Manchester Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours, Lost Pets, Fees and Contact Guide 2026
Manchester Animal Shelter in Manchester, New Hampshire helps local residents adopt pets, look for lost animals, support community pet programs, volunteer, donate, and connect with animal-control resources when city help is needed. This guide is built for real visitors who want the practical details before calling, visiting, applying, or planning a shelter trip.
Manchester Animal Shelter Quick Details
These are the details most visitors need first: where the shelter is located, how to call, when public hours are listed, what to check before visiting, and how adoption connects with Manchester animal-control services.
Official Name
Manchester Animal Shelter, also known as Friends of the Manchester Animal Shelter or FMAS.
Address
490 Dunbarton Road, Manchester, NH 03102.
Phone
Public Hours
Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM, with adoptions available by appointment.
What Manchester Animal Shelter Does
Manchester Animal Shelter serves the Manchester, New Hampshire community by caring for homeless animals, helping pets find new homes, supporting lost-and-found pet needs, and offering programs that help both animals and the people who care for them. The shelter states that it has served the Manchester community since 1996 and that more than 1,500 animals pass through the shelter each year.
Visitors should understand the difference between the shelter and city animal control. The shelter handles adoptions, shelter care, and animal welfare support, while Manchester Animal Control is part of the city police department’s community-affairs work and uses the shelter for animal care and adoptions. If your issue is an emergency, dangerous animal, or enforcement matter, use the city’s official animal-control guidance instead of only using the shelter adoption page.
Adoptions
The shelter helps match dogs, cats, and other available pets with homes through an adoption process that may include applications and appointments.
Lost and Found
Manchester Animal Shelter provides lost-and-found support for residents trying to locate missing pets or report found animals.
Community Support
Programs include a pet food pantry, Pets for Vets, spay and neuter programs, volunteering, donations, and other shelter-support opportunities.
Manchester Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
Manchester Animal Shelter lists public hours on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM, with adoptions available by appointment. That means serious adopters should not simply arrive expecting every pet to be available for immediate same-day adoption.
| Day / Visitor Need | Published Guidance | Practical Visitor Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 12 PM to 4 PM public hours. | Good midweek option, but call first if your visit depends on a specific animal. |
| Saturday | 12 PM to 4 PM public hours. | Likely to be a busier visit window. Prepare questions and backup pet options. |
| Sunday | 12 PM to 4 PM public hours. | Useful for weekend visitors, but confirm appointment expectations before arriving. |
| Adoption visits | Adoptions available by appointment. | Complete the proper application steps and contact the shelter before planning around a same-day adoption. |
| Animal-control matters | Manchester Animal Control provides official city guidance. | Use city animal-control resources for enforcement or public-safety concerns. |
How to Adopt from Manchester Animal Shelter
Adoption should be handled as a long-term match, not a quick pickup. A good adoption plan considers your home, work schedule, children, other pets, budget, activity level, and ability to manage the first few weeks after bringing a new animal home.
Start with the official adoption page
Open the shelter’s official adoption page and review current adoption guidance. If listings are linked through Petfinder or another official partner page, check the animal’s current status before traveling.
Call before visiting for a specific pet
Call 603-628-3544 if you are interested in one specific animal. Ask whether the pet is still available, whether an appointment is needed, and whether the animal has any special medical, behavior, or placement notes.
Prepare your household details
Be ready to discuss your home, landlord or HOA rules, existing pets, children, work hours, activity level, and experience with similar animals. This helps the shelter guide you toward a realistic match.
Ask practical match questions
Ask about temperament, age estimate, vaccination or microchip records, spay/neuter status, medical needs, behavior observations, energy level, litter habits for cats, leash comfort for dogs, and first-week transition advice.
Plan the ride home and first week
Bring a carrier or leash setup, prepare a quiet first-day area, keep introductions slow, schedule veterinary follow-up, and avoid overwhelming the animal with too many people or new pets immediately.
Manchester Animal Shelter Adoption Fees and What Is Included
Public adoption fees can vary by animal, species, age, medical status, promotion, or shelter update. Manchester Animal Shelter’s partner listing information explains that adoption fees for available animals include important veterinary services, but visitors should confirm the current adoption fee for the exact animal before visiting.
| Adoption Cost Topic | What Visitors Should Know | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Current adoption fee | Confirm the current fee directly for the specific animal you want to adopt. | Call the shelter or check the official adoption/listing page before visiting. |
| Spay or neuter | Partner adoption information says adoption fees include spay or neuter and procedure. | Ask for records and any follow-up care instructions before leaving. |
| Vaccinations | Adoption inclusions may include rabies vaccination when age-appropriate and distemper vaccination. | Ask which vaccines were already given and which future vaccines are still your responsibility. |
| Microchip | Microchip is listed as part of adoption inclusions. | Confirm how to register or update the microchip to your contact information. |
| Testing | Cat adoption information may include FIV/FeLV combo testing, and dog adoption information may include heartworm testing. | Ask staff to explain any result, treatment, or recommended follow-up. |
| Extra care | Some animals may receive other care such as flea treatment, ear mite treatment, dental work, infection treatment, or other medical support. | Request available medical notes so your veterinarian can continue care smoothly. |
Lost and Found Pets in Manchester, New Hampshire
If your pet is missing in Manchester, act quickly. If you found a pet, do not assume the animal has no owner. The right first step is usually a mix of checking shelter resources, contacting the shelter, checking identification, scanning for a microchip, and using local community channels safely.
If Your Pet Is Missing
- Contact Manchester Animal Shelter at 603-628-3544.
- Use the official Lost & Found resource if available.
- Prepare clear photos, microchip number, vet records, and proof of ownership.
- Check nearby veterinary offices, neighborhood groups, and local found-pet posts.
- Keep checking because animals may enter the shelter after your first call.
If You Found a Pet
- Check for a collar, ID tag, tattoo, or owner contact information.
- Have the pet scanned for a microchip by a shelter or veterinary office when safe.
- Contact the shelter for guidance if the animal was found in Manchester.
- Do not approach or restrain an aggressive, injured, or frightened animal yourself.
- Use Manchester Animal Control for city animal-control concerns.
Manchester Animal Control and When to Contact the City
Manchester Animal Control is part of the City of Manchester Police Department’s Community Affairs Division. The city notes that Animal Control Officers use Manchester Animal Shelter at 490 Dunbarton Road and that pet adoptions and animal care are handled through the shelter.
City Animal Control
Use the official city animal-control page for questions about local animal-control rules, officer support, and city-related animal issues.
Adoptions Through Shelter
The city directs adoption and animal-care questions to Manchester Animal Shelter.
Safety Concerns
Do not handle dangerous, injured, or aggressive animals yourself. Use official public-safety resources when a situation could put people or pets at risk.
Programs That Support Manchester Pets and People
Manchester Animal Shelter’s role goes beyond adoption. Its public materials highlight programs that support both animals and pet owners, especially during difficult moments when help may keep pets and families together.
Pet Food Pantry
The pet food pantry helps households facing temporary hardship continue feeding and caring for their pets.
Pets for Vets
The Pets for Vets program connects approved veterans with companion animals and waives the adoption fee to support veterans and shelter pets.
Spay and Neuter Programs
Community spay and neuter efforts help reduce animal homelessness and support responsible pet ownership.
What to Bring When Visiting Manchester Animal Shelter
A prepared visitor has a much smoother shelter experience. Whether you are adopting, asking about a lost pet, volunteering, donating, or contacting the shelter about community support, bring the details that help staff help you faster.
For Adoption
- Government-issued photo ID.
- Completed or ready-to-complete adoption application if required.
- Housing approval if you rent or have pet restrictions.
- Leash, collar, or secure carrier for safe transport.
- Questions about medical history, behavior, and first-week care.
For Lost Pet Help
- Recent photos of your pet.
- Microchip number or registration record.
- Veterinary records or adoption paperwork.
- License, tag, or collar details if available.
- Last known location, date, time, and sightings.
For Support or Surrender Questions
- Pet age, species, breed/mix, and medical history.
- Behavior notes and any bite or safety history.
- Reason help is needed, such as housing, food, cost, or illness.
- Photos and veterinary records if available.
- Ask whether community support may help before surrender.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using outdated listings
Always confirm current hours, adoption appointments, animal availability, and events through the official shelter website.
Arriving too late
A 12 PM to 4 PM public window is short. Arrive with enough time to speak with staff and understand the process.
Forgetting documents
ID, housing approval, proof of ownership, and vet records can matter depending on why you are visiting.
Choosing too quickly
Adoption should be based on home fit, activity level, medical needs, long-term cost, and transition plan.
Confusing shelter and control
Use the shelter for adoption and care support; use city animal-control resources for enforcement or public-safety concerns.
Dropping off animals without guidance
Never abandon an animal outside a shelter. Contact the shelter or animal control for the correct next step.
Manchester Animal Shelter Map and Directions
Manchester Animal Shelter is located at 490 Dunbarton Road in Manchester, New Hampshire. Use the map below for directions, then check official hours or call before visiting for an adoption appointment, lost-pet question, or specific animal.
Official Manchester Animal Shelter and City Resources
Use these official pages when you need current details. Shelter hours, appointments, adoptable animals, lost-and-found guidance, events, and city animal-control processes can change.
Nearby Shelter Guides and Related Animal Resources
If you are comparing shelter systems in the Northeast, you may also find the Babylon Animal Shelter guide useful as a municipal-shelter comparison. For people who want to help but cannot adopt, the Animal Shelter Volunteer guide explains how volunteering, fostering, sharing adoptable pets, and donating supplies can support shelter work.
Manchester Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Manchester Animal Shelter located?
Manchester Animal Shelter is located at 490 Dunbarton Road, Manchester, NH 03102.
What is the phone number for Manchester Animal Shelter?
The shelter phone number is 603-628-3544.
What are Manchester Animal Shelter adoption hours?
The official site lists public hours as Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM, with adoptions available by appointment.
Does Manchester Animal Control use this shelter?
Yes. Manchester NH Animal Control says its officers use Manchester Animal Shelter at 490 Dunbarton Road, and that pet adoptions and animal care support are handled through the shelter.
Where can I see adoptable pets?
Start with the official Manchester Animal Shelter adoption page. If pets are listed through Petfinder or another official partner page, confirm availability with the shelter before visiting.
What is included with adoption fees?
Partner adoption information says available-animal adoption fees may include spay or neuter, age-appropriate rabies vaccination, distemper vaccination, microchip, and testing such as FIV/FeLV for cats and heartworm testing for dogs. Confirm the exact current fee and included care for the specific animal.
What should I bring to adopt?
Bring photo ID, housing approval if needed, a payment method, a leash or secure carrier, and questions about the pet’s health, behavior, and first-week care.
What should I do if I lost a pet in Manchester?
Contact the shelter, check official lost-and-found resources, prepare recent photos and proof of ownership, and keep checking because animals can enter the shelter after your first search.
Does the shelter offer community support programs?
Yes. Manchester Animal Shelter highlights programs such as a pet food pantry, Pets for Vets, and spay and neuter programs.
Is Manchester Animal Shelter the same as animal control?
No. The shelter handles adoption and animal care support, while Manchester Animal Control is a city function connected with the Police Department’s Community Affairs Division. Use official city resources for animal-control or public-safety concerns.
Final Takeaway
Manchester Animal Shelter is a key Manchester, New Hampshire resource for pet adoption, lost-and-found support, community pet programs, volunteering, and donations. The most important visitor details are the 490 Dunbarton Road address, the 603-628-3544 phone number, and the listed Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday public hours from 12 PM to 4 PM with adoptions available by appointment.
Before you visit, check the official adoption page, call if you are interested in a specific animal, bring the right documents, and use the city animal-control page for enforcement or public-safety issues. A short call before driving can prevent confusion and help make the visit safer and more useful for you, the shelter team, and the animal.
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.