Yolo County Animal Shelter, Control & Adoption 2026

Yolo County, California Shelter Guide

Yolo County Animal Shelter Control & Adoption 2026

Use this guide before visiting Yolo County Animal Services in Woodland, California. It covers adoption hours, dog appointments, cat walk-ins, address, phone numbers, emergency dispatch, adoption fees, lost-pet hold periods, owner surrender, licensing, microchips, map directions and official links.

The official name is Yolo County Animal Services, but many visitors search it as Yolo County Animal Shelter or Yolo County Animal Control. Start with the official dog, cat and small-animal pages before driving because animal availability and appointment needs can change quickly.

2640 E. Gibson Road 530-668-5287 Urgent: 530-666-8282 Dog appointments Cat walk-ins
Fast answer: Yolo County Animal Services is located at 2640 E. Gibson Road, Woodland, CA 95776. The main phone number is 530-668-5287 and urgent animal service is listed as 530-666-8282. General operating hours for stray drop-off, inquiries and pet redemption are Monday–Friday 10 AM–5 PM and Saturday 10 AM–4 PM. Dog adoptions are listed as appointment-only Monday–Saturday 11 AM–3 PM, while cat walk-ins are allowed Monday–Friday 10 AM–4 PM and Saturday 10 AM–3 PM.

Yolo County Animal Shelter Quick Details

These are the details most visitors need before calling, checking adoptable pets, reclaiming a lost animal, reporting a bite, asking about surrender, or planning a shelter visit.

MAP

Address

2640 E. Gibson Road, Woodland, CA 95776.

Use the map section below for directions and confirm your visit type first.

CALL

Main phone

530-668-5287.

Use this for shelter questions, non-emergency assistance and office-hour support.

SOS

Urgent service

530-666-8282 is listed for urgent animal service such as vicious dogs or animals in distress.

WEB

Best first step

Check official adoptable pets online before visiting because dog visits may require appointments.

Important visitor note: Dog adoption and cat adoption do not work exactly the same. Dog adoptions are listed as appointment-based from 11 AM to 3 PM, while cat visits are walk-in during the listed cat adoption windows.

What Yolo County Animal Services Actually Does

Yolo County Animal Services is a taxpayer-funded, open-admission municipal shelter. It provides housing, care and medical treatment for stray, lost, abandoned, sick, injured and surrendered animals, including domestic and exotic animals.

Shelter services

Adoption and redemption

The shelter helps with pet adoptions, redemptions, rescues, licensing, microchipping and low-cost vaccination information.

Animal control

Complaints and welfare checks

YCAS investigates barking complaints, bites, welfare concerns, abuse or neglect reports, loose animals and contained animal pickup requests.

Service area

County-wide support

The service area includes Woodland, Davis, West Sacramento, Winters, UC Davis and unincorporated Yolo County communities.

Service-area tip: If an animal issue happened outside your city or county boundary, call first and explain the exact location. Animal-control routing depends on where the animal is located, not where the caller lives.

Yolo County Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026

Yolo County uses different windows for general shelter services, dog adoption appointments, cat walk-ins and lost-pet searches. Check the table before you drive.

Adoption Hours Dogs 11–3 Cats walk-in

Current listed hours

General operating hours are Monday–Friday 10 AM–5 PM and Saturday 10 AM–4 PM. Dog adoptions are listed Monday–Saturday 11 AM–3 PM by appointment. Cat walk-ins are Monday–Friday 10 AM–4 PM and Saturday 10 AM–3 PM.

For dogs, submit an inquiry or schedule before visiting. For cats, check in at the front office.
Visit Type Listed Hours Best Visitor Tip
General services Mon–Fri 10 AM–5 PM; Sat 10 AM–4 PM Use for stray drop-off, general inquiries, pet redemption and pickup questions.
Dog adoption Mon–Sat 11 AM–3 PM Dog adoptions are appointment-based; submit the dog inquiry or schedule before visiting.
Cat adoption Mon–Fri 10 AM–4 PM; Sat 10 AM–3 PM Cat walk-ins are allowed. Check in at the front office first.
Lost-pet search Mon–Fri 10 AM–4 PM; Sat 10 AM–3 PM Visit in person and check the official lost/found pages before and after you go.
Sunday Not listed for public adoption/service hours Use Sunday to review pets online, prepare documents and confirm the next open day.
Timing warning: Do not assume a dog can be met as a walk-in on every open day. Dog adoption rules are appointment-focused, and current pet availability can change before you arrive.

How Adoption Works at Yolo County Animal Shelter

YCAS asks adopters to start online, choose a pet carefully, make sure housing rules allow pets, and then meet the animal through the correct dog or cat process.

View adoptable pets online

Browse dogs, cats and small animals online first. Think about size, temperament, grooming, age, known medical concerns and long-term care before choosing.

Use the right meeting process

For dogs, Monday–Thursday visits require submitting an inquiry or scheduling first, while Friday and Saturday may not require an appointment. For cats, walk in during cat adoption hours and check in at the front office.

Bring the household

Bring children and household members when possible. For dog adoption, bring household dogs if compatibility needs to be checked.

Complete the adoption questionnaire

After choosing a pet, complete the correct dog or cat adoption form and meet with an adoption specialist to finish paperwork and payment.

Plan for spay/neuter timing

If the pet is already altered, you may be able to take the pet home. If not, surgery may need to be scheduled and pickup happens after surgery is completed.

Helpful adoption detail: YCAS says adopters go home with a “go bag” sponsored by Friends of Yolo County Animal Services, which can include basics such as leash, collar, toys, treats and food depending on the pet type.

Yolo County Animal Shelter Adoption Fees

Yolo County’s fee page lists simple adoption fees, but licensing fees may still apply depending on your address. Confirm the final total before payment.

DOG

Dogs and puppies

$50 is the listed dog and puppy adoption fee.

Yolo County residents may also need a dog licensing fee.

CAT

Cats and kittens

$50 is the listed cat and kitten adoption fee.

A pair of cats or kittens is listed at $75.

RAB

Rabbits and other pets

$25 is listed for rabbits and other animals.

Ask staff what is included for the specific species.

VET

Veterans

Dog and cat adoption fees are listed as waived for veterans with valid identification.

Confirm current eligibility at the shelter.

Payment note: The official fee page lists accepted payment methods as cash, check, Visa, Mastercard and Discover. Bring a backup payment method if your visit is time-sensitive.

Adoptable Dogs, Cats and Small Animals at Yolo County

Dog, cat and small-animal adoptions have different practical steps. Use the right page and prepare before arriving.

Dog adoption planning

Dog adoptions are listed from 11 AM to 3 PM by appointment. Dog adoption information lists a $50 dog and puppy fee plus a $21 licensing fee for Yolo County residents.

  • Schedule or submit an inquiry before visiting for dogs.
  • Ask about temperament, size, known medical concerns and care needs.
  • Bring household dogs when compatibility should be checked.
  • Bring a leash, collar or harness plan for safe transport.

Cat adoption planning

Cat adoptions are walk-in during listed cat hours. The cat page lists $50 for cats and kittens and $75 for two cats or kittens.

  • Check in at the front office before visiting the cat annex.
  • Bring a secure carrier if adoption is likely.
  • Ask whether the cat is shy, social, playful or calm.
  • Prepare a quiet starter room at home.

Small-animal planning

YCAS also lists small animals. Rabbits and other animals may have different housing, food, handling and veterinary needs than dogs or cats.

  • Ask about enclosure size and daily care.
  • Ask what supplies you need before pickup.
  • Ask about handling and stress signs.
  • Confirm the adoption fee and included care.
Availability warning: Online pet listings can change quickly. A pet may be adopted, moved, on hold, in surgery timing, reclaimed by an owner or temporarily unavailable. Confirm before driving for one specific pet.

Yolo County Animal Control Phone and Routing

Animal-control needs are different from adoption questions. Use the emergency or non-emergency route based on the situation.

Urgent service

Vicious dog or distress

If you have an emergency such as a vicious dog or an animal in distress, YCAS lists 530-666-8282.

Non-emergency

Regular business help

For non-emergency assistance during regular business hours, call 530-668-5287.

Animal bites

Report immediately

YCAS asks animal bites to be reported immediately. The animal-bite page lists office-hour and non-business-hour reporting numbers.

Call script: “I’m calling about an animal issue at [exact address/intersection] in [city/community]. The animal is [dog/cat/livestock/wildlife], the issue is [bite/loose/injured/distress/barking/abuse/found], and it is happening [now/earlier today]. Which Yolo County route should handle this?”

Lost and Found Pets Near Yolo County

YCAS strongly recommends visiting the shelter in person if your pet is missing. Online listings help, but physically checking the shelter and other nearby shelters can matter.

If your pet is missing

  • Visit Yolo County Animal Services at 2640 E. Gibson Road in Woodland.
  • Check official lost/found pets online before and after your visit.
  • Bring clear photos, vet records, microchip details and proof of ownership.
  • Check nearby shelters too, especially if the pet traveled across city lines.
  • Keep checking daily during the hold period.

If you found a pet

  • Do not put yourself at risk with a scared, injured or aggressive animal.
  • Record the exact location and time found.
  • Contact YCAS for the correct next step and service-area routing.
  • Ask about microchip scanning and found-pet reporting.
  • Do not permanently rehome a found pet without following the proper process.
Hold-period note: YCAS says microchipped animals are held for 7 days and un-microchipped animals are held for 3 days. After the hold period, animals may be made available for adoption through the shelter.

Owner Surrender at Yolo County Animal Shelter

YCAS explains that surrender should come after exploring alternatives such as financial support, behavior help, allergy support, housing solutions and safe rehoming.

Before surrendering

  • Look for pet food, veterinary or financial support first.
  • Ask about behavior and training resources if behavior is the problem.
  • Try responsible direct rehoming while the pet remains safely with you.
  • Prepare photos and a useful pet bio if a courtesy post may help.
  • Do not abandon a pet outside the shelter.

If surrender is still needed

  • YCAS says surrender may have a waiting period due to high demand and limited space.
  • Yolo County residents can use the dog or cat surrender forms.
  • Continue searching for a new home while waiting for an opening.
  • The listed surrender fee is $50.
  • Be honest about medical, behavior, bite history and care needs.
Responsible surrender note: If you cannot keep a pet, call and follow the official process. Leaving an animal without notice can create danger for the pet and can make intake harder for shelter staff.

Yolo County Licensing and Microchipping

Licensing and microchipping are not just paperwork. They help protect public health, confirm rabies vaccination status and increase the chance of a lost pet returning home.

LIC

DocuPet licensing

YCAS says it has officially partnered with DocuPet for pet licensing in Yolo County.

RAB

Rabies protection

Licensing helps confirm rabies vaccination and supports public-health tracking.

CHIP

Microchip return help

YCAS says all shelter-adopted animals are microchipped, and microchips help reunite pets when collars or tags are lost.

Lost-pet tip: A microchip is only useful if the registration has a current phone number and address. Update your chip record immediately if your pet is missing.

What to Bring Before You Visit Yolo County Animal Shelter

A smoother shelter visit starts before you leave home. Bring the basics for adoption, lost-pet reclaim, surrender questions or animal-service follow-up.

ID

Photo ID

Bring a government ID for adoption, reclaim, licensing or official shelter paperwork.

HOME

Housing permission

If you rent or have HOA rules, check pet restrictions before starting adoption.

PAY

Payment method

Bring a supported payment method and ask about licensing or extra fees before checkout.

DOG

Resident dog

If adopting a dog, bring household dogs when a compatibility check is needed.

CAT

Cat carrier

Bring a secure carrier if adopting or reclaiming a cat.

PROOF

Ownership proof

For lost-pet reclaim, bring photos, microchip records, vet records and other proof.

Yolo County Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Arrival Tips

Use the map for directions to 2640 E. Gibson Road in Woodland. Before driving, confirm whether your visit is for adoption, lost-pet search, redemption, surrender, stray drop-off or urgent animal service.

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

Dog visit first

Schedule or submit an inquiry before dog adoption visits, especially Monday through Thursday.

CAT

Cat walk-in

For cats, check in at the front office and then visit the cat annex during cat walk-in hours.

CALL

Urgent issues

For vicious dogs, animals in distress or urgent service, use the urgent animal service number.

Choose Your Best Route Before You Call

This quick decision section helps you avoid calling the wrong number or arriving at the wrong time.

I want to adopt a dog

View adoptable dogs, schedule or submit the dog inquiry, bring household members and dogs if needed, then visit during dog adoption hours.

I want to adopt a cat

View adoptable cats, visit during cat walk-in hours, check in at the front office and bring a secure carrier if adoption is likely.

I lost my pet

Check lost/found listings, visit the shelter in person, bring ownership proof and keep checking during the 3-day or 7-day hold window.

I need animal control

Use 530-668-5287 for non-emergency office-hour help and 530-666-8282 for urgent service such as vicious dogs or animals in distress.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at Yolo County Animal Shelter

Most visit problems happen because people confuse dog appointments with cat walk-ins, forget proof documents or wait too long after a pet goes missing.

Before visiting

  • Do not assume dog adoptions are always walk-in.
  • Do not arrive for cat visits outside cat walk-in hours.
  • Do not drive for one pet without confirming availability.
  • Do not forget ID, payment and safe transport.
  • Do not use adoption hours for urgent animal-control emergencies.

Before reclaim or surrender

  • Do not delay if your pet is missing because hold periods are time-sensitive.
  • Do not arrive without proof of ownership.
  • Do not surrender without trying support and rehome options first.
  • Do not hide bite history, illness, medication or behavior concerns.
  • Do not abandon an animal outside the facility.

Yolo County Animal Shelter FAQ

Where is Yolo County Animal Shelter located?

Yolo County Animal Services is located at 2640 E. Gibson Road, Woodland, CA 95776.

What is the phone number for Yolo County Animal Shelter?

The main phone number is 530-668-5287. For urgent animal service, YCAS lists 530-666-8282.

What are Yolo County Animal Shelter adoption hours?

Dog adoptions are listed as appointment-only Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM. Cat walk-ins are allowed Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM.

What are general Yolo County Animal Services hours?

General operating hours for services such as stray animal drop-off, general inquiries and pet redemption are Monday through Friday 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM.

Do I need an appointment to adopt a dog at Yolo County Animal Services?

Yes. YCAS lists dog adoptions as appointment-only from Monday through Saturday 11 AM to 3 PM. The adoption process page also says Monday through Thursday dog visits require an inquiry form, while Friday and Saturday may not require an appointment.

Can I walk in to adopt a cat at Yolo County Animal Services?

Yes. Cat adoptions are listed as walk-ins Monday through Friday 10 AM to 4 PM and Saturday 10 AM to 3 PM. Check in at the front office before visiting the cat annex.

How much are adoption fees at Yolo County Animal Shelter?

The official fee page lists dogs and cats at $50, a pair of cats or kittens at $75, and rabbits or other animals at $25. Dog licensing fees may also apply for Yolo County residents.

Does Yolo County Animal Services waive adoption fees for veterans?

Yes. The fee page and dog/cat pages list waived dog and cat adoption fees for veterans with valid identification.

How long does Yolo County hold lost pets?

YCAS says microchipped animals are held for 7 days and un-microchipped animals are held for 3 days. After the hold period, animals may be made available for adoption.

How do I surrender a pet to Yolo County Animal Services?

YCAS asks owners to explore alternatives first. If surrender is still needed, Yolo County residents can submit dog or cat surrender forms and may be placed on a waiting list. The listed surrender fee is $50.

Who should I call for urgent animal control in Yolo County?

For urgent service such as a vicious dog or an animal in distress, YCAS lists 530-666-8282. For non-emergency help during regular business hours, call 530-668-5287.

Final Take: Plan Your Yolo County Shelter Visit Before You Drive

Yolo County Animal Services is the main county shelter and animal-control resource at 2640 E. Gibson Road in Woodland. It helps with adoption, redemption, lost and found pets, surrender guidance, licensing, microchipping, animal-control complaints, bite reports and welfare concerns.

The most important visitor detail is that dog and cat adoption rules are different. Dog adoptions use appointment-focused 11 AM–3 PM windows, while cats allow walk-ins during listed cat hours. If your pet is missing, visit in person quickly because hold periods are time-sensitive.

Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Yolo County Animal Services, Yolo County, 24Petconnect, DocuPet, animal control or any official shelter portal. Always verify current hours, fees, pet availability, appointment requirements, surrender rules, licensing details and urgent-service instructions directly with official sources.

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

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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.

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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.

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