Tucson Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Tucson Animal Shelter usually means Pima Animal Care Center, also called PACC. This 2026 visitor guide explains adoption hours, dog and cat adoption steps, current fee notes, animal control routing, lost pets, found pets, kittens, surrender help, foster help, working cats, map directions, official links and practical “what should I do today?” answers.
Use this page before driving to 4000 N Silverbell Road or the Eastside PACC Adoption Center. PACC can be busy, pet availability updates quickly, and the right route is different if you want to adopt, foster, reclaim a lost pet, report cruelty, ask for owner support, or handle a healthy stray animal.
Tucson Animal Shelter Quick Details
This section covers the common search intent behind “Tucson animal shelter near me,” “PACC Tucson,” “Pima Animal Care Center hours,” “Tucson animal control phone number,” “dog adoption Tucson,” and “cat adoption Tucson.”
Main shelter
Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N Silverbell Road, Tucson, AZ 85745.
Best for adoption, lost/found pets, animal services, licensing questions, foster, pet support and dispatch routing.
Main phone
520-724-5900.
For Animal Protection Services dispatch, use extension 4 when a sick, injured, dangerous or public-safety animal issue needs response.
Eastside center
Eastside PACC Adoption Center is listed at 7225 E Broadway Blvd, Suite 140.
Phone listed: 520-724-5940.
Pet Support Center
520-724-7222.
Useful for owner support, rehoming, surrender questions, supplies, behavior support and hardship help.
Which Tucson Animal Shelter Do You Mean?
Many people search “Tucson animal shelter” but mean different places. This article focuses on the public county shelter, Pima Animal Care Center. Tucson also has private humane societies, rescues, foster groups and nonprofit clinics.
Pima Animal Care Center
PACC is the main public animal care center people usually mean when searching for Tucson animal shelter, Pima animal shelter, Tucson animal control or PACC adoption.
Humane Society of Southern Arizona
HSSA is a separate nonprofit. Use it for its own adoption, surrender or clinic programs, not for PACC animal-control dispatch.
Foster-based rescues
Many Tucson rescues do not have public kennels. They may require applications, foster appointments and slower matching than a walk-in shelter visit.
Tucson Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
PACC hours are not enough by themselves. Visitors also need the 45-minute check-in cutoff, adoption waitlist flow, stray/admission timing and whether they should go to Silverbell or the Eastside center.
Main PACC hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 12 PM–6:30 PM. Wednesday: 1:30 PM–6:30 PM. Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM–4:30 PM. PACC lists a 45-minute-before-close check-in requirement for adoption and admission.
| Day / Need | Main PACC Listed Hours | Practical Visitor Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 12 PM–6:30 PM | Good for adoption or support questions. Check in by 5:45 PM for adoption/admission. |
| Tuesday | 12 PM–6:30 PM | Good weekday option for adoption, foster, lost/found and support questions. |
| Wednesday | 1:30 PM–6:30 PM | Later opening. Do not show up at noon expecting regular service. |
| Thursday | 12 PM–6:30 PM | Good before weekend crowds. Confirm specific pet availability online first. |
| Friday | 12 PM–6:30 PM | Useful for adoption before the weekend, but still check in before the cutoff. |
| Saturday | 10 AM–4:30 PM | Likely busier. Arrive early with backup pet choices. |
| Sunday | 10 AM–4:30 PM | Good weekend option, but do not arrive near 4 PM for a complicated adoption or admission. |
| Sick/injured/dangerous-location stray | Use dispatch guidance | Call 520-724-5900 ext. 4 if the animal is sick, injured, dangerous, unsafe to handle or poses public-safety risk. |
Eastside PACC Adoption Center: When to Use EPAC
People searching “Tucson animal shelter east side” or “animal shelter near me east Tucson” may find the Eastside PACC Adoption Center. It can be convenient for some adopters, but you should confirm the animal’s location first.
EPAC address
7225 E Broadway Blvd, Suite 140, Tucson, AZ 85710.
Confirm whether the pet you want is at EPAC before driving.
EPAC phone
520-724-5940.
Use this for Eastside adoption center questions, but use PACC’s main number for general animal services.
EPAC hours
EPAC lists the same general pattern: Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday noon–6:30 PM, Wednesday 1:30–6:30 PM, and weekends 10 AM–4:30 PM.
How to Adopt from Pima Animal Care Center
The search intent behind “Tucson animal shelter adoption,” “PACC dogs,” “PACC cats,” and “Pima Animal Care Center adopt” is usually simple: people want to know what to do before arriving and how to avoid wasting a trip.
Check the official dog, cat or other-pet page first
PACC says adoption listings update every 15 minutes, but availability is not guaranteed when you arrive. Save the pet’s ID, location, age, sex, stray-hold status and any foster notes.
Enter through the adoption lobby
PACC instructs visitors to enter through the adoptions lobby, described as the first double doors on the left in the main breezeway. This is where adoption and foster meet-and-greet routing starts.
Sign into the adoptions waitlist
If you are interested in a pet or need help finding a match, sign into the adoptions waitlist. When signing in, make clear whether you want to adopt, foster or are still unsure.
Talk with the adoption counselor
An adoption counselor reviews pet details and brings the pet out for a meeting when it is your turn. Ask about medical history, behavior notes, energy level, home fit, stray hold, foster status, and whether the pet can leave that day.
Ask about the first-week plan before paperwork
For dogs, ask about decompression, leash walking, resident dogs and cats, crate training, and heat safety. For cats, ask about hiding, litter, carrier transport, slow room setup and introductions.
Tucson Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
Adoption fees are a major search query, but the answer changes by animal type and promotion. PACC currently states all dogs and puppies are free to adopt, with a possible adult-dog licensing fee for Pima County residents. Cat fees vary by age and length of stay.
Dogs and puppies
PACC’s dog page says all dogs and puppies are currently free to adopt.
A $20 licensing fee may apply for adult dogs living in Pima County.
Kittens under 4 months
Listed cat adoption fee: $50.
Confirm current fee before adopting because promotions can change.
Cats 4 months to 4 years
Listed cat adoption fee: $30.
Ask whether the cat is at Silverbell, EPAC, foster or another placement route.
Senior / long-stay cats
Cats 5 years and up are listed as fee waived.
Cats available more than two weeks are also listed as fee waived.
| Fee Question | Practical Answer | What to Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Are Tucson shelter dogs free? | PACC says all dogs and puppies are currently free to adopt. | Adult dog licensing fee, current promotion status, location and readiness to go home. |
| How much are cats at PACC? | Kittens under 4 months are listed at $50; cats 4 months to 4 years at $30; senior and long-stay cats may be fee waived. | Age, adoption special, foster location and medical notes. |
| What does adoption include? | PACC pages say adopted dogs and cats are spayed/neutered, age-appropriately vaccinated and microchipped. | Whether surgery is complete, any follow-up needs and post-adoption vet plan. |
| Can I reserve a stray-hold pet? | In-person $50 non-refundable reservation may apply for pets on stray hold. | Hold end date, first-come basis, spay/neuter timing and whether pet can leave same day. |
Tucson Shelter Dogs, Cats and Other Pets
PACC handles more than dogs and cats. Searchers asking for “Tucson animal shelter dogs,” “PACC cats,” “puppies Tucson shelter,” “kittens Tucson,” “small pets Tucson,” or “working cats Tucson” need different visit expectations.
Shelter dogs
Check both shelter dogs and foster dogs. PACC often needs adopters and fosters for medium and large dogs, so ask about dogs that are good matches beyond the first photo you see.
Shelter cats
Cat listings update quickly. Ask whether the cat is shy, social, senior, bonded, working-cat candidate, foster-based, or better for a quiet home.
Other pets
PACC’s other-pets page says animals may include rabbits, rodents, ducks, roosters, parrots, reptiles and more when available.
Urgent dogs
If you can adopt or foster, check the urgent dog placement list and ask staff which pets most need placement.
| Search Intent | What It Usually Means | Best Practical Step |
|---|---|---|
| Tucson animal shelter dogs | User wants available dogs, adoption cost, dog meet steps and whether dogs can go home today. | Open the official dog page, save animal ID, join the adoption waitlist and ask about decompression. |
| Tucson animal shelter cats | User wants cats, kittens, senior cats, fee-waived cats or foster cats. | Open the cat page, confirm location and bring a secure carrier. |
| Small pets Tucson shelter | User wants rabbits, rodents, birds, reptiles or other pets. | Check the other-pets page because availability is occasional. |
| PACC urgent dogs | User wants to help with shelter crowding or deadline/urgent-placement pets. | Open the urgent placement list and ask adoption staff which dog fits your household safely. |
Lost and Found Pets in Tucson
Lost-pet and found-pet searches are often urgent. PACC’s guidance is practical: lost pets are often close to home, microchip information must be current, and healthy friendly strays often have a better reunion chance if kept in the neighborhood while you try to find the owner.
If your pet is lost in Tucson
- File a report with Petco Love Lost and use the photo-matching tools.
- Check PACC’s found dogs and found cats listings repeatedly.
- Talk to neighbors because many lost pets are close to home early in the search.
- Update your microchip contact information through the correct chip company.
- Post flyers and share to local Tucson lost-and-found groups, PawBoost, Nextdoor and neighborhood pages.
- For indoor cats, search close to the house, hiding spaces, sheds, yards and under structures before assuming the cat traveled far.
If you found a pet in Tucson
- Check for tags and safely scan for a microchip at a vet or shelter.
- Post the pet on Petco Love Lost and neighborhood channels.
- Ask neighbors before assuming the pet was abandoned.
- Keep a healthy, friendly pet near the area found if you can safely do so.
- Bring sick or injured strays to PACC during open hours if safe to handle.
- Call 520-724-5900 ext. 4 if the animal is sick, injured, in danger or unsafe to transport.
Found Kittens in Tucson: Do Not Rush Them to the Shelter
“I found kittens Tucson” is a different problem than “I found a dog.” PACC says kittens should stay with their mother to nurse when possible, because humans are not a substitute for the care a mother cat provides.
Look for mom first
If kittens look healthy and quiet, the mother may be nearby. Do not move them unless they are in danger, cold, injured, sick or clearly abandoned.
Text for guidance
PACC says you can text KITTEN to 833-552-0591 for step-by-step guidance. Spanish: text GATITO.
Community cats
If mom and kittens are feral or hard to handle, ask about trap-neuter-return and community cat support instead of assuming shelter intake is best.
Tucson Animal Control, Cruelty, Bites and Dispatch
Searches like “Tucson animal control,” “Pima animal control phone number,” “report animal cruelty Tucson,” “dog bite Tucson,” “loose aggressive dog Tucson,” and “injured stray Tucson” need dispatch guidance, not adoption guidance.
Call 520-724-5900 ext. 4
PACC lists Animal Protection Services Dispatch for immediate assistance, including sick or injured strays, public-safety risk and animal protection needs.
Cruelty, bites and danger first
Pima County says officers prioritize police assists, cruelty, neglect, biting or potentially dangerous animals, and injured animals.
Use 911 for immediate danger
If a person is in immediate danger, an attack is happening, or there is a life-safety emergency, use emergency services rather than waiting for routine shelter response.
| Problem | Best Route | Information to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Animal cruelty or neglect | Animal Protection Services Dispatch or emergency services if active danger. | Address, description, photos/video if safe, timeline, animal condition, witness details. |
| Bite complaint or rabies concern | Call dispatch and seek medical guidance when people are bitten or exposed. | Victim info, animal description, owner info if known, location, time, wound status. |
| Sick or injured stray | Bring to PACC during open hours if safe or call ext. 4 if unsafe. | Exact location, animal condition, whether it can move, traffic danger and your contact info. |
| Noise or waste complaint | Use the department directory guidance and prepare documentation. | Dates, times, address, type of nuisance and any prior outreach. |
Surrender or Rehome a Pet in Tucson
Searches like “Tucson animal shelter surrender,” “give up dog Tucson,” “rehoming cat Tucson,” and “PACC surrender appointment” should not lead to a surprise walk-in. PACC says surrender should be a last resort and asks owners to contact support first.
If you want to keep your pet but need help
- Call the Pet Support Center at 520-724-7222.
- Ask about food, collars, leashes, crates or supply support.
- Ask about medical funding or low-cost veterinary options if the issue is cost.
- Ask about behavior or training resources if the issue is behavior.
- Ask about housing help if pet-friendly housing is the barrier.
If surrender feels like the only option
- Call 520-724-7222 for surrender information before bringing the pet.
- Prepare medical history, behavior history, bite history and reason for surrender.
- Try the original shelter, rescue, breeder or former owner first if a return contract may apply.
- Use Home To Home or Rehome by Adopt-A-Pet where appropriate.
- Do not abandon the animal outside the shelter, in a park, or with strangers online.
Pet Support, Foster and Help Before Surrender
A high-value Tucson shelter guide should help people keep pets safely when possible. Many surrender searches are actually about temporary hardship, supplies, housing, veterinary cost, behavior or short-term crisis.
Supplies and food
Ask the Pet Support Center about supplies such as food, leashes, collars, crates and related help before deciding surrender is the only option.
Medical hardship
If you cannot afford treatment, call support and ask whether funding, low-cost vet options or partner resources may help.
Foster a pet
If you cannot adopt, foster can open shelter space. PACC lists foster programs and often needs foster homes for medium and large dogs.
Working Cats in Tucson: Barn, Yard and Warehouse Cats
People searching “working cats Tucson” or “barn cats Tucson animal shelter” need a different adoption path. PACC’s Working Cat Program is for cats not suited to a traditional indoor home.
No adoption fee
PACC says working cats have no adoption fee because they may not otherwise have traditional adoption options.
Adopt in groups
Working cats need feline companions and PACC says they should be adopted in groups of at least 2–3 cats.
Setup matters
They need a permanent structure, daily food and water, protection from predators and a proper confinement period before release.
Official Tucson Shelter Video: Pima Animal Care Center
This official Pima County video explains the journey to the newer Pima Animal Care Center facility and why the building was upgraded from an older “pound” model into a modern animal care center.
What to Bring Before Visiting Tucson Animal Shelter
This checklist answers “what do I need to adopt from PACC,” “what should I bring to reclaim my pet,” and “what should I bring if I found an animal?”
Photo ID
Bring a valid ID for adoption, reclaim, foster, surrender support or official service questions.
Pet ID or screenshot
Save the animal’s ID, name and location from the official listing before visiting.
Payment method
Even if a dog adoption fee is waived, licensing or other costs may apply.
Cat carrier
Bring a secure carrier for cats, kittens or small pets. Do not transport loose cats in a car.
Dog transport plan
Bring or plan for a leash, collar, harness, crate or safe vehicle setup.
Proof for reclaim
For lost-pet reclaim, bring photos, vet records, microchip number, license and proof of ownership.
After Adoption: First 7 Days at Home
A practical Tucson adoption guide should help after checkout. Tucson heat, resident pets, apartment rules, desert wildlife, secure fencing and slow introductions matter.
First 24 hours
- Keep the pet in a quiet starter area.
- Do not invite everyone over on day one.
- Use a leash or carrier even if the pet seems calm.
- Keep dogs away from dog parks until you understand behavior and health status.
- For cats, start with one quiet room, litter box, food, water and hiding places.
Days 2–7
- Build a routine for feeding, potty breaks, walks, play and rest.
- Schedule a vet visit if recommended.
- Introduce resident pets slowly and separately.
- Watch for cough, diarrhea, vomiting, limping, refusal to eat, severe fear or overheating.
- Ask for behavior support early if the adjustment is harder than expected.
Tucson Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Arrival Tips
Use this map for the main Pima Animal Care Center location on Silverbell. If the pet listing says Eastside PACC Adoption Center, use the EPAC address instead.
Arrive early
Check in at least 45 minutes before closing for adoption and admission.
Confirm location
Check whether the pet is at Silverbell, Eastside, foster, or another route.
Plan for heat
Bring water, avoid leaving pets in vehicles, and plan safe transport in hot Tucson weather.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Tucson Animal Shelter
These mistakes come from real search intent: “PACC hours,” “PACC lost pet,” “PACC dog adoption,” “PACC phone number,” “Tucson animal control,” and “PACC surrender.”
Before visiting
- Do not arrive within 45 minutes of closing for adoption or admission.
- Do not drive for one animal without checking location and availability first.
- Do not assume a pet in foster is at the shelter building.
- Do not confuse PACC with private humane societies or rescues.
- Do not ignore Tucson heat when transporting a new pet.
Before calling animal control
- Do not call adoption staff for an emergency animal-control situation.
- Do not handle aggressive, injured or traffic-endangered animals if unsafe.
- Do not rush healthy found pets to the shelter without trying neighborhood reunification steps.
- Do not pick up kittens without checking whether mom is nearby.
- Do not surrender without calling the Pet Support Center first.
Official Tucson Animal Shelter Links
Use official Pima County pages for final decisions. This independent guide explains the process, but Pima County controls current hours, fees, pet listings, dispatch rules, programs and service updates.
Tucson Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the official Tucson Animal Shelter?
The main public animal shelter people usually mean is Pima Animal Care Center, also called PACC, at 4000 N Silverbell Road in Tucson.
What is the Tucson Animal Shelter phone number?
The main PACC phone number is 520-724-5900. For Animal Protection Services dispatch, call 520-724-5900 and use extension 4.
What are Pima Animal Care Center adoption hours?
PACC lists Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 12 PM–6:30 PM, Wednesday 1:30 PM–6:30 PM, and Saturday/Sunday 10 AM–4:30 PM. You must be checked in 45 minutes before close for adoption and admission.
Where is the Eastside PACC Adoption Center?
Eastside PACC Adoption Center is listed at 7225 E Broadway Blvd, Suite 140, Tucson, AZ 85710, with phone number 520-724-5940.
Are dogs free to adopt at PACC?
PACC’s dog page says all dogs and puppies are currently free to adopt. A $20 licensing fee may apply for adult dogs living in Pima County.
How much are cats at Tucson Animal Shelter?
PACC lists kittens under 4 months at $50, cats 4 months to 4 years at $30, cats 5 years and older as fee waived, and cats available more than two weeks as fee waived. Confirm current fees before adopting.
What is included with PACC dog or cat adoption?
PACC says adopted dogs and cats are spayed or neutered, age-appropriately vaccinated and microchipped.
Can I reserve a PACC pet on stray hold?
PACC says pets on stray hold may be reserved in person for a $50 non-refundable fee on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserved pets cannot go home the same day and must wait until the stray hold is over and spay/neuter is complete.
What should I do if I lost my pet in Tucson?
File a report with Petco Love Lost, check PACC’s found pet listings, update microchip contact information, talk to neighbors, post flyers, and keep checking online and in person when needed.
What should I do if I found a healthy friendly stray pet?
PACC recommends trying to reunite healthy friendly stray pets in the neighborhood where they were found. Check for tags, scan for a microchip, post on Petco Love Lost and local pages, and talk to neighbors.
Who do I call for an injured stray animal in Tucson?
If safe, bring sick or injured stray pets to PACC during open hours. If the pet is sick, injured, in a dangerous location or unsafe to transport, call Animal Protection Services Dispatch at 520-724-5900 ext. 4.
What should I do if I found kittens in Tucson?
If the kittens are safe, look for the mother before moving them. PACC says kittens should stay with mom to nurse when possible. You can text KITTEN to 833-552-0591 for guidance, or GATITO for Spanish.
Does PACC take owner surrenders?
PACC’s rehoming page says surrender should be a last resort and instructs owners to call the Pet Support Center at 520-724-7222 for surrender information and support options.
Is PACC the same as Tucson animal control?
PACC provides animal services and Animal Protection Services for many Pima County animal issues. For cruelty, bites, injured animals, dangerous animals and public-safety concerns, call 520-724-5900 ext. 4 or use emergency services for immediate danger.
Does PACC have working cats?
Yes. PACC has a Working Cat Program for cats not suited to traditional homes. These cats have no adoption fee, need feline companions, and require a proper property setup and confinement period.
Final Take: Use the Tucson Animal Shelter Route That Matches Your Need
Pima Animal Care Center is the main public Tucson animal shelter for adoption, lost and found pets, animal services, Animal Protection dispatch, foster, owner support, working cats and community pet help. The most useful visitor details are simple: check official pet listings first, confirm whether the animal is at Silverbell or EPAC, check in at least 45 minutes before closing, and call the right number for your situation.
If you are adopting, use the adoption lobby and waitlist. If you lost a pet, act fast and update microchip details. If you found a healthy stray, try neighborhood reunification first. If an animal is sick, injured, dangerous, abused or in a public-safety situation, use Animal Protection Services Dispatch or emergency services. If surrender feels unavoidable, call the Pet Support Center before bringing the animal.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Pima Animal Care Center, Pima County, Eastside PACC Adoption Center, Animal Protection Services, Petco Love Lost, 24Petconnect, Home To Home, Adopt-A-Pet, Friends of PACC, any police department, humane society, rescue, veterinarian, microchip company or official shelter portal. Always verify current hours, fees, pet availability, surrender rules and animal-control routing directly 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.