Stanislaus Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

Modesto, California Shelter Guide

Stanislaus Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

Use this guide before visiting Stanislaus Animal Services Agency in Modesto, California. It explains adoption hours, address, phone number, adoption fees, lost pets, found pets, field services, community cats, at-risk animals, licensing and the official links visitors need before driving.

Start with the official dog and cat listings before going to the shelter. Pet availability can change quickly, the adoption center closes before the building closes, and some situations need field services, lost-and-found support, community-cat help or rescue coordination instead of a normal adoption visit.

3647 Cornucopia Way 209-558-PETS Adoption center closes 4:30 PM Closed Sunday Dogs, cats, field services & community cats
Fast answer: Stanislaus Animal Services Agency is located at 3647 Cornucopia Way, Modesto, CA 95358. The main phone number is 209-558-PETS, also written as 209-558-7387. Public hours are listed as Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 AM–5 PM, Wednesday 1 PM–5 PM, Saturday 9 AM–5 PM, and Sunday closed. The adoption center closes at 4:30 PM, so arrive earlier if you want to meet pets or complete adoption steps.

Stanislaus Animal Shelter Quick Details

These are the details most visitors need before adopting, reclaiming a pet, reporting a found animal, asking about a stray, checking an at-risk animal, or planning a shelter visit.

MAP

Address

3647 Cornucopia Way, Modesto, CA 95358.

Use the map section below for directions before leaving.

CALL

Main phone

209-558-PETS.

This is also commonly written as 209-558-7387.

HRS

Public hours

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 10 AM–5 PM.

Wed: 1 PM–5 PM. Sat: 9 AM–5 PM. Sun closed.

4:30

Adoption cutoff

The adoption center closes at 4:30 PM.

Arrive before that if you want to meet pets or complete adoption paperwork.

Best first step: Check the official adoptable dog and cat pages before driving. If you want one specific animal, write down the animal ID and call or visit early enough to ask staff about availability, stray-hold status, foster status, adoption requirements and whether the pet is still at the shelter.

What Stanislaus Animal Services Agency Does

Stanislaus Animal Services Agency is more than a place to browse adoptable pets. It is a county-area animal services agency handling shelter services, field services, licensing support, lost-and-found help, community-cat support, animal code enforcement and public safety concerns.

Adoption

Dogs, cats and other animals

The agency lists adoptable dogs, cats and other animals online. Some pets may be in foster, sponsored, on stray hold, at risk, or no longer available.

Field services

Animal control support

Field services include animal cruelty, vicious animal, nuisance complaints, stray animals, injured animals, dead animals and emergency animal calls.

Lost pets

Reclaim and reporting help

The lost-and-found section includes Petco Love Lost reporting, local shelter contacts, microchip lookup guidance and direct lost-and-found contact details.

Jurisdiction reminder: Stanislaus County has multiple local animal agencies. A pet found in Modesto, Ceres, Hughson, Waterford or unincorporated Stanislaus County may follow different steps than a pet found in Turlock, Oakdale, Riverbank or Newman. Always use the official page for the city or area where the animal was found.

Stanislaus Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026

Use these official listed hours to plan your visit. The shelter is closed on county holidays, and the adoption center closes earlier than the building’s public closing time.

Visit Window Adoptions close 4:30 Confirm first

Current listed hours

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday are listed as 10 AM–5 PM. Wednesday is 1 PM–5 PM. Saturday is 9 AM–5 PM. Sunday is closed.

The adoption center closes at 4:30 PM, so do not arrive late if you hope to adopt.
Day Listed Hours Adoption Planning Tip
Monday10 AM–5 PMGood for adoption visits, but arrive before the 4:30 PM adoption-center cutoff.
Tuesday10 AM–5 PMUseful for checking specific pets and asking about availability.
Wednesday1 PM–5 PMShorter public window. Arrive early if you need staff help.
Thursday10 AM–5 PMGood weekday option for adoption or lost-pet follow-up.
Friday10 AM–5 PMCheck pets before weekend traffic and capacity changes.
Saturday9 AM–5 PMBest weekend visit day, but the adoption center still closes at 4:30 PM.
SundayClosedDo not plan a public shelter visit unless an official event says otherwise.
Late-arrival warning: If you arrive after the adoption center closes, you may be unable to meet animals, finalize adoption steps, or receive the same level of staff assistance. Always call before a long drive, especially near holidays.

How Adoption Works at Stanislaus Animal Shelter

The official dog and cat pages are the best starting point, but the final decision should happen after you confirm availability, understand the animal’s status, and ask staff practical home-fit questions.

Search the official listings

Start with the official adoptable dogs, adoptable cats and other animals pages. Look for animal ID, kennel, foster notes, sponsored status, at-risk status, age, weight and any status message.

Understand the pet’s status

Stanislaus notes that animals on stray hold are generally eligible for a pre-adoption program. Some pets may also be in foster, sponsored, adopted, rescued, at risk, or no longer available.

Visit before the adoption cutoff

The adoption center closes at 4:30 PM. Plan enough time to meet pets, ask questions, review instructions and complete paperwork if adoption is possible.

Ask about medical and behavior details

Ask about spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip, stray hold, foster notes, handling, energy, other pets, children, training, noise sensitivity and first-week adjustment.

Bring safe transport

Bring a carrier for cats and a secure leash, collar, harness or vehicle plan for dogs. Do not assume the shelter can provide everything you need for safe transport.

Good adopter question: “What should I know about this animal’s first week at home?” This gives you more useful information than only asking whether the pet is friendly.

Stanislaus Animal Shelter Adoption Fees

The official adoption pages list the base adoption fees for dogs and cats. Special promotions, sponsored pets and waived-fee animals can change the amount for specific pets, so confirm directly before paying.

DOG

Dog adoption fee

$120 plus license is the listed dog adoption fee.

Dogs listed for adoption are described as spayed/neutered, microchipped and age-appropriately vaccinated.

CAT

Cat adoption fee

$60 is the listed cat adoption fee.

Cats listed for adoption are described as spayed/neutered, microchipped and age-appropriately vaccinated.

FREE

Sponsored pets

Some dogs may be listed as sponsored or part of a special adoption promotion.

Confirm the animal’s current status before assuming the fee is waived.

License note: Dog adoptions may include license requirements in addition to the adoption fee. Ask staff what is due at checkout and whether the dog’s license must be renewed later.

Adoptable Dogs, Cats and Other Animals

The official listings are more useful than a general directory because they show current animal IDs, kennels, status notes and availability signals.

DOG

Adoptable dogs

Use the official dog page to check active dog profiles, adoption fee notes, sponsored pets, foster pets and stray-hold notes.

CAT

Adoptable cats

Use the cat page to check current adoptable cats and kittens. Bring a secure carrier if adoption may happen.

ALL

All dogs page

The all-dogs page may show additional status labels such as adopted, rescued, foster, or fees paid.

RISK

At-risk animals

The at-risk section highlights animals needing adoption or rescue attention quickly. Contact the proper rescue route if needed.

Availability warning: Online animal listings can change quickly. A pet may be adopted, reclaimed, rescued, moved to foster, placed on hold, or become unavailable after you view the page.

Animal Control and Field Services

Field services are for animal issues that need a service response, not just adoption browsing. Use the official field-services page or call the agency when the situation involves safety, cruelty, injured animals, nuisance complaints or stray animals.

Public safety

Dangerous or nuisance animals

Field services investigate vicious animal, animal nuisance and animal cruelty complaints.

Stray and injured

Animal pickup and rescue

Field services can pick up and transport stray animals, respond to injured animals and rescue animals in distress.

Important cat note

Stray cats are different

The field-services page states the agency does not transport stray cats. Use the found-cat and community-cat guidance instead.

Call script: “Hi, I’m calling about an animal issue at [exact address or intersection]. The animal is [dog/cat/other], the issue is [injured/loose/aggressive/dead/stray/cruelty/nuisance], and it is happening [now/earlier today]. What is the correct Stanislaus route for this location?”

Lost and Found Pets in Stanislaus County

Lost-pet recovery works best when you act fast, search in person, file reports, check multiple shelters and keep microchip information current.

If your pet is missing

  • Search the official lost-pet and found-pet resources.
  • File a lost report as completely as possible with all nearby shelters.
  • Visit shelters in person so you can look for your pet directly.
  • Check neighborhood posts, Craigslist, local lost-and-found pages and nearby shelters.
  • Update your microchip company with your current phone number.

If you found a pet

  • State law requires people finding a lost pet to call the local shelter and report it.
  • Provide your address or phone number and a description of the animal.
  • For found cats, follow the official found-cat instructions before bringing the cat to the shelter.
  • Never put yourself in danger with an injured, scared or aggressive animal.
  • Ask about microchip scanning and intake rules for the area where the pet was found.
Lost-and-found contact: The official lost-and-found page lists LostandFound@stancounty.com and 209-558-7369 for lost-and-found contact. Use the official page before sending sensitive details.

Community Cats, Found Cats and TNR Help

Cats need special handling. Stanislaus Animal Services Agency has a Community Cat Program and separate found-cat guidance, including warnings about healthy cats and kittens.

TNR

Community Cat Program

The program helps reduce outdoor community cat populations through spay/neuter support, left ear tip, vaccines, wellness exam and care during the cat’s stay.

CAT

Healthy adult cats

The found-cat guidance says healthy cats are often best returned where found because they may be owned, cared for, or likely to find their way home.

KIT

Kittens

The guidance warns that removing warm, quiet kittens can reduce their survival because the mother cat may be nearby and caring for them.

Before bringing in a cat: For a stray cat surrender, the official found-cat page says to set up an appointment or call for assistance and not come to the shelter until instructed. Follow the official page for current service-area rules.

At-Risk Animals, Foster and Rescue Help

The official at-risk section lists animals that may need adoption, foster or rescue attention quickly. This is especially useful for approved rescues, experienced adopters and people who can help a long-stay animal leave the shelter safely.

At-risk list

Check official status

Use the official at-risk page instead of relying only on screenshots or social media posts. Status and timing can change.

Foster notes

Some pets are in foster

Some listings may say the animal is in foster and provide a contact route for meeting that specific pet.

Rescue route

Rescue coordination

The at-risk page encourages rescue organizations to contact the rescue coordinator at the listed rescue email.

Careful wording: At-risk animals may have medical, behavioral, space, time or suitability issues. Do not promise outcomes. Use the official listing and contact the agency or rescue coordinator for current instructions.

What to Bring Before You Visit Stanislaus Animal Shelter

A smoother visit starts before you leave home. Bring the basics that help staff answer questions, complete paperwork and help you transport a pet safely if adoption happens.

ID

Photo ID

Bring a valid ID for adoption, reclaim or other shelter paperwork.

PET ID

Animal ID number

If you are visiting for one pet, write down the animal ID and kennel/status notes from the official page.

PAY

Payment method

Bring a payment method and ask staff what fees, license charges or deposits apply before checkout.

CAT

Cat carrier

Bring a secure carrier if you may adopt or reclaim a cat.

DOG

Leash plan

Bring a secure leash, collar or harness plan for dog transport and safety.

TIME

Enough time

Arrive before 4:30 PM if adoption is possible. Do not wait until closing.

Stanislaus Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Arrival Tips

Use the map for directions to 3647 Cornucopia Way in Modesto. Before driving, check official hours, pet availability, adoption-center cutoff and whether your issue belongs to adoption, field services, lost-and-found or community-cat support.

Map is for visit planning only. Use your navigation app for live traffic, road work, parking and route changes.
EARLY

Arrive before cutoff

The adoption center closes at 4:30 PM. Arrive earlier for real adoption help.

CHECK

Check listings first

Pet availability changes quickly. Confirm before driving for one specific dog or cat.

RIGHT

Use the right route

Adoption, field services, found cats, lost pets and rescue coordination have different steps.

Choose Your Best Route Before You Call

Use this quick decision helper so you do not waste a visit or call the wrong route.

I want to adopt

View the official dog or cat page, note the animal ID, arrive before 4:30 PM, bring ID, payment method and safe transport supplies.

I lost my pet

Use the lost-and-found page, file reports with nearby shelters, check in person, update the microchip and contact the listed lost-and-found route.

I found an animal

Follow found-dog or found-cat instructions based on species, location and condition. Do not bring a cat without following the official appointment guidance.

I need field services

Call for animal cruelty, dangerous animals, nuisance complaints, injured animals, dead animals, stray dogs or emergency animal calls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at Stanislaus Animal Shelter

These mistakes often lead to wasted trips, missed adoption windows, wrong-department calls or delayed lost-pet recovery.

Before visiting

  • Do not arrive after 4:30 PM expecting adoption processing.
  • Do not visit Sunday expecting public shelter hours.
  • Do not drive for one pet without checking current availability.
  • Do not forget the animal ID if you found a specific listing.
  • Do not bring a found cat without reading the official found-cat instructions.

Before adopting or reclaiming

  • Do not ignore dog license costs when adopting a dog.
  • Do not forget a carrier or safe transport plan.
  • Do not assume a sponsored or free adoption promotion applies to every pet.
  • Do not hide bite history, illness or behavior issues when asking for help.
  • Do not rely only on social media for lost-pet or at-risk animal status.

Stanislaus Animal Shelter FAQ

Where is Stanislaus Animal Services Agency located?

Stanislaus Animal Services Agency is located at 3647 Cornucopia Way, Modesto, CA 95358.

What is the phone number for Stanislaus Animal Shelter?

The main phone number is 209-558-PETS, also written as 209-558-7387.

What are Stanislaus Animal Shelter adoption hours?

Public hours are listed as Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 AM–5 PM, Wednesday 1 PM–5 PM, Saturday 9 AM–5 PM, and Sunday closed. The adoption center closes at 4:30 PM.

Is Stanislaus Animal Shelter closed on Sunday?

Yes. The official hours page lists Sunday as closed, and the shelter is also closed on county holidays.

How much is a dog adoption at Stanislaus Animal Services Agency?

The official adoptable dogs page lists the dog adoption fee as $120 plus license. Some pets may be sponsored or part of a special adoption promotion, so confirm the current fee for the specific animal.

How much is a cat adoption at Stanislaus Animal Services Agency?

The official adoptable cats page lists the cat adoption fee as $60.

What is included with a Stanislaus shelter adoption?

The official adoption pages say adoptable dogs and cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped and given age-appropriate vaccinations.

Does Stanislaus Animal Services handle animal control?

Yes. Field services include animal cruelty complaints, vicious or nuisance animal complaints, stray animal pickup, injured animals, dead animals and emergency animal calls. The agency notes that it does not transport stray cats.

What should I do if my pet is lost in Stanislaus County?

Search official lost-and-found resources, file reports with nearby shelters, visit shelters in person, check local lost-pet pages, update the microchip company and contact the listed lost-and-found route.

Does Stanislaus Animal Services have a community cat program?

Yes. The official Community Cat Program helps with outdoor community cats through spay/neuter, left ear tip, vaccines, wellness exam and care during the cat’s stay.

What should I bring when visiting Stanislaus Animal Shelter?

Bring photo ID, the animal ID if you are asking about a specific pet, payment method, a cat carrier for cats, a secure leash or harness plan for dogs, and enough time to finish before the 4:30 PM adoption-center cutoff.

Final Take: Check Listings, Arrive Early and Use the Right Stanislaus Route

Stanislaus Animal Services Agency is the main Modesto-area animal services resource for adoption, lost pets, found animals, field services, community cats, dog licensing support, shelter statistics and at-risk animal help. The most important visitor details are the Cornucopia Way address, 209-558-PETS phone number, public hours and 4:30 PM adoption-center cutoff.

If your goal is adoption, start with the official dog and cat listings and arrive early. If your issue is a found pet, lost pet, stray cat, injured animal, nuisance complaint or at-risk rescue need, use the correct official page because the steps are different. A little planning can save a wasted trip and can help animals move home, into adoption, into foster or into rescue faster.

Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Stanislaus Animal Services Agency, Stanislaus County, Petco Love Lost, Petfinder, Adopt a Pet, any rescue group, or any official shelter portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, reclaiming, surrendering, reporting or transporting an animal.

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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

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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.

0% completed

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.

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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

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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.

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