Oak Ridge Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

by
Oak Ridge, Tennessee Shelter Guide

Oak Ridge Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

Use this Oak Ridge Animal Shelter guide before visiting the City of Oak Ridge shelter at 395 Belgrade Road. It explains adoption hours, phone numbers, animal control routing, after-hours help, adoption applications, fees, black dog and cat Friday pricing, lost pets, found strays, owner surrender appointments, registration tags, microchipping, volunteer and foster options, map directions and official links.

This page is built for practical search intent. If you searched “Oak Ridge animal shelter near me,” “Oak Ridge animal control,” “Oak Ridge animal shelter adoption application,” “lost dog Oak Ridge TN,” or “surrender pet Oak Ridge,” use the matching section below so you call the right number, arrive during the right hours, and bring the right documents.

Official Adopt-a-Pet Page View Pets on Petfinder Hours & Map
395 Belgrade Road 865-425-3423 Tue–Sat 12–6 After-hours: 865-425-4399 Dogs, cats, strays & control calls
Fast answer: Oak Ridge Animal Shelter is located at 395 Belgrade Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. The shelter phone and normal animal control number is 865-425-3423. Public hours are listed as Tuesday through Saturday from 12 PM to 6 PM, with Sunday and Monday closed. For after-hours animal-related problems, the City lists the Oak Ridge Police Department non-emergency number as 865-425-4399. For wildlife and bird issues, the City directs residents to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at 800-332-0900.

Oak Ridge Animal Shelter Quick Details

These are the practical details most visitors need before calling, adopting, reporting a loose animal, looking for a missing pet, bringing in a found stray, scheduling surrender, volunteering or registering a pet in the City of Oak Ridge.

MAP

Address

395 Belgrade Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.

Use the map section below before driving, especially if you are coming from Clinton, Oliver Springs, Knoxville, Anderson County or Roane County.

CALL

Main phone

865-425-3423.

Use this for adoption questions, applications, animal control during normal shelter hours, found strays, surrender appointments and microchip appointments.

HRS

Public hours

Tuesday through Saturday, 12 PM–6 PM.

Sunday and Monday are not listed as public shelter days.

POL

After-hours route

865-425-4399.

Use the police non-emergency number after hours for animal-related problems that cannot wait until the shelter opens.

Best first step: If you want to adopt, check the official page, Petfinder and social media first, then call before driving for one specific pet. If you found a stray, call before bringing the animal because the shelter may ask you to schedule a time or temporarily hold the pet if space is full.

What Oak Ridge Animal Shelter & Control Actually Handles

Oak Ridge animal searches usually fall into one of several different needs. A person looking to adopt a kitten needs a different path than someone reporting an aggressive animal, a lost dog, a rabies concern or a surrender request.

Adoption

Dogs, cats, puppies and kittens

The shelter lists adoptable animals online and during business hours. Adopters must be at least 18, have a valid driver’s license and complete an application.

Animal control

City animal issues

Animal Control receives calls about cruelty, neglect, aggressive animals at large, bite reports, nuisance complaints, animals running loose, rabies or distemper suspicion and city ordinance issues.

Pet owner help

Lost pets, surrender and services

The shelter helps with lost-pet reports, found stray guidance, owner surrender appointments, city animal registration tags and microchip appointments.

Important limit: Oak Ridge Animal Shelter does not offer public spay/neuter service. Spay/neuter is included for adopted shelter animals, but public pet owners need a separate veterinary or low-cost clinic route.

Oak Ridge Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026

The public shelter hours are simple, but your best arrival time depends on whether you are adopting, reporting a lost pet, bringing in a stray, asking about surrender, or calling animal control.

Public Hours Tue–Sat 12 PM–6 PM

Current listed shelter hours

Oak Ridge Animal Shelter lists public hours as Tuesday through Saturday from 12 PM to 6 PM. The shelter phone is 865-425-3423. The listed after-hours number is 865-425-4399.

Arrive earlier than closing if you want to meet animals, ask questions or start paperwork.
Day / Service Listed Guidance Best Practical Use
Monday Closed to public shelter visits Use online listings, prepare application details and call when open if needed.
Tuesday 12 PM–6 PM Good first weekday for adoption follow-up, stray questions and shelter calls.
Wednesday 12 PM–6 PM Good for midweek adoption visits and lost-pet checks.
Thursday 12 PM–6 PM Useful for application follow-up before weekend traffic.
Friday 12 PM–6 PM Also check black dog and cat Friday adoption fee details before visiting.
Saturday 12 PM–6 PM Likely busier. Bring backup pet choices and arrive with enough time.
Sunday Closed to public shelter visits Use after-hours non-emergency routing only for problems that cannot wait.
After-hours animal issue 865-425-4399 Use police non-emergency for urgent animal problems outside shelter hours.
Best visit timing: For adoption, do not arrive close to 6 PM expecting a full match conversation and application help. Use online listings first, call if you need a specific animal, and give staff time to answer practical questions.

How to Adopt from Oak Ridge Animal Shelter

Oak Ridge’s adoption process is straightforward, but it is not just “walk in and leave with a pet.” You must be 18 or older, have a valid driver’s license, choose an available animal and complete an application that usually takes 1–2 business days to process.

Check adoptable animals before driving

Start with the official Oak Ridge Adopt-a-Pet page and Petfinder. Pet availability can change, and some pets may be adopted, on hold, in foster, or not ready to leave yet.

Open the official Oak Ridge Adopt-a-Pet page

Visit during shelter hours

Visit Tuesday through Saturday between 12 PM and 6 PM. If your visit depends on one specific animal, call 865-425-3423 before driving.

Choose the animal and apply

Once you have picked an available pet, complete the adoption application. The shelter says processing usually takes 1–2 business days.

Bring practical documents

Bring a valid driver’s license, current veterinary records if applicable, and landlord or homeowner approval if your housing situation requires it.

Ask about medical and transition needs

Ask whether the pet has been spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, tested, treated for fleas/ticks, dewormed and cleared to go home. Also ask what the first week should look like.

Adopter question that helps: “What does this animal need from me in the first 72 hours?” This often gives better guidance than only asking breed, age or whether the pet is friendly.

Oak Ridge Animal Shelter Adoption Fees

Oak Ridge adoption fees are useful to compare because they include several veterinary services. Confirm the current fee before adopting because specials, events or city updates can change pricing.

DOG

Dogs, cats and puppies

$110 each is the listed adoption fee for dogs, cats and puppies.

KIT

Kittens

$110 each or two for $165 is the listed kitten adoption fee.

FRI

Black dogs and cats Friday

$55 is listed for black dogs and cats on Fridays.

TAG

City registration tag

City of Oak Ridge residents have a listed $5 registration tag in addition to the adoption fee.

Included Care / Item Why It Matters What to Ask Staff
Physical wellness check Helps identify visible health concerns before adoption. Ask whether any follow-up vet care is recommended.
Spay/neuter Prevents unwanted litters and is included for adopted shelter animals. Ask whether surgery is complete or scheduled.
Vaccines and rabies shot Protects the animal and supports legal rabies compliance. Ask for copies of vaccine and rabies records.
Microchip Helps reunite a lost pet with the owner. Ask how to update microchip registration after adoption.
Heartworm test Important for dogs in Tennessee. Ask for the result and prevention plan.
FIV / FeLV testing for cats Important for cat health and multi-cat homes. Ask for test results and what they mean for your household.
Budget reminder: The adoption fee is only the first cost. Plan for food, supplies, monthly preventives, veterinary visits, grooming, training, licensing and emergency care.

Oak Ridge Animal Shelter Adoption Application: How to Prepare

A good application is honest, complete and practical. It should show that your home, schedule, budget and transport plan fit the animal you want.

Before you apply

  • Confirm you are at least 18 and have a valid driver’s license.
  • Choose more than one possible pet in case your first choice is adopted.
  • Check landlord, lease, HOA or household pet limits before applying.
  • Gather current veterinary records if you already own pets.
  • Be ready to discuss your home, schedule, children, current pets and containment plan.

Application mistakes to avoid

  • Do not assume online availability guarantees the pet is still available.
  • Do not apply with a phone number you will not answer.
  • Do not hide landlord restrictions or current pet status.
  • Do not choose only by photo without asking about behavior and care needs.
  • Do not wait until closing time to ask for detailed adoption help.
Faster approval tip: Bring current veterinary records and landlord or homeowner approval if applicable. The City specifically encouraged these documents during recent adoption efforts to help speed processing.

Oak Ridge Animal Control: Who to Call and When

People often search “Oak Ridge Animal Shelter & Control” when they need enforcement help, not adoption. Use the correct call route based on timing and urgency.

During shelter hours

Call 865-425-3423

Use this number for animal cruelty, abuse, neglect, aggressive animals at large, citizen pet complaints, bite reports, rabies or distemper suspicion and city ordinance questions.

After hours

Call 865-425-4399

Use the Oak Ridge Police Department non-emergency number if the problem happens after shelter hours and cannot wait.

Wildlife

Call TWRA

For wildlife and bird issues, the City directs residents to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at 800-332-0900.

Situation Likely Route What to Say
Loose dog or animal running at large Animal Control during shelter hours; police non-emergency after hours Give exact street, cross street, direction of travel, animal description and whether anyone is threatened.
Bite report Animal Control / proper public safety route Give victim details, animal owner if known, bite location and whether medical care was needed.
Cruelty, abuse or neglect concern Animal Control Give exact location, repeated pattern, animal condition and safe photo/video details if available.
Wildlife or bird issue Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Do not handle wildlife unless instructed by the correct authority.
Emergency or immediate danger 911 / police dispatch Use emergency services for active attacks, immediate safety risk or life-threatening situations.
Call script: “I’m calling about an animal issue at [exact address/cross street] in Oak Ridge. The animal is [dog/cat/wildlife], the issue is [loose/aggressive/injured/bite/cruelty/noise], and it is happening [now/earlier]. Should Animal Control respond or should I use another route?”

Lost and Found Pets at Oak Ridge Animal Shelter

Lost-pet recovery is time-sensitive. Oak Ridge states that every stray animal brought into the shelter is scanned for a microchip and posted online, but you should still call, visit and keep checking.

If your pet is missing

  • Call or visit the shelter to report your missing pet.
  • Give your contact information so staff can reach you if a matching pet arrives.
  • Check Petfinder, Facebook and the shelter’s online posts repeatedly.
  • Update your microchip company with your current phone number.
  • Bring proof of ownership if you see a possible match: photos, vet records, rabies tag, microchip number or adoption paperwork.
  • Check nearby shelters and communities because pets can cross city and county lines.

If you found a stray animal

  • Call 865-425-3423 to schedule a time to bring in the animal.
  • Do not put yourself at risk with an aggressive, frightened or injured animal.
  • Note the exact location, date and time where the animal was found.
  • Ask whether you may need to hold the animal temporarily if the shelter has no physical space.
  • Do not permanently rehome a found pet without following lost/found steps.
Space note: Oak Ridge explains that because it is a no-kill shelter, animals are not euthanized just to make space. That means a finder may be asked to hold a found animal temporarily if the shelter is physically full.

Surrender a Pet to Oak Ridge Animal Shelter

Owner surrender is not a walk-in drop-off. The City says surrender may be available if you live in the City of Oak Ridge and have exhausted all other options, but you must call to schedule an appointment and may be added to a waiting list.

Before requesting surrender

  • Call 865-425-3423 before bringing the pet.
  • Explain your city residency, pet type, age, sex, medical needs and behavior concerns.
  • Ask about waiting list timing due to shelter volume.
  • Prepare all veterinary records.
  • Complete or prepare the pet history form.
  • Bring a valid driver’s license and $10 surrender fee, listed as cash or check only.

What not to do

  • Do not arrive without an appointment.
  • Do not leave an animal outside the shelter after hours.
  • Do not hide bite history, illness, fear, aggression, medication or special needs.
  • Do not assume surrender guarantees immediate adoption placement.
  • Do not wait until the situation becomes a crisis if you already know you need help.
Surrender call script: “Hi, I live in the City of Oak Ridge and need to discuss possible owner surrender. The pet is [species/age/sex], the issue is [reason], and I have vet records. I understand surrender requires an appointment and may involve a waiting list. What should I do next?”

City Registration Tags, Microchips and Pet Owner Services

Some searches for Oak Ridge Animal Shelter are not about adoption. City residents may be looking for pet registration, microchipping or how to keep a pet easier to reunite if lost.

TAG

City registration tag

Oak Ridge residents keeping, owning or harboring any animal over three months of age are required to register the animal with the city. Listed fee is $5 if spayed or neutered and $10 if not altered.

CHIP

Microchip service

The shelter lists microchip service outside adoption for dogs and cats at $20. Call for an appointment. The shelter lists Home Again 134 kHz microchips.

VET

Spay/neuter service

The shelter says it does not offer spay/neuter services for the public. Public pet owners should use a veterinarian or local low-cost option if available.

Lost-pet prevention tip: Use both registration and microchip information, then keep your phone number updated. A tag helps a neighbor call you quickly; a microchip helps if the tag falls off.

Volunteer, Foster and Donate to Oak Ridge Animal Shelter

If you cannot adopt, the shelter still has meaningful ways to help. Volunteer, foster, donate supplies or sponsor an adoption fee. Always follow current city application and approval rules before handling animals.

VOL

Volunteer

Volunteer roles may include kennel cleaning, feeding, watering, walking or exercising animals, grooming and shelter support. The main shelter page lists adults and youth-with-guardian conditions, while the city volunteer page also lists animal shelter volunteer opportunities.

FOS

Foster

Oak Ridge lists foster options. You must complete the foster application and receive approval before fostering an animal.

DON

Donate supplies

Useful donations listed include dog and cat food, puppy and kitten food, pine cat litter, towels, blankets, toys, shampoo, pill pockets, bleach, laundry detergent, beds, leashes, collars and harnesses.

Volunteer safety note: Do not handle animals without staff approval or training. Shelter animals may be stressed, sick, fearful or newly arrived, so following staff instructions protects both people and pets.

Video Resource Note

I did not add a random YouTube embed because a current official embeddable Oak Ridge Animal Shelter YouTube video was not confirmed. For trust and quality, this article uses official City of Oak Ridge pages, Petfinder and practical visitor guidance instead of forcing a low-value unrelated video.

Recommended future video type: an official City of Oak Ridge or Oak Ridge Animal Shelter video showing the adoption application process, shelter visit flow, lost-pet steps, animal control routing or how to prepare for a new shelter pet.

What to Bring Before Visiting Oak Ridge Animal Shelter

A prepared visitor gets better help. Bring different documents depending on whether you are adopting, reclaiming, reporting a found animal, surrendering or registering a pet.

ID

Valid driver’s license

Required for adoption and listed for surrender. Bring it even if you are only asking questions.

VET

Veterinary records

Helpful for adoption approval, surrender, reclaiming a pet and proving current pet care.

HOME

Housing approval

Bring landlord, lease or homeowner approval if your housing rules may affect pet ownership.

PAY

Payment method

Bring payment for adoption, registration, surrender or microchip services. For surrender, the listed $10 fee is cash or check only.

CAT

Cat carrier

Bring a secure carrier if adopting, reclaiming or transporting a cat or kitten.

DOG

Dog transport plan

Plan for a leash, collar, harness, crate or safe vehicle setup before bringing a dog home.

After Adoption: First 7 Days at Home

A helpful adoption guide should not stop at fees. The first week is when many new pets are most stressed and when adopter expectations matter most.

First 24 hours

  • Keep the pet in a calm starter area.
  • Do not introduce every person and pet immediately.
  • Use a leash or carrier even if the animal seems relaxed.
  • Keep paperwork, microchip details and vaccine records together.
  • Expect stress behaviors such as hiding, barking, whining or reduced appetite.

Days 2–7

  • Set a predictable feeding, potty, play and rest routine.
  • Schedule vet follow-up if staff recommends it.
  • Introduce resident pets slowly and safely.
  • Start training early but gently.
  • Contact the shelter or a vet quickly if medical or behavior concerns appear.
Reality check: A shelter pet may need days or weeks to show their normal personality. A quiet transition usually works better than a busy first weekend.

Oak Ridge Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Arrival Tips

Use the map for directions to 395 Belgrade Road. Before driving, confirm whether your visit is for adoption, lost-pet reclaim, stray intake, surrender appointment, microchip appointment, registration or animal-control reporting.

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

Arrive early

Arrive with enough time to meet animals, ask questions and start paperwork before 6 PM.

CALL

Call first for strays

If you found a stray, call before bringing the animal because you may need a scheduled drop-off time.

CHECK

Check availability

Call before driving for one specific pet. Online listings can change quickly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at Oak Ridge Animal Shelter

These mistakes can cause wasted trips, delayed adoptions, missed lost-pet matches or incorrect animal-control routing.

Before visiting

  • Do not visit on Sunday or Monday expecting public shelter hours.
  • Do not arrive near closing if you need full adoption help.
  • Do not drive for one specific pet without checking availability first.
  • Do not bring a found stray without calling to schedule a time.
  • Do not call the shelter for wildlife or bird issues when the City directs those to TWRA.

Before adopting or surrendering

  • Do not assume the adoption application is instant.
  • Do not hide landlord restrictions or current pet information.
  • Do not surrender without an appointment.
  • Do not forget valid ID, vet records and the required surrender fee.
  • Do not assume the shelter provides public spay/neuter service.

Oak Ridge Animal Shelter FAQ

Where is Oak Ridge Animal Shelter located?

Oak Ridge Animal Shelter is located at 395 Belgrade Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.

What is the phone number for Oak Ridge Animal Shelter?

The main shelter and animal control number is 865-425-3423. The listed after-hours non-emergency number is 865-425-4399.

What are Oak Ridge Animal Shelter adoption hours?

Oak Ridge Animal Shelter lists public hours as Tuesday through Saturday from 12 PM to 6 PM. Sunday and Monday are closed to regular public shelter visits.

Is Oak Ridge Animal Shelter open on Monday?

No. The shelter’s public hours list Monday as closed. Use online pet listings and call when the shelter reopens.

How do I adopt a pet from Oak Ridge Animal Shelter?

You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, choose an available animal and complete an adoption application. The shelter says applications usually take 1–2 business days to process.

How much are Oak Ridge Animal Shelter adoption fees?

Listed fees are $110 for dogs, cats and puppies; kittens are listed at $110 each or two for $165. The shelter also lists $55 adoption fees for black dogs and cats on Fridays.

What is included with Oak Ridge Animal Shelter adoption?

The shelter lists included care such as a veterinarian wellness check, spay/neuter, tattoo, vaccines, rabies shot, dewormer, microchip, flea/tick treatment, heartworm test and nail trim. Cats are also tested for FIV and FeLV.

Who do I call for Oak Ridge animal control?

During normal shelter hours, call 865-425-3423. After hours, call the Oak Ridge Police Department non-emergency number at 865-425-4399. Use 911 for immediate danger.

What should I do if I found a stray animal in Oak Ridge?

Call the shelter at 865-425-3423 to schedule a time to bring in the animal. The shelter will scan for a microchip and post pictures online to help reunite the animal with the owner.

What should I do if my pet is missing in Oak Ridge?

Call or visit the shelter, check online shelter posts and Petfinder, update your microchip contact information, and bring proof of ownership if you see a possible match.

Does Oak Ridge Animal Shelter accept owner surrenders?

Yes, but only by appointment and only if you live in the City of Oak Ridge. The shelter lists a pet history form, valid driver’s license, vet records and a $10 cash or check surrender fee as required.

Does Oak Ridge Animal Shelter microchip pets?

Yes. The shelter lists public microchip service for dogs and cats at $20 by appointment.

Does Oak Ridge Animal Shelter offer public spay/neuter service?

No. The shelter says it does not offer spay/neuter services for the public. Spay/neuter is included for adopted shelter animals.

Who handles wildlife or bird issues in Oak Ridge?

The City directs wildlife and bird issues to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at 800-332-0900.

What should I bring to adopt from Oak Ridge Animal Shelter?

Bring a valid driver’s license, current veterinary records if applicable, landlord or homeowner approval if required, payment method, and a safe leash, carrier or transport plan.

Final Take: Use Oak Ridge Animal Shelter the Right Way

Oak Ridge Animal Shelter is the main City of Oak Ridge resource for pet adoption, stray animals, lost-pet checks, animal control calls, owner surrender appointments, registration tags, microchip appointments, volunteering, fostering and donations.

The best visitor plan is simple: check adoptable pets online, call before driving for one specific animal, visit Tuesday through Saturday from 12 PM to 6 PM, prepare your adoption documents, use 865-425-3423 for shelter and normal animal-control questions, use 865-425-4399 after hours, and call TWRA for wildlife and bird issues.

Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Oak Ridge Animal Shelter, the City of Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge Police Department, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Petfinder, Home Again, any veterinarian, rescue, or official shelter portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, surrendering, reclaiming, registering, microchipping 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.