Jefferson County Animal Shelter Adoption & Pets 2026
Use this guide before visiting Jefferson County Animal Shelter in Madison, Indiana. It covers adoption hours, address, phone number, dogs, cats, adoption fees, renter requirements, foster-to-adopt, reclaim fees, owner relinquish rules, stray animal routing, local pet resources and map directions.
Start with the official dog and cat pages before driving. Pet availability changes fast, and some visitors may need reclaim help, animal-control routing, owner-surrender support, low-cost vet resources or foster-to-adopt guidance instead of a regular adoption.
Jefferson County Animal Shelter Quick Details
These are the details most visitors need before calling, checking adoptable pets, planning an adoption, reclaiming an animal, asking about surrender, or driving to the Madison shelter.
Address
2727 Hannah Drive, Madison, IN 47250.
Use the map section below for directions before leaving.
Main phone
812-273-1788.
Use this for adoption, fees, reclaim, surrender and pet availability questions.
Public hours
Tue–Thu: 12 PM–5 PM.
Sat–Sun: 12 PM–4 PM. Closed Monday and Friday.
animal.shelter39@jeffersoncounty.in.gov.
Email may help for non-urgent questions, but call for time-sensitive shelter visits.
Jefferson County Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
The listed shelter hours are helpful, but you should still call first if you are driving from outside Madison or coming for one specific dog or cat.
Best visit window
Jefferson County Animal Shelter lists hours as closed Monday and Friday, Tuesday through Thursday from 12 PM to 5 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM.
| Day | Listed Hours | Visitor Planning Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | Use this day to browse official pets online and prepare questions. |
| Tuesday | 12 PM–5 PM | Good for adoption visits and questions about available pets. |
| Wednesday | 12 PM–5 PM | Good weekday option if you need more time than a weekend visit. |
| Thursday | 12 PM–5 PM | Good before the Friday closure. |
| Friday | Closed | Do not plan a public visit unless the shelter posts a special update. |
| Saturday | 12 PM–4 PM | Shorter weekend window. Arrive early for adoption paperwork. |
| Sunday | 12 PM–4 PM | Useful for weekend adoption browsing, but confirm before driving. |
How Adoption Works at Jefferson County Animal Shelter
The shelter states that no prior appointment is necessary to adopt during normal business hours. Still, a smart visitor checks current pets first and brings the right documents.
Check adoptable dogs and cats online
Use the official dogs and cats pages to see current animals. Click pet photos for additional information when available.
Call if one pet matters most
If you are driving for one specific animal, call 812-273-1788 to confirm the pet is still available and not in foster-to-adopt, rescue transfer or another status.
Visit during normal business hours
Adoptions are handled during normal hours. Arrive with enough time to meet animals, ask questions, review paperwork and pay fees.
Bring renter proof if needed
If you rent your home or lease the land where your home sits, bring the proper lease or rental agreement showing that pets are allowed.
Review medical and voucher details
Adoption fees cover spay/neuter, rabies vaccination and vaccinations to date. If the pet is too young or the procedure is not complete, a voucher may be issued for local vet use.
Jefferson County Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
The official adoption fee page lists standard dog, puppy, cat, kitten and HERO pet fees. Sponsorships may reduce a specific animal’s fee, so confirm the current amount before visiting.
Dog adoption
$200 is listed for dog adoptions.
Puppies 5 months and younger are listed at $225.
Cat adoption
$100 is listed for cat adoptions.
Kittens 5 months and younger are listed at $125.
HERO pet fees
HERO dog fees are listed at $300.
HERO cat fees are listed at $200.
| Adoption Type | Listed Fee | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | $200 | Standard dog adoption fee. |
| Puppy, 5 months and younger | $225 | Ask about age-based vaccine and surgery timing. |
| Cat | $100 | Standard cat adoption fee. |
| Kitten, 5 months and younger | $125 | Ask about vaccines, spay/neuter and voucher details. |
| HERO dog | $300 | Fee helps support animals who may need more time or care. |
| HERO cat | $200 | HERO animals are marked with the HERO Pet title. |
Adoptable Dogs, Cats and Pets at Jefferson County
Jefferson County Animal Shelter lists adoptable dogs and cats separately. Use the official pages to avoid outdated third-party listings.
Adoptable dogs
Use the official dog page to view current dog names, ages, descriptions and notes.
Adoptable cats
Use the official cat page to view current cats and click images for more information when available.
Foster-to-adopt
Some animals may fit a 30-day foster-to-adopt route for Jefferson County residents.
Sponsorships
Animal sponsorships may reduce a specific pet’s adoption fee. Ask staff for the current fee.
Renter Requirements Before Adoption
Jefferson County Animal Shelter lists a strict renter requirement. If you rent and arrive without the required paperwork, the adoption may not be allowed.
What renters must bring
- A copy of the lease or rental agreement.
- The document must be in the potential adopter’s name.
- It must clearly state that pets are allowed.
- If the land is leased, bring the land lease paperwork too.
- Ask property management for written pet approval before visiting.
Why this matters
Renter paperwork protects the pet, adopter and shelter. It reduces the risk of an animal being returned because of landlord rules, breed limits, weight limits or property policies.
If your lease is unclear, call the shelter and your landlord before driving. Do not assume verbal approval will be enough.
Jefferson County Animal Shelter Foster-to-Adopt
The shelter’s foster-to-adopt program is designed for adopters who want to make sure the pet is a good fit before finalizing adoption.
30-day agreement
The program is described as a 30-day agreement between the shelter and the potential adopter.
Home fit check
It lets the pet adjust to the adopter’s home and other household residents, including two- and four-legged family members.
County residents
The foster-to-adopt option is listed as available to Jefferson County residents only.
Reclaim Fees and Proof Needed for Lost Pets
If your pet is at the shelter, reclaim is not the same as adoption. Bring ownership proof, ID and rabies proof if available.
Daily reclaim fee
The reclaim page lists a minimum of $17 per day with a maximum of $50.
Rabies voucher
If the pet is not current on rabies, a $63 rabies voucher may be required before leaving with your pet.
Ownership proof
You must have proof of ownership, proof of rabies vaccination and ID for reclaim.
Owner Relinquish Fees at Jefferson County Animal Shelter
Owner relinquish fees are listed separately from adoption fees. If you cannot keep a pet, call before arriving and be honest about behavior and medical history.
| Relinquish Situation | Listed Fee | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Single adult dog, cat, puppy or kitten | $45 | Call first and ask whether space is available. |
| Litter of puppies or kittens 8 weeks or older, 3 or more | $60 | Bring accurate age and health details. |
| Multiple animals outside litter category | $45 first animal, $15 each additional | Do not arrive without discussing capacity and timing. |
| Animals 6 months and older | Current rabies required | The reclaim/relinquish page says all animals six months and older must have current rabies vaccination. |
Stray Animals: Do Not Bring Them Directly Without the Right Route
The reclaim/relinquish policy says stray animals must be brought in through animal control and that JCAS does not accept strays directly from the public.
Animal control route
If you encounter a stray animal, contact animal control and file a report.
Phone listed
The official policy lists 812-265-2648 for animal control stray reporting.
Safety first
Do not put yourself at risk with a scared, injured, aggressive or unknown animal.
Pet Resources Near Madison and Jefferson County
The shelter’s resources page points visitors toward low-cost and support services. Use these as starting points, then confirm current availability directly with the provider.
Low-cost vet support
The resources page lists options such as Pub Vet Services and Kentuckiana Veterinary Outreach.
Community cats
The page lists Alley Cat Advocates and explains Trap-Neuter-Return support for unowned cats.
Spay/neuter help
The page also links a low-cost spay/neuter clinic in Indiana. Confirm appointment rules before going.
Jefferson County Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Visit Tips
Use the map for directions to 2727 Hannah Drive in Madison. Before driving, check whether your visit is for adoption, reclaim, owner relinquish, stray reporting or general pet resources.
Arrive early
Weekend hours are shorter. Arrive early if you want to meet pets and complete paperwork.
Bring paperwork
Bring ID, payment method, renter documents if needed and proof of ownership if reclaiming.
Transport safely
Bring a carrier for cats and a secure leash, harness, crate or vehicle plan for dogs.
Choose Your Best Route Before You Call
This section helps visitors avoid the wrong process or missing documents.
I want to adopt
Check the dog or cat page, call about one specific pet, bring ID, payment method and lease proof if you rent.
I lost my pet
Call the shelter, check current animals, bring proof of ownership, ID and rabies proof if reclaiming.
I found a stray
Contact animal control and file a report. Do not assume JCAS can accept the stray directly from the public.
I need to surrender
Call first, ask about space and fees, prepare rabies proof for animals six months and older, and be honest about behavior and medical history.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Jefferson County Animal Shelter
Most delays happen because visitors forget renter paperwork, mix up stray routing, skip rabies proof or arrive too close to closing.
Before visiting
- Do not visit Monday or Friday expecting public hours.
- Do not drive for one pet without confirming availability.
- Do not arrive close to closing if you hope to adopt.
- Do not forget renter paperwork if you lease your home or land.
- Do not bring a stray directly without contacting animal control.
Before adopting or surrendering
- Do not adopt without checking landlord restrictions.
- Do not forget safe transport supplies.
- Do not hide behavior, medical or bite history during surrender.
- Do not assume sponsorships or HERO fees are unchanged.
- Do not surrender a pet without asking about alternatives first.
Official Jefferson County Animal Shelter Links
Use official pages for final decisions. This guide is independent and should not replace current shelter instructions.
Jefferson County Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Jefferson County Animal Shelter located?
Jefferson County Animal Shelter is located at 2727 Hannah Drive, Madison, IN 47250.
What is the phone number for Jefferson County Animal Shelter?
The main shelter phone number is 812-273-1788.
What are Jefferson County Animal Shelter hours?
The shelter lists hours as closed Monday and Friday, open Tuesday through Thursday from 12 PM to 5 PM, and open Saturday and Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM.
Do I need an appointment to adopt?
The adoption policy says no prior appointment is necessary to adopt during normal business hours. Call first if you are driving for one specific pet.
How much are dog adoption fees?
Dog adoption fees are listed at $200, while puppies 5 months and younger are listed at $225. HERO dog fees are listed at $300.
How much are cat adoption fees?
Cat adoption fees are listed at $100, while kittens 5 months and younger are listed at $125. HERO cat fees are listed at $200.
What do adoption fees cover?
The adoption policy says fees cover spay/neuter, rabies vaccination and vaccinations to date. If a pet is too young or not yet completed, a voucher may be issued for local vet use.
What do renters need to adopt?
Renters must bring a lease or rental agreement in the adopter’s name that clearly states pets are allowed. Without proper paperwork, adoption may not be allowed.
Does Jefferson County Animal Shelter offer foster-to-adopt?
Yes. The shelter describes a 30-day foster-to-adopt program for Jefferson County residents who want to test whether the pet fits their home before finalizing adoption.
Can I bring a stray animal directly to the shelter?
The reclaim/relinquish policy says all stray animals must be brought in through animal control and that JCAS does not accept strays directly from the public.
What are owner relinquish fees?
Owner relinquish fees are listed as $45 for a single adult dog, cat, puppy or kitten, $60 for a litter of puppies or kittens 8 weeks or older, and $45 for the first animal plus $15 for each additional animal when surrendering multiple animals outside the litter category.
Final Take: Check the Right Jefferson County Shelter Route First
Jefferson County Animal Shelter in Madison is the key local shelter resource for adoptable dogs, adoptable cats, reclaim questions, owner relinquish fees, foster-to-adopt and pet resource guidance.
The most important visitor details are simple: call 812-273-1788, check official adoptable pets before driving, avoid Monday and Friday closures, bring renter paperwork if needed, and use animal control routing for stray animals instead of bringing strays directly to the shelter.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Jefferson County Animal Shelter, Jefferson County Government, animal control, local veterinarians or any official shelter portal. Always verify current hours, fees, pet availability, reclaim rules, relinquish rules and stray-animal instructions with official sources before visiting.
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.