Ingham County Animal Shelter, Adoption & Pets Guide: Hours, Fees, Lost Pets, Surrender Help, Video & Map
Ingham County Animal Control & Shelter, often searched as Ingham County Animal Shelter, is the county animal control and sheltering agency in Mason, Michigan. Use this guide for adoption hours, dog and cat adoption fees, lost-and-found pet steps, surrender guidance, animal welfare reporting, official links, video help and a mobile-friendly map.
Main phone 517-676-8370
Adoption timing note Adoptions stop 30 minutes before closing
Quick Answer: Ingham County Animal Shelter hours, phone and best first step
Ingham County Animal Control & Shelter is located at 600 Buhl Street, Mason, MI 48854. The official phone number listed by ICACS is 517-676-8370. For adoptions, start with the official adoptable animals page, then plan enough time at the shelter because the official adoption page says the process can take 1–2 hours and adoptions stop 30 minutes before closing.
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Verified Ingham County Animal Control & Shelter facts
Video Guide: Watch before adopting, volunteering or reporting an animal concern
Users searching for Ingham County Animal Shelter often want to know what the shelter does, what animal control officers handle, and what to expect before they adopt or ask for help. This video is included because it supports the real visitor intent behind adoption, animal welfare, lost pets and shelter services.
Ingham County Animal Shelter adoption process: how to adopt a dog or cat
ICACS says all dogs and cats adopted from the shelter have been spayed or neutered, microchipped and given age-appropriate vaccinations. Dogs adopted to Ingham County residents also receive a dog license. The shelter allows email inquiries about adoptable pets, but adoptions and reservations can only be made in person once you have met the pet and spent time with it.
Start with the official adoptable dogs and cats page. Availability can change quickly, so check again before you drive.
The official adoption page says the adoption process can take 1–2 hours depending on the animal. Do not arrive right before closing.
ICACS says applications are submitted after you have met the pet you intend to adopt. Spend time with the animal and ask practical questions before applying.
You may fill it out in person or at home, but it is tied to the pet you have met and intend to adopt.
The official page says ICACS can take up to three reservations on adoptable pets waiting for spay/neuter surgery, and may offer foster-to-adopt for select animals waiting on medical care or surgery.
Before final adoption, ask when the pet can leave, what medical records you receive, what food the pet has been eating and what the first week at home should look like.
What to bring before adopting from Ingham County Animal Shelter
Ingham County Animal Shelter adoption fees 2026
The official Ingham County fee page lists the adoption and shelter-service fees below. Fees can change and special events may temporarily reduce pricing, so confirm with ICACS before visiting.
| Fee type | Official fee listed | What to confirm before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy adoption, dogs four months or younger | $151 | Ask about age, vaccine timing, spay/neuter status and pickup timing. |
| Dog adoption, dogs older than six months | $108 | Ask about energy level, meet-and-greet rules, dog license and behavior notes. |
| Senior dog adoption, dogs older than six years | $69 | Ask about medical history, mobility, dental care, medication and stairs. |
| Cat adoption, cats younger than six years | $86 | Ask about litter habits, other cats, children, dogs and adjustment needs. |
| Senior cat adoption, cats older than six years | $47 | Ask about medical notes, diet, dental needs and expected vet follow-up. |
| Caturday Saturday cat adoption | $25 | Ask whether the cat you want qualifies and whether the special is active that day. |
| Caturday Saturday senior or long-term resident cat | Free | Ask if a specific senior or long-term resident cat qualifies. |
| Off-site cat adoption | $75 | Ask which partner location has the cat and how paperwork is completed. |
Lost pet in Ingham County: what to do in the first 24 hours
If your dog or cat is missing in Ingham County, do not rely on one website or one social post. Use the official ICACS lost-and-found pages, file a report, check reported lost animals, check found animals, update your microchip record and search the nearby area physically.
Use ICACS lost-and-found pages to view lost animals, reported animals and found-animal information.
Give species, breed or mix, color, sex, age, collar details, microchip status, last-known location, date and clear photos.
Use a microchip lookup tool and update the registry immediately. A chip with an old phone number can delay reunion.
Check garages, sheds, porches, under decks, brush, drainage areas and quiet hiding places. Lost cats often hide close by.
Photos and descriptions can be imperfect. A frightened or dirty pet may look different from normal.
Bring photos, vet records, license records, adoption paperwork, microchip records or other proof when reclaiming a pet.
Found a dog or cat in Ingham County: safe next steps
Finding a pet can feel simple, but keeping, rehoming or transporting a found animal without checking ownership can create problems. The safest route is to identify the animal, check for owner information, report the found pet and ask ICACS what to do next.
Surrendering a pet to Ingham County Animal Shelter: read this first
The official fee page lists an owner surrender fee. Because shelter capacity, animal health, behavior and local rules can affect intake, you should contact ICACS before arriving with a pet. Be honest about medical issues, bite history, fear, aggression, housing problems and the real reason you need help.
Ingham County animal control, neglect reports, bites and public-safety concerns
ICACS includes an animal welfare and enforcement division. Official staff information describes animal control officers responding to calls involving animals threatening public safety, injured animals, animal welfare and neglect complaints, vicious dog calls and bite reports.
Pet services: dog licenses, microchips, spay/neuter vouchers, volunteer and foster help
ICACS provides more than adoption. The official site links to dog licensing, volunteer opportunities, foster care, community cats, vaccine clinics, spay/neuter assistance, donations and wish lists. Use official pages because event timing and program availability can change.
Call scripts for Ingham County Animal Control & Shelter
A clear script helps shelter staff understand your need faster.
Adoption script: “Hi, I’m interested in adopting [pet name/ID/species]. I saw the animal online and understand I need to meet the pet before submitting the application. Is the animal still available, and what should I bring?”
Lost pet script: “Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [street/intersection] in Ingham County. The pet is [description], has [collar/microchip], and I can send photos. Has a similar animal been reported or brought in?”
Surrender script: “Hi, I need help with possible owner surrender or alternatives. My pet is [age/species], has [medical/behavior notes], and the reason is [brief reason]. What should I do before bringing the animal in?”
Animal welfare script: “Hi, I need to report an animal welfare concern at [location]. The animal appears [injured/neglected/threatening/etc.]. I can provide photos or details. Is this a non-emergency report or should I call 911?”
Ingham County Animal Shelter map and arrival planning
Ingham County Animal Control & Shelter is listed at 600 Buhl Street, Mason, MI 48854. Before driving, confirm current hours, check whether your need requires an appointment, and bring the right documents or transport supplies.
Official Ingham County Animal Control & Shelter links
Common mistakes that slow people down
Ingham County Animal Shelter FAQs
The main ICACS phone number shown on the official site is 517-676-8370. The official site also shows 517-676-8380.
Ingham County Animal Control & Shelter is listed at 600 Buhl Street, Mason, MI 48854.
View adoptable animals online, visit the shelter, meet the pet, then submit the adoption application. ICACS says adoptions and reservations can only be made in person once you have met the pet.
The official adoption page says adoptions stop 30 minutes before shelter closing to allow a quality adoption experience.
ICACS says the adoption process takes 1–2 hours depending on the animal you want to adopt.
The official fee page lists puppy adoption at $151, dog adoption for dogs older than six months at $108, and senior dog adoption at $69. Confirm current fees before visiting.
The official fee page lists cat adoption for cats younger than six years at $86 and senior cat adoption at $47. It also lists Caturday Saturday cat adoption options.
ICACS says adopted dogs and cats have been spayed or neutered, microchipped and given age-appropriate vaccinations. Dogs adopted to Ingham County residents also receive a dog license.
Yes. The official adoption page says renters should bring a lease with the pet policy or a landlord letter approving the type of animal being adopted.
ICACS says dog meet-and-greets can be done by appointment after an approved adoption application has been submitted. They are not scheduled after 4:00 PM.
Use the official lost-and-found pages, report your lost animal, check found animals, update your microchip information, search nearby areas and bring proof of ownership if you believe your pet is at the shelter.
Contact ICACS first. The official fee page lists an owner surrender fee, but intake rules may depend on capacity, animal type, medical issues, behavior and current shelter policy.
No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent directory guide. The official source is Ingham County Animal Control & Shelter at ac.ingham.org.
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.