Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this guide before visiting Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter in East Hanover, New Jersey. It explains adoption hours, address, phone number, dog and cat adoption fees, walk-in adoption rules, application tips, foster-to-adopt, surrender appointments, stray-animal routing, map directions and official links.
Mt. Pleasant is a nonprofit animal shelter and adoption organization, not a municipal animal-control dispatch center. If your situation involves an emergency, a stray dog that needs immediate pickup, or an animal-control complaint, use your local animal control office or emergency services.
Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Quick Details
These are the practical details most visitors need before adopting, applying, asking about a dog or cat, surrendering a pet, or planning a visit to East Hanover.
Address
194 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ 07936.
The shelter notes it is located behind PetSmart.
Main phone
973-386-0590.
Use this for adoption questions, surrender inquiries and visit confirmation.
info@njshelter.org.
Use the official contact page or email if your question is not urgent.
Adoption hours
Monday–Friday: 12 PM–4 PM.
Saturday–Sunday: 12 PM–5 PM.
What Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Helps With
Mt. Pleasant is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit shelter that helps homeless dogs and cats through adoption, foster support, veterinary care, surrender review, Home To Home rehoming support, donor-funded medical care and community-based animal welfare work.
Dogs, puppies, cats and kittens
The shelter lists adoptable dogs and cats online and uses an interview process to help match animals with the right families.
Extra help for animals in need
Mt. Pleasant describes foster families and medical-care programs as important parts of helping animals heal and become ready for adoption.
Appointment-based intake
Surrender is not walk-in. The shelter reviews requests and recommends private rehoming alternatives when possible.
Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
Use these listed adoption hours for planning, but call before visiting if you are driving far, visiting around a holiday, or coming for one specific animal.
Current listed adoption hours
Monday through Friday are listed as 12 PM to 4 PM. Saturday and Sunday are listed as 12 PM to 5 PM. The shelter is closed on all major holidays.
| Day | Listed Adoption Hours | Visitor Planning Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 12 PM–4 PM | Good weekday visit day; call first if you want one specific pet. |
| Tuesday | 12 PM–4 PM | Use the morning to complete the dog or cat questionnaire before visiting. |
| Wednesday | 12 PM–4 PM | Useful for quieter weekday adoption questions. |
| Thursday | 12 PM–4 PM | Good day to ask about meet-and-greet arrangements for resident dogs. |
| Friday | 12 PM–4 PM | Check availability before weekend traffic and possible adoption changes. |
| Saturday | 12 PM–5 PM | Longer weekend window, but arrive early if you want enough time with adoption counselors. |
| Sunday | 12 PM–5 PM | Good weekend option; confirm holiday and event changes first. |
How Adoption Works at Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter
Mt. Pleasant accepts walk-ins during regular adoption hours, but completing the right questionnaire before your visit can save time. The shelter uses an interview process to help make a strong match.
Search the official dog or cat page first
Use the official “Find a Dog or Puppy” or “Find a Cat or Kitten” page. If you like a pet, write down the pet’s name, species, age, status and any “Foster to Adopt” notes.
Complete the correct questionnaire
The shelter recommends completing the questionnaire on the dog or cat page before visiting. This keeps your information on file, but the shelter says it will not call applicants and the questionnaire does not hold an animal.
Visit during adoption hours
Walk in only during regular adoption hours. Bring every household decision-maker when possible and give yourself enough time to talk with adoption counselors.
Prepare for the interview process
Staff may ask about your home, schedule, other pets, children, landlord rules, previous pet experience, energy expectations and what type of pet fits your household.
Plan resident-dog meet-and-greets carefully
If you want to bring your current dog to meet a shelter dog, call ahead so staff can make proper arrangements for the meeting.
Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
Mt. Pleasant lists adoption fees by species and age. Fees can change, sponsored adoptions may apply, and special discounts may be available, so confirm the current fee before adopting.
Dogs
Dogs 9 months and older are listed at $375.
Puppies
Puppies under 9 months are listed at $500.
Cats
Cats 9 months and older are listed at $175.
Kittens
Kittens under 9 months are listed at $225.
What adoption fees cover
Mt. Pleasant says every adopted animal is spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccines, dewormed and microchipped.
Senior pets and military discount
Senior pets 8 years and older are listed as 50% off the adult adoption fee. Current service members and military veterans are also offered a 50% adoption-fee discount.
Dogs, Cats and Foster-to-Adopt
Mt. Pleasant’s dog and cat pages include adoption listings and application routes. Some animals may be marked “Foster to Adopt,” which has extra requirements.
Dogs and puppies
Use the official dog page to view available dogs and puppies. Call ahead if you need to arrange a resident-dog meet-and-greet.
Cats and kittens
Use the cat page to view current cats and kittens. Bring a secure carrier if adoption may happen that day.
Foster to Adopt
Some animals may be ready to live with a future adopter but not ready for final adoption, often because they are not old enough for spay/neuter yet.
Animal Control Clarification for Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter
Because the title includes “Animal Shelter & Control,” it is important to separate adoption/shelter help from true animal-control dispatch. Mt. Pleasant is a nonprofit adoption shelter, not a city animal-control department.
Call Mt. Pleasant
Use 973-386-0590 for adoption, surrender inquiry, donation, foster, volunteer and shelter-specific questions.
Call local animal control
Mt. Pleasant’s surrender page says to contact local animal control if you found a stray cat or kitten, have an emergency, or need to surrender a dog immediately.
Use emergency help
If an animal is attacking, severely injured, trapped in traffic, or there is an immediate public-safety risk, use emergency services or the proper local dispatch route.
Surrender Appointments at Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter
Surrender is appointment-based and not guaranteed. Mt. Pleasant asks owners to explore alternatives first and complete the official surrender request instead of bringing a pet without approval.
Before submitting a surrender request
- Try private rehoming or trusted family support first.
- Use the Home To Home route if appropriate for your pet.
- Be honest about behavior, medical needs, medications and bite history.
- Understand that limited space means placement is not guaranteed.
- Do not arrive without an appointment or approval.
What the official surrender page says
- Appointments are required for all pet surrender requests.
- The surrender fee is listed as $500 per pet.
- It may take 3–4 weeks to hear back due to high request volume.
- If the pet has bitten or broken skin in the last six months, include that information.
- Bringing a pet without an appointment can stress the pet and affect placement chances.
Stray Animals and Lost-Pet Help Near East Hanover
Mt. Pleasant may be able to answer shelter-specific questions, but stray intake and animal-control response depend on the town where the animal is found. For urgent stray-animal issues, use local animal control.
If your pet is missing
- Call nearby animal shelters and your local animal control office quickly.
- Update your microchip company with your current phone number.
- Post a clear photo, last-seen location, date and contact method.
- Visit shelters in person when possible because photos can be misleading.
- Call Mt. Pleasant if you think your pet may have been brought there.
If you found a stray animal
- Do not put yourself at risk with a scared, injured or aggressive animal.
- For stray dogs, contact the local animal control office for guidance.
- For healthy outdoor cats, follow local guidance before moving the cat.
- Check for ID tags and ask a vet or shelter about microchip scanning if safe.
- Use the exact town/location where the animal was found when calling for help.
Home To Home and Private Rehoming
Mt. Pleasant links to a Home To Home service that may help guardians rehome pets without immediately placing them in a shelter. This can be useful when surrender is not urgent and the pet can safely remain with the current owner while a new home is found.
Free to use
Mt. Pleasant’s Home To Home page says the service is free for guardians and adopters.
Not for every case
The page says it will not suit every rehoming need, including some stray situations.
Do your due diligence
Potential guardians are asked to do their due diligence before accepting an animal into their home.
What to Bring Before You Visit Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter
A smooth visit starts before leaving home. Bring the details and supplies that help staff match you with the right pet and help you transport the animal safely if adoption is completed.
Photo ID
Bring government-issued photo ID for adoption paperwork and identity confirmation.
Questionnaire details
Complete the dog or cat questionnaire before visiting and use the same contact details in person.
Payment method
Bring a payment method and confirm the current fee before you assume a final amount.
Housing approval
If you rent, confirm pet rules, breed restrictions, weight limits and landlord approval before adopting.
Cat carrier
Bring a secure carrier if you may adopt a cat or kitten.
Dog transport plan
Bring a leash, collar, harness or vehicle plan if you may adopt a dog or puppy.
Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Arrival Tips
Use the map for directions to 194 Route 10 West in East Hanover. The official contact page notes the shelter is behind PetSmart. Before driving, check hours, pet availability and whether your issue belongs to adoption, surrender review, rehoming or local animal control.
Arrive with time
Do not arrive near closing if you want an adoption interview and a calm meet-and-greet.
Confirm first
Call before a long drive, especially around holidays, events or if you want one specific animal.
Use the right route
Adoption, surrender, stray animals and emergencies follow different routes.
Choose Your Best Route Before You Call
Use this quick decision helper so you do not waste a trip or contact the wrong route.
I want to adopt
View the dog or cat page, complete the matching questionnaire, visit during adoption hours and bring ID, payment method and safe transport supplies.
I want one specific pet
Call 973-386-0590 before driving, because listings can change and completing a questionnaire does not hold an animal.
I need to surrender
Use the official surrender request form, understand the $500 listed surrender fee, and wait for a response before bringing the pet.
I found a stray or have an emergency
Contact local animal control for your town, especially for stray dogs, urgent dog surrender needs, injured animals, public-safety issues or emergency situations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter
These mistakes often cause wasted trips, delayed adoption decisions, frustration, or a surrender request that cannot be handled quickly.
Before visiting
- Do not arrive before public/adoption hours expecting to browse animals.
- Do not assume an online questionnaire holds an animal for you.
- Do not drive for one specific pet without calling first.
- Do not bring your current dog for a meet-and-greet without calling ahead.
- Do not forget a carrier for cats or a safe transport plan for dogs.
Before surrendering or rehoming
- Do not bring a pet for surrender without an appointment.
- Do not hide bite history, medical issues, medications or behavior problems.
- Do not expect immediate placement because the shelter has limited space.
- Do not assume Home To Home is right for every pet or stray situation.
- Do not use Mt. Pleasant as animal control for urgent stray or danger situations.
Official Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Links
Use official pages for final decisions. This guide is independent and should not replace current shelter instructions.
Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter located?
Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter is located at 194 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ 07936, behind PetSmart.
What is the phone number for Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter?
The main phone number is 973-386-0590.
What are Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Regular adoption hours are listed as Monday through Friday from 12 PM to 4 PM and Saturday through Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM. The shelter is closed on major holidays.
Do I need an appointment to adopt from Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter?
Mt. Pleasant says the shelter accepts walk-ins only during regular adoption hours. Because some official site sections also mention calling before visiting, it is smart to call before a long drive or before visiting for one specific pet.
Does an online questionnaire hold an animal?
No. Mt. Pleasant says completing a questionnaire does not guarantee placement and does not hold an animal. The shelter also says it does not call applicants.
How much are dog adoption fees at Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter?
Dogs 9 months and older are listed at $375, and puppies under 9 months are listed at $500.
How much are cat adoption fees at Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter?
Cats 9 months and older are listed at $175, and kittens under 9 months are listed at $225.
What is included with adoption?
Mt. Pleasant says every adopted animal is spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccines, dewormed and microchipped.
Does Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter take owner surrenders?
Yes, but surrender requests require an appointment and placement is not guaranteed. The shelter lists a $500 surrender fee per pet and says it may take 3–4 weeks to hear back.
Is Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter animal control?
No. Mt. Pleasant is a nonprofit shelter and adoption organization. For emergencies, stray dogs, urgent surrender needs or animal-control complaints, contact your local animal control office or emergency services.
What should I bring when visiting Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter?
Bring photo ID, adoption questionnaire details, payment method, landlord approval if needed, a cat carrier for cats, and a safe leash, collar, harness or vehicle plan for dogs.
Final Take: Confirm the Pet, Visit During Adoption Hours and Use the Right Route
Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter is a nonprofit adoption shelter at 194 Route 10 West in East Hanover, New Jersey. It is useful for dog and cat adoption, foster-to-adopt questions, surrender review, private rehoming support, donations, volunteering and animal welfare support.
If your goal is adoption, start with the official dog or cat page, complete the right questionnaire, call before a long drive, and visit during adoption hours. If your issue involves a stray animal, urgent animal-control need, dangerous animal or emergency, use your local animal control office or emergency route instead of treating Mt. Pleasant as a dispatch agency.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, local animal control, East Hanover government, PetSmart, Shelterluv, Petfinder, Home To Home, any rescue group, or any official shelter portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, surrendering, reporting or transporting an 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.