Boone County Animal Shelter, Control & Adoption 2026

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Boone County, Kentucky Shelter Guide

Boone County Animal Shelter Control & Adoption 2026

Use this guide before visiting Boone County Animal Care & Control in Burlington, Kentucky. It explains adoption hours, address, phone number, animal-control services, adoption fees, dog licensing, lost-and-found pets, outdoor cats, TNR-style community cat help, foster support, map directions and official links.

Start with the official ShelterBuddy adoption portal before driving. Pet availability changes quickly, and some visitors need lost-pet support, animal-control help, dog licensing, owner-relinquishment guidance or community resources rather than adoption.

View Available Animals Adoption Info Hours & Map
5620 Idlewild Road 859-586-5285 Adoptions noon–6 weekdays Saturday noon–4 Animal control, licensing & TNR
Fast answer: Boone County Animal Care & Control is located at 5620 Idlewild Road, Burlington, KY 41005. The main phone number is 859-586-5285. Office hours are listed as Monday–Friday 10 AM–6 PM and Saturday 12 PM–4 PM. Adoption/open kennel hours are listed as Monday–Friday 12 PM–6 PM and Saturday 12 PM–4 PM. Use the official ShelterBuddy portal to search adoptable, lost and found animals before visiting.

Boone County Animal Shelter Quick Details

These are the core details to check before you visit, call, adopt, report an animal concern, search for a missing pet, license a dog or ask about community cat resources.

MAP

Address

5620 Idlewild Road, Burlington, KY 41005.

Use the map section below and confirm public hours before driving.

CALL

Main phone

859-586-5285.

Call for adoption, lost/found pets, animal-control questions, dog licensing and shelter service help.

HRS

Office hours

Monday–Friday: 10 AM–6 PM.

Saturday: 12 PM–4 PM.

OPEN

Adoption hours

Monday–Friday: 12 PM–6 PM.

Saturday: 12 PM–4 PM.

Best first step: If you want to adopt, search available animals online first. If you lost or found a pet, use the ShelterBuddy lost/found tools and contact the shelter quickly. If you need animal-control help, describe the exact location and urgency when calling.

What Boone County Animal Care & Control Helps With

Boone County Animal Care & Control is more than a pet adoption desk. Its official services include sheltering, animal control, community outreach, pet licensing, foster support, owner relinquishments, spay/neuter services, community cat programs, stray holding, cruelty investigations and in-house medical care.

Adoption

Dogs, cats and other pets

BCACC lists available animals through its ShelterBuddy portal and provides adoption services during posted adoption/open kennel hours.

Animal control

Public-safety support

Animal-control work may include stray holding, animal complaints, cruelty investigations and public education.

Community help

Keeping pets with families

The county highlights food bank support, foster programs, pet licensing, owner-relinquishment services and community cat programs.

Important name note: Many people call it “Boone County Animal Shelter,” but the official county department name is Boone County Animal Care & Control. Use official Boone County pages for current rules and the ShelterBuddy portal for current animals.

Boone County Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026

The public office hours and adoption/open kennel hours are not exactly the same. Use the correct window for your purpose so you do not arrive when staff are open for office service but not open kennel adoption visits.

Visit Hours Noon start for adoptions

Office vs adoption window

Office hours are Monday–Friday 10 AM–6 PM and Saturday 12 PM–4 PM. Adoption/open kennel hours are Monday–Friday 12 PM–6 PM and Saturday 12 PM–4 PM.

For adoption, plan your visit after noon and arrive early enough to meet animals and ask questions.
Day Office Hours Adoption/Open Kennel Hours Best Use
Monday 10 AM–6 PM 12 PM–6 PM Adoption visits after noon, lost/found follow-up and licensing questions.
Tuesday 10 AM–6 PM 12 PM–6 PM Good for calling first about a specific adoptable animal.
Wednesday 10 AM–6 PM 12 PM–6 PM Good midweek adoption and animal-control follow-up day.
Thursday 10 AM–6 PM 12 PM–6 PM Good for visitors who need staff time and fewer weekend crowds.
Friday 10 AM–6 PM 12 PM–6 PM Good before the shorter Saturday window.
Saturday 12 PM–4 PM 12 PM–4 PM Shorter visit window. Arrive early if adoption is possible.
Sunday Not listed as open Not listed as open Use online pet listings and prepare questions for the next open day.
Do not cut it close: Adoption visits can involve animal matching, questions, paperwork, transport planning and fee review. Arriving near closing can mean you have to return another day.

How Adoption Works at Boone County Animal Shelter

BCACC’s adoption process starts with the official available-animal portal, but a smart adopter should also prepare household details, transport, questions and backup options before visiting.

Search available animals online

Start with the ShelterBuddy portal. It includes options to search adoption animals, found pets and lost pets. Save the animal name, ID or screenshot before calling or visiting.

Confirm the animal is still available

Pet availability can change quickly. If you are driving for one specific dog, cat or other pet, call 859-586-5285 before leaving.

Visit during adoption/open kennel hours

Adoption/open kennel hours are listed as noon to 6 PM Monday through Friday and noon to 4 PM on Saturday. Do not arrive before the open kennel window expecting adoption visits.

Ask fit questions before saying yes

Ask about energy level, medical notes, spay/neuter status, microchip, vaccination status, other pets, children, leash behavior, litterbox habits and first-week adjustment.

Review fees, contract and transport

Bring ID, payment method and safe transport. Cats need a secure carrier. Dogs need a safe leash, collar, harness or crate plan for the ride home.

Good adopter question: “What kind of home would not be a good match for this animal?” This helps staff explain energy, noise, behavior, medical or household concerns more honestly.

Boone County Animal Shelter Adoption Fees

Boone County publishes adoption fees by animal type and spay/neuter status. Some animals may require a spay/neuter contract if not already altered. Confirm the current fee before adoption because shelter policies and promotions can change.

Animal Type Spayed / Neutered Not Spayed / Neutered Important Note
Dogs / puppies $60 $120 Unaltered pets may require a spay/neuter contract.
Cats age 1 year+ Free $90 Ask whether the cat is fully ready to go home.
Kittens $45 $90 Confirm vaccine timing, age and spay/neuter instructions.
Barn cats Free N/A Barn-cat placement is a specific program; ask about setup requirements.
Ferrets N/A $40 Confirm handling, housing and care needs before adoption.
Pocket pets $10 $10 Ask about species-specific care, cage needs and food requirements.
CARE

What the fee includes

The county says adoption fees include spay/neuter, vaccinations, parasite treatment as needed, microchip, registration, Boone County license, a free health check with a participating veterinarian and an adoption kit.

FIX

Unaltered animals

If an animal is not yet spayed or neutered, the listing fee table notes that a spay/neuter contract may be required.

ASK

Confirm before paying

Always confirm the current fee, what is included, and whether any follow-up appointment or contract applies before leaving with the pet.

Lost and Found Pets at Boone County Animal Shelter

If your pet is missing or you found an animal, use Boone County’s ShelterBuddy tools quickly. Do not wait several days, because shelter intake, owner reclaim, transfers and adoption status can change.

If your pet is missing

  • Search the ShelterBuddy lost and found tools.
  • Visit the shelter in person if you think your pet may be there.
  • Bring clear photos, microchip details, rabies proof and vet records.
  • Update your microchip company with a working phone number.
  • Check nearby city, county and rescue pages because pets may cross boundaries.

If you found a pet

  • Use the ShelterBuddy found-animal option if appropriate.
  • Document the exact location, date and time the animal was found.
  • Do not put yourself at risk with an injured, scared or aggressive animal.
  • Call BCACC for instructions before transporting the animal.
  • Ask about microchip scanning, intake and owner-reclaim steps.
Fast reunion tip: The best lost-pet approach is usually online reporting plus in-person shelter checking. Photos, microchip numbers and vet records can help staff verify ownership faster.

Animal Control Help in Boone County

Animal-control calls should be clear and location-specific. Boone County Animal Care & Control handles many services, but urgency matters. Dangerous or immediate public-safety situations may require emergency routing.

Normal service

Call BCACC

For shelter, animal-control, licensing, stray holding, pet-owner resource and community cat questions, call 859-586-5285 during service hours.

Animal concern

Give exact details

Give the exact address or cross streets, animal description, behavior, direction of travel and whether anyone is in immediate danger.

Emergency

Use emergency help

For active attacks, severe injury, immediate public danger or urgent law-enforcement needs, use the appropriate emergency service.

Call script: “Hi, I’m calling about an animal issue at [exact address/intersection] in Boone County. The animal is [dog/cat/other], the situation is [loose/injured/aggressive/found/bite], and it is happening [now/earlier today]. What should I do next?”

Boone County Dog Licensing

Boone County dog licensing is separate from adoption. The official licensing page says dog licenses can be purchased online, in person and by mail, and that current rabies vaccination is needed for dogs being licensed.

$9

Spayed/neutered dog

The official page lists a $9 licensing fee for a spayed or neutered dog when verification requirements are met.

$15

Intact dog

The official page lists a $15 fee for an intact dog that has not been spayed or neutered.

$5

Senior license

The official page lists a $5 senior license where the owner is over 65 and the dog is spayed or neutered.

Licensing reminder: License rules, renewal deadlines and forms can change. Use the official Boone County dog licensing page before mailing anything or paying online.

Outdoor Cats, Barn Cats and Community Cat Help

Boone County lists outdoor cats, barn cats and community cat programs among its shelter resources. This matters because a friendly owned cat, a lost cat, a feral outdoor cat and a barn-cat candidate are not handled the same way.

BARN

Barn cats

Barn cats are listed in the adoption fee table as free when available. Ask staff what setup, shelter and feeding expectations apply.

TNR

Community cats

BCACC lists community cat programs and spay/neuter services among its official services. Call before trapping or relocating cats.

LOST

Owned cats

If a cat looks owned, friendly or recently lost, check ShelterBuddy lost/found tools and nearby posts before assuming it is a feral outdoor cat.

Before trapping: Ask BCACC about current community cat rules, appointment availability, transport expectations, recovery instructions and how to avoid trapping someone’s lost pet.

What to Bring Before You Visit Boone County Animal Shelter

A smoother visit starts before you leave home. Bring the basics that help staff answer questions faster and help you complete adoption, reclaim or licensing steps safely.

ID

Photo ID

Bring a government ID for adoption, reclaim, licensing or ownership verification needs.

PET ID

Animal details

Bring the animal name, ID number or screenshot from the online listing if asking about a specific pet.

PAY

Payment method

Bring a valid payment method for adoption, license, reclaim or other applicable fees.

CAT

Cat carrier

Bring a secure cat carrier if adoption or reclaim is likely.

DOG

Dog transport

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

RAB

Rabies proof

For dog licensing or reclaim questions, rabies vaccination proof can be important.

Boone County Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Arrival Tips

Use the map for directions to 5620 Idlewild Road in Burlington. Before driving, check whether your visit is for adoption, lost/found pets, dog licensing, animal-control follow-up, community cat help or another shelter service.

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

Adoption starts at noon

Do not confuse office opening with open kennel adoption hours.

CALL

Call first for one pet

If you want one specific animal, confirm availability before driving.

SAFE

Bring safe transport

A carrier, leash, harness or crate can make adoption or reclaim much smoother.

Choose Your Best Route Before You Call

This quick decision section helps visitors avoid calling the wrong place or showing up unprepared.

I want to adopt

Search ShelterBuddy, write down the animal name or ID, call if needed, then visit during adoption/open kennel hours. Bring ID, payment method and safe transport.

I lost my pet

Use the ShelterBuddy lost/found tools, visit the shelter in person, bring photos and microchip details, and act quickly.

I found an animal

Document the exact location, avoid unsafe handling, use the found-animal tool where appropriate and call BCACC for instructions.

I need animal-control help

Call with exact address, animal description and urgency. Use emergency help for active public-safety danger.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at Boone County Animal Shelter

These mistakes waste time and can make adoption, reclaim, licensing or animal-control help harder than necessary.

Before visiting

  • Do not arrive before noon expecting adoption/open kennel visits.
  • Do not drive for one pet without confirming availability first.
  • Do not assume old directory addresses are current; use the official 5620 Idlewild Road location.
  • Do not forget a cat carrier or safe dog transport plan.
  • Do not wait several days if your pet may be in county care.

Before adopting or licensing

  • Do not adopt without checking landlord and pet-limit rules.
  • Do not assume fees are unchanged without checking the official page.
  • Do not ignore spay/neuter contract instructions for unaltered pets.
  • Do not try to license a dog without current rabies vaccination details.
  • Do not handle aggressive, injured or frightened animals without instruction.

Boone County Animal Shelter FAQ

Where is Boone County Animal Shelter located?

Boone County Animal Care & Control is located at 5620 Idlewild Road, Burlington, KY 41005.

What is the phone number for Boone County Animal Shelter?

The main phone number is 859-586-5285.

What are Boone County Animal Shelter office hours?

Office hours are listed as Monday through Friday 10 AM–6 PM and Saturday 12 PM–4 PM.

What are Boone County Animal Shelter adoption hours?

Adoption/open kennel hours are listed as Monday through Friday 12 PM–6 PM and Saturday 12 PM–4 PM.

Where can I see adoptable pets at Boone County Animal Shelter?

Use the official Boone County ShelterBuddy animal portal to search pets available for adoption.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog from Boone County Animal Shelter?

The official adoption fee table lists dogs and puppies at $60 if spayed or neutered and $120 if not spayed or neutered, with a spay/neuter contract note for unaltered animals.

How much does it cost to adopt a cat from Boone County Animal Shelter?

The official fee table lists cats age 1 year and older as free if spayed or neutered and $90 if not spayed or neutered. Kittens are listed at $45 if spayed or neutered and $90 if not altered.

What is included in a Boone County Animal Shelter adoption fee?

The county says the fee includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, parasite treatment as needed, microchip, registration, Boone County license, a free health check with a participating veterinarian and an adoption kit.

Does Boone County Animal Shelter handle lost and found pets?

Yes. The ShelterBuddy portal includes tools to search lost pets, search found pets, add a found animal and add a lost animal.

Does Boone County require dog licenses?

The official dog licensing page says Boone County dog licenses can be purchased online, in person or by mail, and current rabies vaccination is needed for dogs being licensed.

What should I bring before visiting Boone County Animal Shelter?

Bring photo ID, animal listing details if adopting, proof of ownership if reclaiming, rabies or vet records when relevant, payment method, a cat carrier for cats and a secure leash or crate plan for dogs.

Final Take: Check Boone County’s Official Route First

Boone County Animal Care & Control is the official county resource for adoption services, animal control, lost and found pets, foster programs, pet licensing, community outreach, owner relinquishments, spay/neuter support, community cat programs, stray holding and cruelty investigations.

The most important visitor details are simple: use the ShelterBuddy portal first, call 859-586-5285 when you need confirmation, visit after noon for adoption/open kennel hours, bring safe transport, and verify current fees or policies before making final plans.

Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Boone County Animal Care & Control, Boone County Fiscal Court, ShelterBuddy, animal control, police or any official government portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, reclaiming, licensing or reporting an animal concern.

USA-wide shelter helper • adoption, lost pets, found pets, surrender and animal control

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

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.

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.

0% readiness signals checked

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

Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.

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.

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.

USA-wide Shelter user intent Official-source focused

Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.

Independent shelter-help tool. Not affiliated with any animal shelter, humane society, rescue, animal control agency, city, county, state agency, veterinarian, or microchip company. Always confirm current rules, hours, fees, and requirements directly with the official organization.