Bakersfield Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Bakersfield Animal Shelter usually means Kern County Animal Services at 3951 Fruitvale Avenue, but searchers also see the City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center on South Mt. Vernon and the Bakersfield SPCA on Gibson Street. This guide explains which shelter to use, adoption hours, animal-control phone routing, adoption fees, lost pets, found pets, surrender rules, TNR, licensing, spay/neuter help, map directions and official links.
Use this guide before you drive. Bakersfield has city, county and nonprofit shelter options, and the correct place depends on where you live, where the animal was found, whether you are adopting, reclaiming, surrendering, reporting a bite, or asking for field animal-control response.
Bakersfield Animal Shelter Quick Details
People searching “Bakersfield animal shelter near me,” “Bakersfield animal control,” “adopt dogs Bakersfield,” “Kern County Animal Shelter,” or “Bakersfield lost pets” may need different offices. Start here so you choose the correct route.
Kern County shelter
3951 Fruitvale Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93308.
Main phone: 661-868-7100.
City shelter
City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center: 201 South Mt. Vernon Avenue.
Phone: 661-832-7387.
Animal control
Kern County dispatch uses 661-868-7100, Option #2 for unincorporated Kern County animal-control response.
SPCA option
Bakersfield SPCA at 3000 Gibson Street is an independent nonprofit adoption shelter, not the county animal-control dispatch office.
Which Bakersfield Animal Shelter Should You Use?
This section answers the search intent behind “Bakersfield animal shelter,” “Kern County animal shelter,” “City of Bakersfield animal control,” and “Bakersfield SPCA.” Each result can be useful, but not for the same purpose.
| Shelter / Agency | Best For | Address / Phone | Practical Warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kern County Animal Services – Bakersfield | County shelter adoption, lost pets, pet redemption, intake for eligible residents, county licensing, spay/neuter assistance, animal-control dispatch for unincorporated areas. | 3951 Fruitvale Avenue · 661-868-7100 | Some services are limited to unincorporated Kern County or contracted cities such as Arvin and Tehachapi. |
| City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center | City shelter adoption, animals impounded by City of Bakersfield Animal Control, city intake, city licensing and city-related animal services. | 201 South Mt. Vernon Avenue · 661-832-7387 | Use this route when the issue is inside Bakersfield city limits. |
| Bakersfield SPCA | Nonprofit adoption option for county residents, pet adoption searches, nonprofit shelter support and surrender questions through SPCA rules. | 3000 Gibson Street · 661-323-8353 | It is independent and not the county animal-control dispatch office. |
| Other Kern County cities | Animal-control or shelter services in places such as Shafter, Taft, Wasco, California City, Ridgecrest and Delano. | Use city-specific animal services route. | Do not bring an animal to Bakersfield without confirming the correct jurisdiction. |
Bakersfield Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
Kern County Animal Services publishes different hours for adoption/intake and licensing/spay-neuter vouchers. Pay attention to the service type before you drive.
Kern County Bakersfield shelter timing
Adoption, redemption and intake hours are listed as Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 AM–4 PM, and Wednesday 2 PM–7 PM. Licensing and spay/neuter voucher hours are listed as Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 8 AM–5 PM, and Wednesday noon–7 PM.
| Service | Listed KCAS Bakersfield Hours | Visitor Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption, redemption and intake | Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat 10 AM–4 PM; Wed 2 PM–7 PM | Best for meeting pets, reclaiming pets, and intake questions. Avoid arriving near closing. |
| Licensing and spay/neuter vouchers | Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat 8 AM–5 PM; Wed noon–7 PM | Use for dog licensing, voucher questions and related paperwork. |
| County animal-control dispatch | Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM; after-hours/weekend emergency phone uses 661-868-7100 Option #2 | Use for unincorporated Kern County field issues such as injured animals, aggression, cruelty and public-safety threats. |
| City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center | City-related pages and listings commonly show Tue–Sat 10 AM–4 PM | Call 661-832-7387 if the animal or your residence is inside Bakersfield city limits. |
| Bakersfield SPCA | Mon–Fri 9:30 AM–4:30 PM; Sat 11 AM–3 PM; closed Sunday and certain holidays | Use for nonprofit adoption and SPCA-specific surrender/adoption policies. |
How to Adopt from Bakersfield Animal Shelter
Adoption searches often start with “Bakersfield animal shelter dogs,” “Bakersfield animal shelter cats,” “Kern County adoptable pets,” or “Bakersfield dog adoption.” The practical answer is: search official listings first, confirm availability, then visit or contact the correct shelter.
Start with the official adoptable pet page
Kern County Animal Services has pages for all adoptable animals, adoptable dogs, adoptable cats, animals at greatest risk, working cats/barn cats and adoption events. Start there instead of relying on outdated social screenshots.
Write down the animal ID number
For Bakersfield shelters, the animal ID number is often more reliable than just a name or photo. Names can change, and multiple pets can look similar.
Call or email before driving for one pet
If your whole trip depends on one dog or cat, call 661-868-7100 or use the shelter contact route before driving. Availability can change quickly because adoption, foster, rescue transfer, reclaim or medical hold can change status.
Prepare match questions, not just breed questions
Ask about energy, kennel stress, leash behavior, shyness, medical notes, size, age, spay/neuter status, first-week needs and whether the pet is at the shelter, in foster or at an event.
Understand first-come and risk timing
Kern County’s Petfinder adoption policy describes a first-come, first-served process while prioritizing the animal’s best interests. For popular pets or at-risk pets, act quickly and follow official instructions.
Bakersfield Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
Kern County adoption fees can be reduced by promotions, 30 Day Dog events, Pets for Vets or other shelter campaigns. Confirm current pricing before checkout.
Female cat / kitten
$50 standard fee listed by Kern County.
Male cat / kitten
$40 standard fee listed by Kern County.
Puppy
Kern County pages list puppy pricing by age, with $75 for younger puppies and $85 for older puppy/dog categories on the adoption listing page.
Dog
$85 standard dog adoption fee is listed by Kern County. Senior citizen dog rate is listed as $75.
| Fee Topic | Official Guidance | Practical Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| What adoption fee includes | Spay/neuter surgery, first vaccinations including rabies if old enough, and microchip. | The fee is not only a purchase price; it includes medical preparation for adoption. |
| County dog license inclusion | Dog adoption fees include a one-year county license for residents of unincorporated Kern County or contracted city of Tehachapi. | Bakersfield city residents may have different licensing handling. |
| Reduced adoption fees | KCAS regularly offers reduced fee events and promotions. | Check official social pages before paying full fee. |
| 30 Day Dog | KCAS references an ongoing 30 Day Dog program. | Long-stay dogs may have special adoption visibility or reduced-fee opportunities. |
| Pets for Vets | KCAS references a Pets for Vets program. | Veterans should ask what documentation and current adoption specials apply. |
Animals at Greatest Risk and Urgent Bakersfield Adoptions
Many people search “Bakersfield animal shelter euthanasia list,” “urgent dogs Bakersfield,” or “Kern County animals at greatest risk.” Use careful, official routes because social posts can be outdated, emotional, or missing current status.
Check “Animals at Greatest Risk”
Kern County’s adoption section includes an Animals at Greatest Risk route. Start there before relying on reposted screenshots.
Ask by animal ID
When calling or emailing, include the animal ID number in the subject or first sentence. This helps staff find the correct animal faster.
Ask about foster and rescue paths
If you cannot adopt permanently, ask whether fostering or rescue coordination is possible. Fostering can create space and may help an animal leave the shelter faster.
Lost and Found Pets at Bakersfield Animal Shelter
Lost-pet intent is different from adoption intent. If your pet is missing, do not only browse adoptable pets. Use lost-pet searches, Petco Love Lost, physical shelter visits, microchip updates, flyers and local groups.
If your pet is missing
- Check the most recent lost pets who have come to the shelter.
- Check animals that have been in the shelter for three days or more.
- File a lost pet report and check Petco Love Lost.
- Text “LOST” to 833-978-3916 for free lost-pet advice listed by KCAS.
- Visit shelters in person because photos and online descriptions may not match perfectly.
- Post flyers near where the pet was last seen and use local Bakersfield lost-pet groups.
If you found a pet
- Scan for a microchip; KCAS notes a 24-hour microchip scan station at 3951 Fruitvale Avenue.
- File a found pet report and post the animal online with location and date found.
- Check whether your residence qualifies for KCAS intake before bringing the animal.
- Remember KCAS says it does not accept stray, lost or feral cats.
- Call first to confirm shelter space before bringing a found animal.
- Dogs must be leashed or in a carrier; cats must be in a carrier; aggressive dogs must be muzzled.
Bakersfield Animal Control and Kern County Routing
“Bakersfield animal control” is one of the most important related searches. The right contact depends on whether the issue is inside Bakersfield city limits, in unincorporated Kern County, or in another incorporated city.
KCAS dispatch
Use 661-868-7100, Option #2 for Kern County Animal Control dispatch. Dispatch hours are Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM, excluding county holidays, with after-hours/weekend emergency phone through the same option.
City animal control
For Bakersfield city-limit field services, Kern County’s jurisdiction list points users to the City of Bakersfield Animal Control complaint route and phone 661-326-3436.
Emergency response
For active attacks, severe injuries, animals acting aggressively, immediate cruelty, or threats to public safety, use the correct emergency or dispatch route immediately.
| Issue | Likely Route | What to Say |
|---|---|---|
| Loose dog near traffic | County dispatch or city animal control depending on location | Give exact street, cross street, direction of travel, dog description and whether it is aggressive or injured. |
| Animal bite | Report through the correct animal-control route | Include victim info, animal owner if known, address, time, injury level and rabies/vaccine information if known. |
| Barking/noise complaint | Non-emergency animal-control form or route | Document dates, times, address and whether you already contacted the owner. |
| Suspected cruelty or neglect | Animal-control dispatch or official report form | Describe what you personally observed, exact location, animal condition and urgency. |
| Protected wildlife | California Department of Fish & Wildlife route listed by KCAS | Do not handle dangerous or protected wildlife; call for proper guidance. |
Owner Surrender at Bakersfield Animal Shelter
Owner surrender has strict rules. Do not bring an owned pet to the shelter without confirming eligibility, appointment availability and current requirements.
Kern County surrender requirements
- KCAS says it can only accept surrendered dogs at this time, and only from unincorporated Kern County residents.
- No cats are accepted for owner surrender through that KCAS surrender guidance.
- Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old and in good health with no apparent medical or behavioral issues.
- Proof of Bordetella and Parvo/Distemper vaccinations at least 72 hours before the appointment is required.
- A $20 surrender fee is charged per animal.
- Proof of ownership is required.
Appointment and timing
- You must schedule an appointment to surrender a pet.
- If surrendering more than one pet, each animal needs its own appointment.
- Appointment windows are listed as Monday–Saturday 11 AM–3 PM, and Wednesday 2 PM–6 PM.
- Try rehoming resources first if the issue is housing, cost, food, behavior or temporary hardship.
- Never leave an animal outside the shelter after hours.
Bakersfield Cats, Found Kittens and TNR Help
Cat-related searches need special handling because KCAS has different rules for owned cats, stray cats, feral/community cats and found kittens.
KCAS does not accept stray, lost or feral cats
Kern County’s found-pet guidance says KCAS does not accept stray, lost or feral cats. Use the feral cat assistance and found kitten guidance instead of assuming cat intake works like dog intake.
TNR through Critters Without Litters
KCAS says its TNR program is operated through Critters Without Litters and requires appointments. Do not go to the clinic without an appointment.
Do not rush every litter to a shelter
If you find kittens, check official found-kitten guidance first. Sometimes the mother cat is nearby, and moving kittens too soon can make survival harder.
Bakersfield Spay/Neuter Vouchers, Licensing and Pet Help
Related searches like “Bakersfield low cost spay neuter,” “Kern County dog license,” “Save the Pitties,” and “spay neuter voucher Bakersfield” are service-intent searches, not adoption searches.
Low-income voucher
KCAS lists a low-income spay/neuter voucher program with a $20 copay per voucher, proof of address and household income requirements, and participating veterinarian rules.
Save the Pitties
KCAS lists a Save the Pitties voucher program with $0 copay for eligible pit bull or pit bull mix spay/neuter, with proof of address and participating veterinarian rules.
Dog licensing
Kern County dog licensing fees vary by altered/natural status and license length. City of Bakersfield residents may need city licensing through the city shelter route.
| Program | Key Rule | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Low-income spay/neuter voucher | $20 copay, proof of address, proof of household income, voucher valid for 30 days. | Make a participating-vet appointment before getting the voucher. |
| Save the Pitties voucher | $0 copay, proof of address, participating veterinarians, voucher valid for 45 days. | Ask whether your dog qualifies before planning surgery. |
| Clinic appointment/voucher lifetime limit | KCAS lists a combination limit of 4 clinic appointments or vouchers per household per lifetime. | Use vouchers strategically if you have multiple pets. |
| TNR / feral cat appointments | Handled through Critters Without Litters appointment process. | Do not trap cats until you understand check-in, trap and next-day pickup rules. |
Official Video Resource: Kern County Animal Services
Kern County Animal Services lists an official YouTube channel among its social links. Use official KCAS videos and social posts for current adoption events, shelter updates, outreach campaigns and community pet help. If the embedded uploads playlist does not load, use the official links below instead.
What to Bring Before Visiting Bakersfield Animal Shelter
A prepared visitor gets helped faster. Bring different items depending on whether you are adopting, reclaiming, reporting, surrendering, or bringing in a found dog.
Photo ID
Bring valid identification for adoption, reclaim, surrender appointment, licensing or official service questions.
Animal ID numbers
Write down animal names and ID numbers from the official listing before driving.
Payment method
Bring payment for adoption, licensing, redemption, surrender or voucher copay if applicable.
Carrier
Cats must be in a carrier when being transported. Never carry a loose cat through a parking lot.
Leash or crate
Dogs should be leashed or safely contained. Aggressive dogs must be muzzled if bringing them in under intake guidance.
Proof documents
For reclaim or surrender, bring proof of ownership, vaccination records, microchip records and any shelter notice.
After Adoption: First 7 Days at Home
A high-value adoption guide should not stop at the shelter door. Many returns happen because the first week is rushed, noisy, or unrealistic.
First 24 hours
- Use a quiet starter room or calm crate area.
- Do not invite visitors to meet the pet immediately.
- Do not introduce resident pets too quickly.
- Use leash and carrier safety even if the pet seems calm.
- Expect stress signs such as hiding, barking, pacing, loose stool or low appetite.
Days 2–7
- Keep feeding, potty, sleep and walk times predictable.
- Schedule veterinary follow-up if recommended.
- Introduce pets slowly through scent, distance and controlled meetings.
- Ask for training or behavior help early if serious issues appear.
- Keep adoption, microchip, vaccine and spay/neuter paperwork in one place.
Bakersfield Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Arrival Tips
Use this map for the Kern County Animal Services Bakersfield shelter at 3951 Fruitvale Avenue. If you are inside Bakersfield city limits and need city animal services, confirm whether the Mt. Vernon Animal Care Center is the correct location before driving.
Arrive early
Give yourself time for pet matching, questions, paperwork, redemption proof or intake instructions.
Call first for special cases
Call before bringing a found animal, surrendering a dog, driving for one pet, or asking about an urgent animal-control issue.
Check city limits
City-vs-county service area affects intake, animal control, licensing and field response.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Bakersfield Animal Shelter
These mistakes create wasted trips and missed opportunities, especially when animals are at risk or service routing depends on city-vs-county lines.
Before visiting
- Do not assume every Bakersfield shelter is the same agency.
- Do not bring a found animal without confirming whether KCAS can accept it.
- Do not assume KCAS accepts stray, lost or feral cats.
- Do not drive for one animal without checking current status.
- Do not arrive near closing for adoption, redemption or intake.
- Do not confuse adoption hours with licensing/voucher hours.
Before adopting or surrendering
- Do not rely only on social media screenshots for urgent dogs.
- Do not forget the animal ID number when contacting staff.
- Do not surrender a dog without an appointment and required vaccines.
- Do not send pledge money to unverified individuals.
- Do not adopt without checking landlord, breed, size and pet-count restrictions.
- Do not skip a calm first-week transition plan.
Official Bakersfield Animal Shelter Links
Use official pages for final decisions. This guide explains the process, but official city and county pages control current hours, fees, rules, pet availability and dispatch routing.
Bakersfield Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Bakersfield Animal Shelter located?
The Kern County Animal Services Bakersfield shelter is located at 3951 Fruitvale Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93308. The City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center is a separate city shelter at 201 South Mt. Vernon Avenue.
What is the phone number for Bakersfield Animal Shelter?
Kern County Animal Services Bakersfield uses 661-868-7100. For City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center, use 661-832-7387. For Kern County animal-control dispatch, use 661-868-7100, Option #2.
What are Kern County Animal Services Bakersfield adoption hours?
Adoption, redemption and intake hours are listed as Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 AM–4 PM, and Wednesday 2 PM–7 PM, excluding county holidays.
Is Bakersfield Animal Shelter the same as Kern County Animal Services?
Many people use “Bakersfield Animal Shelter” to mean Kern County Animal Services at Fruitvale Avenue, but Bakersfield also has the City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center and Bakersfield SPCA. The correct agency depends on your need and jurisdiction.
Which shelter should Bakersfield city residents use?
For city-limit shelter services, city impounds, city licensing or city animal-control routing, check the City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center at 201 South Mt. Vernon Avenue and city animal-control contact routes.
How much are adoption fees at Kern County Animal Services?
Kern County lists standard adoption fees including female cat/kitten $50, male cat/kitten $40, puppy categories around $75–$85 depending on age/page, dog $85 and senior citizen dog rate $75. Confirm the current fee for the exact pet before adopting.
What is included with a Kern County animal adoption?
Kern County says adoption fees include spay or neuter surgery, first vaccinations including rabies if the pet is old enough, and a microchip. For eligible county or Tehachapi residents, dog adoption can also include a one-year county license.
Does Bakersfield Animal Shelter have urgent or at-risk dogs?
Kern County’s adoption section includes an Animals at Greatest Risk route. Check official listings and contact the shelter by animal ID number instead of relying only on social media reposts.
Does Kern County Animal Services accept stray cats?
Kern County’s found-pet guidance says KCAS does not accept stray, lost or feral cats. Use the official feral cat assistance, found kitten and community-cat resources instead.
What should I do if I lost a pet in Bakersfield?
Check official lost-pet listings, use Petco Love Lost, file a lost pet report, post flyers, update microchip information, text “LOST” to 833-978-3916 for listed advice resources, and visit local shelters in person.
What should I do if I found a dog in Bakersfield?
Scan for a microchip, file a found pet report, post clear photos and location details, and call the correct agency before transporting. KCAS says your residence address determines whether KCAS will accept the animal.
Who do I call for Bakersfield animal control?
For unincorporated Kern County, call 661-868-7100 Option #2. For issues inside Bakersfield city limits, use the City of Bakersfield animal-control route listed by the city/county jurisdiction guidance.
Does Kern County Animal Services take owner surrenders?
Yes, but the official surrender page says KCAS can only accept surrendered dogs at this time, only from unincorporated Kern County residents, and only by appointment with specific vaccination and ownership requirements.
Does Bakersfield Animal Shelter offer spay/neuter vouchers?
Kern County lists low-income vouchers, Save the Pitties vouchers, and other low-cost spay/neuter options. Voucher rules include proof requirements, participating veterinarians and expiration dates.
What should I bring to adopt from Bakersfield Animal Shelter?
Bring photo ID, payment method, pet ID numbers, landlord approval if renting, a safe carrier for cats or leash/crate for dogs, and questions about medical, behavior, spay/neuter and first-week care.
Final Take: Use the Right Bakersfield Shelter Route First
Bakersfield Animal Shelter searches can point to three different places: Kern County Animal Services on Fruitvale Avenue, the City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center on South Mt. Vernon Avenue, and Bakersfield SPCA on Gibson Street. For adoption, checking all relevant adoption listings can help. For intake, licensing, surrender, lost/found pets or animal-control response, the correct agency depends on city-vs-county jurisdiction and current shelter rules.
The best visitor plan is simple: check official adoptable pets first, write down animal ID numbers, confirm availability before driving for one pet, bring safe transport supplies, call before intake or surrender, and use 661-868-7100 Option #2 only for the county dispatch route when your issue belongs to Kern County Animal Services.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Kern County Animal Services, City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center, Bakersfield SPCA, Critters Without Litters, Petco Love Lost, 24PetConnect, any rescue group, any police department or any official shelter portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, reclaiming, surrendering, transporting a found animal or reporting an animal-control 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.