Homeward Animal Shelter Fargo & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this guide before visiting Homeward Animal Shelter in Fargo, North Dakota. It covers open house hours, appointment-only visit windows, address, phone number, adoption applications, adoption fees, foster-pet rules, lost-pet routing, found-animal routing, surrender guidance, map directions and official links.
Homeward is a nonprofit shelter, not the local pound. If you found a stray animal, follow the local pound or law-enforcement route first. If you want to adopt, check the official dog, cat or small-animal pages and submit the correct application.
Homeward Animal Shelter Fargo Quick Details
These are the details most visitors need before calling, applying, visiting open house, checking foster pets, or asking about a lost or found animal.
Address
1201 28th Avenue North, Fargo, ND 58102.
Homeward is located in Yunker Farm Park in North Fargo.
Main phone
701-239-0077.
Call for adoption, application, open house, foster-pet and resource questions.
Open house
Tuesday–Friday: 4 PM–7 PM.
Saturday: 2 PM–6 PM.
Official role
Homeward is a local, community-funded nonprofit shelter with the mission “Rescue. Shelter. Protect. Rehome.”
What Homeward Animal Shelter Fargo Helps With
Homeward is mainly an adoption, rescue and rehoming organization. It helps pets find homes, supports foster-based adoption, shares lost/found guidance, and provides owner-surrender resources when space is limited.
Dogs, cats and small animals
Homeward has pages for available dogs, available cats and small animals. Pet profiles may show “In Foster” or “Adoption Pending.”
Many pets are not on site
Homeward says up to 80% of animals may be in foster care at any given time, so application-first planning is important.
Lost, found and surrender help
Homeward gives detailed instructions for local pound routing, law-enforcement contacts, and owner-surrender alternatives.
Homeward Animal Shelter Fargo Adoption Hours 2026
Use open house hours if you want to see animals currently at the shelter. Use appointment-only times when the shelter or application process directs you to schedule a meeting.
| Day | Open House Hours | Appointment-Only Window | Visitor Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | No open house listed | 11 AM–7 PM | Application or appointment only; do not walk in expecting open house. |
| Tuesday | 4 PM–7 PM | 11 AM–4 PM | Good for evening shelter visits and application follow-up. |
| Wednesday | 4 PM–7 PM | 11 AM–4 PM | Good weekday option for adoptable pets at the shelter. |
| Thursday | 4 PM–7 PM | 11 AM–4 PM | Call first if visiting for one specific animal. |
| Friday | 4 PM–7 PM | 11 AM–4 PM | Good before the Saturday shorter open house. |
| Saturday | 2 PM–6 PM | 10 AM–2 PM | Arrive early if you need time to meet pets and ask questions. |
| Sunday | No public hours listed | No appointment window listed | Use online listings and prepare applications. |
How Adoption Works at Homeward Animal Shelter Fargo
Homeward’s adoption process is application driven, especially for foster pets. The goal is not just a fast visit — it is a safe and lasting match for the animal and the adopter.
Check available pets online
Start with the official dog, cat or small animal pages. Look for notes like “In Foster” or “Adoption Pending” before planning your visit.
Submit the correct application
For a specific pet, open that pet’s profile and use the adoption application button. If you do not see the right pet, Homeward also offers pre-approval applications.
Wait for application follow-up
Homeward says it will be in touch to schedule a time to meet the animal after approval. Application volume can affect response time.
Visit open house for shelter pets
If the pet is at the shelter, open house hours are useful. If the pet is in foster care, the meet-and-greet must be arranged after application review.
Ask match and medical questions
Ask about behavior, age, vaccines, spay/neuter status, microchip, foster-home notes, other pets, kids, crate comfort and first-week adjustment.
Homeward Animal Shelter Fargo Adoption Fees
Homeward lists adoption fees plus tax. Confirm current fees before adopting because animal-specific notes, deposits, specials or policy changes may affect the final amount.
Adult dog
$225 plus tax is the listed adult dog adoption fee.
Puppy
$225 plus $100 refundable spay/neuter deposit is the listed puppy fee.
Adult cat
$120 plus tax is the listed adult cat adoption fee.
Kitten
$110 plus $40 refundable spay/neuter deposit is the listed kitten fee.
Rabbit
$50 is the listed rabbit adoption fee, with spay/neuter handled at the appropriate age if needed.
Small animals
Listed small-animal fees include ferrets $50, guinea pigs $25, rats $20 and hamsters/gerbils/mice $10.
What the Adoption Fee Includes
Homeward explains that animals entering care receive necessary veterinary care before adoption. This is why adoption fees should be compared with the care already provided, not only with a simple purchase price.
Vaccinations
Adopted animals receive listed vaccinations before adoption, with follow-up boosters possible after adoption.
Spay/neuter
Homeward spays or neuters animals when age and condition allow, with refundable deposits used when pets are too young or unable before adoption.
Disease testing
Homeward lists FeLV/FIV testing for cats and heartworm testing for dogs.
Microchip
Microchips are included as part of the listed adoption-care package.
Deworming
Deworming is included in Homeward’s listed pre-adoption veterinary care.
Medical care
Homeward notes that medical issues animals arrive with or develop in care are addressed before adoption when needed.
Foster Pets, “In Foster” and Adoption Pending
This is one of the most important parts of visiting Homeward. A pet shown online may not be physically at the shelter.
If the pet says “In Foster”
The animal is living in a foster home and is not available for walk-in viewing at the shelter. Fill out the application so Homeward can arrange a meeting if your application moves forward.
- Do not drive to the shelter expecting to meet that foster pet immediately.
- Ask what the foster family knows about behavior and routine.
- Ask whether the pet has lived with children, dogs, cats or other animals.
If the pet says “Adoption Pending”
Homeward says it has received at least one application and is processing it. You may still be able to apply, but the pet may already have strong interest.
- Submit a complete application if you are still interested.
- Keep watching the listing for updates.
- Consider pre-approval so staff can match you with similar pets.
Lost and Found Pets Near Fargo
Homeward’s lost/found guidance is very clear: stray pets should go through the pound or local law enforcement first, because the owner gets only a short reclaim window.
If your pet is missing
- Contact the local pound or law enforcement as soon as possible.
- For Fargo/Cass County lost pets, Homeward lists the Fargo pound number as 701-232-7312.
- Leave a detailed description and photo and keep checking back.
- Call Homeward at 701-239-0077 so they have the description if a finder contacts them.
- Post locally, put up posters, contact your vet and update microchip information.
If you found a stray animal
- Contact animal control officers or local law enforcement for your area.
- For Fargo, Homeward lists Fargo Police at 701-235-4493 or the Fargo pound at 3210 Main Ave.
- Do not assume Homeward can accept the stray directly.
- Ask about microchip scanning and legal hold steps.
- Keep yourself safe if the animal is scared, injured or aggressive.
Animal Control Routing: Homeward Is Not the Pound
The title may include “Animal Shelter & Control,” but Homeward is not the city pound or animal-control dispatch center. Use the correct local route for loose, stray, injured or found animals.
Found stray in Fargo
Homeward’s lost/found page lists Fargo Police at 701-235-4493 or drop-off at the Fargo pound at 3210 Main Ave.
County route
Homeward lists the Cass County Sheriff at 701-241-5800 or the Fargo pound route for county stray animals.
Moorhead/West Fargo
For Moorhead, West Fargo or Clay County, use the local law-enforcement numbers Homeward lists on its lost/found page.
Owner Surrender at Homeward Animal Shelter Fargo
Homeward says owner surrenders are limited because pound animals are the priority and the shelter has limited kennel space. Do not plan a same-day drop-off without contacting them first.
Before surrendering
- Ask friends or family first if they can help temporarily or permanently.
- Use safe rehoming tools such as Adopt-a-Pet rehoming resources.
- Check breeder contracts if the pet came from a breeder.
- Look for breed-specific rescues when appropriate.
- Speak to a veterinarian or trainer first if behavior is the main problem.
Why drop-off is limited
Homeward says it is a small shelter and pound animals are a priority because they only have a short time to be claimed before being transferred or at risk.
- Call 701-239-0077 before expecting intake help.
- Be honest about behavior and medical history.
- Do not rehome an aggressive animal without professional guidance.
- Do not abandon a pet outside the shelter.
What to Bring Before You Visit Homeward Animal Shelter
A smooth adoption visit starts before you leave home. Bring the details that help staff and protect the pet on the ride home.
Application status
Know whether you submitted a pet-specific application, pre-approval application or small-animal application.
Photo ID
Bring a government ID for adoption paperwork and identity confirmation.
Housing approval
If renting, confirm pet rules, deposits, species limits and breed or size restrictions before applying.
Carrier
Bring a secure carrier if adopting or transporting a cat or small animal.
Leash plan
Bring a safe leash, collar or harness plan for dog transport.
Payment method
Confirm current payment rules and adoption fee total, including tax and refundable deposits where applicable.
Homeward Animal Shelter Fargo Map, Directions & Visit Tips
Use the map for directions to 1201 28th Avenue North in Fargo. Check open house hours and application status before driving.
Call first
Call before visiting for one specific pet, especially if the listing says “In Foster.”
Use open house
Open house is Tuesday–Friday 4–7 PM and Saturday 2–6 PM.
Transport safely
Bring a carrier or leash plan so the animal leaves safely if adoption happens.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Homeward Animal Shelter Fargo
These mistakes can waste time or send visitors to the wrong place.
Before visiting
- Do not drive for a foster pet without submitting an application first.
- Do not assume “Adoption Pending” means the pet is definitely gone.
- Do not arrive outside open house hours expecting walk-in viewing.
- Do not forget a carrier or leash plan if adoption may happen.
- Do not rely on an old screenshot instead of the official listing.
Lost/found and surrender mistakes
- Do not bring a stray directly to Homeward expecting intake.
- Do not skip the local pound or law-enforcement process for found animals.
- Do not surrender a pet without calling and exploring options first.
- Do not hide aggression, bite history or medical concerns.
- Do not abandon animals outside the shelter.
Official Homeward Animal Shelter Links
Use official Homeward pages for final decisions. This guide is independent and should not replace current shelter instructions.
Homeward Animal Shelter Fargo FAQ
Where is Homeward Animal Shelter located?
Homeward Animal Shelter is located at 1201 28th Avenue North, Fargo, ND 58102.
What is the phone number for Homeward Animal Shelter Fargo?
The main phone number is 701-239-0077.
What are Homeward Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Official open house hours are Tuesday through Friday from 4 PM to 7 PM and Saturday from 2 PM to 6 PM. Appointment-only windows are also listed outside open house hours.
Is Homeward Animal Shelter open on Monday?
Monday is listed as appointment-only from 11 AM to 7 PM. It is not listed as an open house day.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from Homeward Animal Shelter?
The official adoption fee page lists adult dog adoption at $225 plus tax and puppy adoption at $225 plus a $100 refundable spay/neuter deposit.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from Homeward Animal Shelter?
The official adoption fee page lists adult cat adoption at $120 plus tax and kitten adoption at $110 plus a $40 refundable spay/neuter deposit.
What does “In Foster” mean on a Homeward pet listing?
“In Foster” means the animal is living in a foster home and is not available for walk-in viewing at the shelter. Submit an application so Homeward can arrange next steps.
What does “Adoption Pending” mean?
“Adoption Pending” means Homeward has received at least one application and is processing it. You may still apply, but the pet may already have interest.
Can I bring a stray animal directly to Homeward Animal Shelter?
No. Homeward says it is not the pound and cannot accept strays under any circumstances. Contact the correct local pound or law-enforcement route.
What should I do if my pet is lost in Fargo?
Contact the Fargo pound or local law enforcement as soon as possible, leave a detailed description and photo, check back regularly, update the microchip, and also call Homeward with the pet description.
Does Homeward Animal Shelter accept owner surrenders?
Homeward says owner-surrender intake is very limited because pound animals are the priority. Call first and use the official owner-surrender guidance before attempting to rehome or surrender a pet.
Final Take: Apply First, Then Visit the Right Window
Homeward Animal Shelter Fargo is a strong local nonprofit option for people who want to adopt dogs, cats or small animals in the Fargo area. The most important visitor details are simple: call 701-239-0077, check official pet listings, submit the correct application, and visit during open house hours only when the pet is actually available at the shelter.
For lost or found pets, remember that Homeward is not the pound. Use the local pound or law-enforcement route first so the legal owner has the best chance to reclaim the animal. For surrender help, call first and explore rehoming, behavior and safety options before assuming Homeward has space.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Homeward Animal Shelter, Fargo Police, Fargo Pound, Cass County, law enforcement, Shelterluv, Adopt-a-Pet, any rescue, any veterinarian or any official shelter portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, surrendering 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.