spay or neuter if the animal was not already altered when it came into the care center. Always confirm the specific pet’s record before adopting.
What should I do if I lost a pet near Castaic?
Search LA County’s official animal listings, use the Lost a Pet page, call the Castaic center at 661-257-3191 if a listing may be your pet, and bring proof of ownership such as photos, microchip records, vet records, or license details.
Is Castaic Animal Shelter the same as City of Los Angeles Animal Services?
No. Castaic is part of LA County Animal Care & Control. City of Los Angeles Animal Services is a separate system serving the City of Los Angeles.
Should I call before surrendering or rehoming a pet?
Yes. Use LA County’s Rehome Your Pet resources and call the correct care center before bringing an animal in. Service area, process, timing, and alternatives may matter.
Final Takeaway
Castaic Animal Shelter is officially the Santa Clarita Valley / Castaic Animal Care Center, part of LA County Animal Care & Control. For the smoothest visit, search LA County’s official animal listings first, call 661-257-3191 if you are driving for a specific pet, bring the right documents, and confirm current hours, fees, licensing rules, and pet availability before leaving home.
If your issue is animal control, a lost pet, a found animal, or possible surrender, use the official LA County links in this guide rather than relying on old directory listings or social media screenshots. That small step can save time, reduce stress, and help the right animal reach the right service faster.
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.
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.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
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.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
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.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.