El Paso Animal Shelter Adoption Hours, Animal Control, Lost Pets & Visit Help
El Paso Animal Shelter usually means El Paso Animal Services, the City of El Paso department that handles adoptions, fostering, found pets, lost-pet reclaim, animal protection concerns, pet registration and community animal support.
This guide gives you the practical details before visiting: adoption hours, address, phone number, shelter locations, what to bring, lost/found pet steps, animal-control routing, map directions and official links.
El Paso Animal Shelter Quick Details
Use this snapshot before calling, adopting, reclaiming a lost pet, reporting an animal concern, or driving to the main shelter.
Main address
5001 Fred Wilson Ave., El Paso, TX 79906.
The official site describes it as right across from Ft. Bliss Cemetery.
Main phone
915-212-7297.
This is also commonly written as 915-212-PAWS.
Adoption hours
Daily 11 AM–6 PM at the main El Paso Animal Services Center.
Animal concerns
Use 311 for animal concerns and 911 for active emergencies.
El Paso Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
The main EPAS shelter lists adoption and foster hours as open every day from 11 AM to 6 PM. Arrive earlier than closing if you want enough time to ask questions, meet animals and complete paperwork.
| Day | Main Shelter Hours | Best Visitor Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 11 AM–6 PM | Good for quieter adoption browsing and lost-pet checking. |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–6 PM | Check adoptable-pet listings before driving for a specific animal. |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–6 PM | Good for adoption or reclaim visits, unless a special closure is announced. |
| Thursday | 11 AM–6 PM | Visit earlier if you need staff time for questions or paperwork. |
| Friday | 11 AM–6 PM | Good before weekend crowds, but confirm event schedules first. |
| Saturday | 11 AM–6 PM | Popular family visit day; expect more visitors. |
| Sunday | 11 AM–6 PM | Useful weekend adoption day, but always verify holiday hours. |
El Paso Animal Services Locations and Adoption Centers
El Paso has more than one adoption location. Always confirm where the pet is housed before driving, because a pet may be at the main shelter, Westside, a zoo cat adoption area, foster care, or a temporary event.
El Paso Animal Services Center
5001 Fred Wilson Ave., El Paso, TX 79906.
Adoption and foster hours are listed as open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM.
Westside Adoption Center
5625 Confetti Dr., El Paso, TX 79912.
Adoption hours are listed as open daily from 12 PM to 6 PM.
Cats at the Zoo
4001 Paisano, El Paso, TX 79905.
Listed Friday–Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM, with last ticket sold at 3 PM.
How to Adopt from El Paso Animal Services
The safest adoption plan is to check the official animal listings first, visit the correct location, bring valid ID and ask staff what is included with that specific pet.
Check available pets online
Start on the official EPAS adoption page. A pet may be at the main shelter, a satellite adoption center, a foster home, a partner location, or a temporary event.
Confirm the location
Do not assume every pet is at 5001 Fred Wilson. Check the profile or call if you are visiting for one specific animal.
Visit during adoption hours
Main shelter adoption and foster hours are listed daily from 11 AM to 6 PM. Westside hours are listed daily from 12 PM to 6 PM.
Ask practical questions
Ask about energy level, age, behavior notes, medical status, spay/neuter status, microchip, vaccines, city registration and whether the animal has any restrictions or follow-up needs.
Prepare the ride home
Bring a secure leash, collar, crate or cat carrier. Plan a calm first day at home instead of taking a new pet straight into a busy environment.
El Paso Animal Shelter Adoption Fees and What Is Included
EPAS adoption fees and specials can change during events, holidays, capacity campaigns and partner promotions. Many EPAS adoption events describe adoptions as including spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccines, microchip and city registration, but you should confirm the current fee and included services before adopting.
Spay or neuter
Public EPAS adoption promotions commonly state that adopted pets include spay/neuter service. Confirm timing if the pet is not yet altered.
Microchip
Adoption materials often mention a microchip. Make sure your contact information is correct and updated after adoption.
Vaccines and registration
EPAS event materials commonly mention age-appropriate vaccinations and City registration as part of adoption packages.
Lost Pet Help at El Paso Animal Services
If your dog or cat is missing in El Paso, act quickly. EPAS recommends checking the Pet Finder Map, filing a Lost Pet Report, visiting the shelter, using Petco Love Lost and keeping your microchip details updated.
Use the Pet Finder Map
Check the EPAS Pet Finder Map regularly. New pets arrive daily, and your pet may be renamed or tagged differently on intake.
Bring proof of ownership
Bring photos, vet records, microchip registration, license records or other proof if you believe a pet at the shelter is yours.
Understand hold periods
EPAS lost-pet resources list stray hold periods of 3 days for pets without ID and 6 days for pets with ID.
Found a Pet in El Paso: What to Do First
EPAS encourages community-based reunification when it is safe. A healthy, friendly found pet may have a better chance of going home if you search close to the area where the pet was found.
Safe found-pet steps
- Scan the pet for a microchip at EPAS, EPPD fire stations, Petco stores or veterinary clinics.
- File a Found Pet Report and check the Pet Finder Map for matching lost reports.
- Post clear photos on neighborhood groups, Nextdoor and local lost/found pet groups.
- Talk to neighbors near the found location because many pets are found close to home.
- Ask EPAS about Finder-to-Foster support if you can safely hold the pet temporarily.
When to call 311 instead
- The animal is sick, injured, in danger or abandoned.
- The animal is aggressive, vicious or creating a public-safety risk.
- You suspect cruelty, neglect or abuse.
- The situation involves a bite, attack, active danger or urgent welfare issue.
- You are unsure whether the animal falls under city or county jurisdiction.
El Paso Animal Control and Animal Protection Help
People often search “El Paso animal shelter and control” when they actually need animal protection or enforcement help. EPAS Animal Protection Officers respond to loose animals, bites, neglect, cruelty and similar animal-related city concerns.
Animal concern
Call 311 to report animal concerns, loose animals, suspected neglect, cruelty concerns or animal-related service issues.
Emergency
Call 911 if an animal cruelty situation, attack, immediate danger or public-safety emergency is happening right now.
Cruelty unit
EPAS contact guidance lists the El Paso Police Department Animal Cruelty Unit number as 915-212-0800.
City of El Paso Pet Registration Note
El Paso’s official permits and licenses page says dogs, cats and ferrets in the City of El Paso that are four months of age or older must be registered. The pet must also have a current rabies vaccine and microchip, with listed EPAS registration options.
Age rule
City registration applies to dogs, cats and ferrets four months of age or older inside the City of El Paso.
Rabies and microchip
EPAS says registration requires a current rabies vaccine and microchip, with some community-cat exceptions noted.
Listed registration fee
The official page lists direct EPAS registration at $12.50, but you should confirm current payment rules before submitting.
Map to El Paso Animal Services
Use this map for the main shelter at 5001 Fred Wilson Ave. If you are going to Westside, Cats at the Zoo or an event location, open the official EPAS contact page first and route to the correct address.
Arrive early
Do not arrive close to closing if you want to meet pets, ask questions and complete adoption steps.
Check location
Confirm whether the pet is at the main shelter, Westside, foster care, the zoo cat center or an event.
Bring transport
Bring a leash, collar, crate or carrier so a new pet can leave safely if the adoption is completed.
Official El Paso Animal Services Links
Use official EPAS pages for current pet listings, location status, lost/found tools, animal protection, pet registration and service updates. This independent guide is only for planning.
El Paso Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is El Paso Animal Services located?
The main El Paso Animal Services Center is located at 5001 Fred Wilson Ave., El Paso, TX 79906.
What is the phone number for El Paso Animal Services?
The main phone number is 915-212-7297, also commonly written as 915-212-PAWS.
What are El Paso Animal Shelter adoption hours?
The main shelter lists adoption and foster hours as open seven days a week from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Is El Paso Animal Services the same as animal control?
El Paso Animal Services includes Animal Protection Officers who respond to animal-related concerns. For animal concerns, use 311. For active emergencies, call 911.
Where is the Westside Adoption Center in El Paso?
The Westside Adoption Center is listed at 5625 Confetti Dr., El Paso, TX 79912, with adoption hours listed daily from 12 PM to 6 PM.
Does El Paso Animal Services have cats at the zoo?
Yes. The Cats at the Zoo-Pet Encounter & Adoption Center is listed at 4001 Paisano, El Paso, TX 79905, with hours Friday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM and last ticket sold at 3 PM.
What should I do if my pet is lost in El Paso?
Check the EPAS Pet Finder Map, file a Lost Pet Report, visit the main shelter, update your microchip information, use Petco Love Lost and bring proof of ownership if you find a matching pet.
What should I do if I found a pet in El Paso?
Scan for a microchip, file a Found Pet Report, check lost-pet listings, post locally and contact EPAS for Finder-to-Foster resources if you can safely hold the pet temporarily.
How long are stray pets held at El Paso Animal Services?
EPAS lost-pet resources list 3 days for pets without ID and 6 days for pets with ID such as collar, tags or microchip.
When should I call 311 for an animal issue in El Paso?
Call 311 for sick, injured, in-danger, aggressive, abandoned, neglected or cruelty-related animal concerns. Call 911 if the emergency is actively happening.
Do pets need to be registered in the City of El Paso?
El Paso’s official registration page says dogs, cats and ferrets four months of age or older must be registered, with current rabies vaccine and microchip requirements.
Final Take: Check the Official EPAS Page Before You Drive
El Paso Animal Services is the main public animal shelter and animal-services department for many people searching “El Paso animal shelter,” “El Paso animal control,” or “El Paso Animal Shelter & Control.” The key visitor details are simple: the main shelter is at 5001 Fred Wilson Ave., the main phone is 915-212-7297, and adoption/foster hours are listed daily from 11 AM to 6 PM.
Before visiting, check the official adoptable pet listings, confirm the pet’s location, bring valid ID, prepare safe transport and arrive with enough time. For lost pets, act quickly and use the Pet Finder Map and Lost Pet Report. For animal-control concerns, do not rely on adoption channels alone — use 311 or 911 when the situation requires official response.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with El Paso Animal Services, the City of El Paso, any official shelter portal, or any animal-control agency. Always verify current details directly with official sources before visiting, adopting, reclaiming, surrendering, registering a pet or reporting an animal concern.
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.