Tallahassee Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Tallahassee Animal Shelter usually means Tallahassee Animal Services, the City of Tallahassee Animal Service Center at 1125 Easterwood Drive near Tom Brown Park. This guide explains adoption hours, walk-in kennel viewing, adoption fees, online kennel steps, lost pets, found pets, animal control, Leon County routing, surrender and rehoming, foster, volunteer, map directions and practical call scripts.
Use this page before driving or calling. The correct route is different if you want to adopt a dog, meet cats, reclaim a missing pet, report a stray or aggressive animal, surrender a pet, help found kittens, volunteer, foster, or compare the city shelter with Leon County Humane Society and local rescues.
Tallahassee Animal Shelter Quick Details
This section covers the search intent behind “Tallahassee animal shelter near me,” “Tallahassee Animal Services hours,” “Tallahassee animal shelter phone number,” “Tallahassee animal control,” “dog adoption Tallahassee,” “cat adoption Tallahassee,” and “lost pet Tallahassee.”
Official location
1125 Easterwood Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32311.
This is the Animal Service Center near Tom Brown Park.
Main phone
850-891-2950.
Use this for shelter, adoption, lost/found and surrender appointment questions.
Visit timing
By appointment: daily 10 AM–6 PM.
Walk-in kennels: Tuesday–Sunday 1 PM–5 PM.
Animal control
City Animal Control: 850-891-2958.
After-hours sick/injured/aggressive stray: 850-606-5800.
Which Tallahassee Animal Shelter Do You Mean?
Search engines can show Tallahassee Animal Services, Leon County Humane Society, foster rescues, cat rescues and nonprofit support groups. This guide focuses on the City of Tallahassee Animal Services public shelter.
Tallahassee Animal Services
Use this page for the public Animal Service Center at 1125 Easterwood Drive, adoption, lost/found pets, city animal control and shelter services.
Leon County Humane Society
LCHS is a separate nonprofit rescue/adoption organization. It may have different hours, appointment rules, fees and surrender limits.
Animal Shelter Foundation
ASF supports animals in the care of Tallahassee Animal Services through donations, enrichment, veterinary support, events and community programs.
Tallahassee Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
The key detail is the difference between appointment availability and walk-in kennel viewing. Appointments are broader; walk-in kennel viewing has a shorter window.
| Visitor Need | Listed Timing | Practical Advice |
|---|---|---|
| By appointment | Daily 10 AM–6 PM | Best if you submitted the adoption questionnaire or need a planned meeting. |
| Walk-in kennel viewing | Tuesday–Sunday 1 PM–5 PM | Best for browsing dogs/cats in person without choosing only from photos. |
| Monday | Appointments may be listed, but walk-in kennel viewing is not listed for Monday. | Call before visiting if you need public kennel access on Monday. |
| Specific pet visit | After questionnaire and counselor contact | Submit the questionnaire and wait for staff contact within one business day. |
| Animal control | Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM | For City of Tallahassee domestic animal complaints, call 850-891-2958. |
| After-hours sick, injured or aggressive stray | After regular hours | Call Consolidated Dispatch at 850-606-5800 to page the on-call Animal Control Officer. |
How to Adopt from Tallahassee Animal Services
The adoption process is built around matching, not just browsing. The official page says the online kennel is updated hourly, the adoption questionnaire starts the process, and a counselor contacts applicants within one business day.
Check the online kennel first
Use the official online kennel to view available dogs, cats and other animals. Save the animal name or ID, age, sex, location and notes before applying.
Complete the adoption questionnaire
When you find a pet you want to meet, download and complete the questionnaire. If submission has issues, the city says to save the PDF and email it to adopt@talgov.com.
Wait for the adoption counselor
An adoption counselor should contact you within one business day. Once approved, you can be set up with an appointment to meet the selected animal.
Use walk-in kennel viewing if you prefer browsing
If you would rather walk through kennels and choose in person, visit Tuesday through Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM during open kennel times.
Ask first-week questions before you adopt
Ask about behavior, energy, children, other pets, heartworm status, litter habits, anxiety, medical notes, training, enrichment and whether the pet can go home the same day.
Tallahassee Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
Fee searches need more than a number. Adoption fee, spay/neuter status, preventives, heartworm testing and same-day release all matter for the real first-month cost.
Dogs
Regular dog adoption fee is listed as $30.
Cats
Regular cat adoption fee is listed as $20.
Rabbits
Regular rabbit adoption fee is listed as $10.
Other animals
Rodents, fish, livestock, reptiles and birds are listed as $1–$50.
| Cost / Inclusion | Official Detail | What to Ask Before Paying |
|---|---|---|
| Dog adoption | $30 regular fee. | Ask about heartworm test, prevention, energy level and first-week needs. |
| Cat adoption | $20 regular fee. | Ask about spay/neuter, litter habits, hiding, other cats and indoor transition. |
| Spay/neuter deposit | Deposit applies to unaltered cats and dogs. | Ask whether the pet is already altered and when surgery is scheduled. |
| Included benefits | Collar/tag, food, vaccinations, microchip, dog heartworm testing over 6 months, medical record and care information. | Confirm what applies to your exact animal. |
| Optional preventives | Dog adopters may purchase 6 months of preventives; cat adopters over 6 months may purchase Revolt. | Ask whether your pet is heartworm-positive or needs immediate prevention. |
Tallahassee Shelter Dogs, Cats and Other Pets
Searches like “Tallahassee animal shelter dogs,” “Tallahassee animal shelter cats,” “puppies Tallahassee,” “kittens Tallahassee,” and “small pets Tallahassee” need different questions.
Dogs
Ask about leash behavior, energy, heartworm status, dog meet-and-greet, children, housing rules and decompression needs.
Cats
Ask about litter habits, hiding, indoor-only setup, other cats, children, handling and carrier transport.
Rabbits
Ask about hay, enclosure size, chewing, litter training, handling and rabbit-savvy vet care.
Other animals
Birds, rodents, reptiles and other animals may appear when available. Ask about enclosure, food, temperature and handling.
Lost Pets in Tallahassee
Lost-pet intent is urgent. The city recommends searching thoroughly near home, checking found listings daily, posting online, making flyers, contacting vets and keeping microchip details current.
First 24 hours checklist
- Search your house, yard, shed, garage, bushes and quiet hiding spaces first.
- Alert neighbors and check around the immediate home area.
- Complete the city’s Lost Pet Report.
- Check the shelter’s Found Pet listings every day.
- Call your microchip company and update contact details.
- Call your vet and emergency vet clinics with a flyer or description.
Where to post
- Facebook lost/found and Tallahassee pet groups.
- Nextdoor and neighborhood/complex groups.
- Craigslist lost/found and pets sections.
- PawBoost, Lost Dogs Florida, Petco Love Lost and 24Petconnect.
- Flyers at vet offices, community centers, pet stores and local gathering spots.
Found a Pet in Tallahassee
A found pet may have a family searching nearby. Tallahassee Animal Services asks finders to check ID, scan for a microchip, file a report, search lost listings, post online, and make reasonable efforts before rehoming.
Found dog or cat steps
- Check collar, rabies tag or ID tag.
- Have the animal scanned for a microchip at a vet office or shelter.
- Fill out the Found Pet Report and email it with a photo to lostandfoundpets@talgov.com.
- Search through photos and descriptions of lost animals.
- Post the pet on local lost/found channels.
- Create a flyer and post it near where the animal was found.
Special cat guidance
- Friendly stray cats often live nearby and may not need shelter intake if healthy.
- A paper collar can help identify whether a cat has an owner.
- Do not remove kittens too quickly if the mother may return.
- If the animal is sick or injured after hours, use Consolidated Dispatch at 850-606-5800.
- If you cannot care for the animal after trying the steps, call the shelter to set a surrender appointment.
Tallahassee Animal Control: City vs Leon County
This is the most important section for “Tallahassee animal shelter & control” searches. Adoption staff and animal-control response are different routes.
City Animal Control
For domestic animal concerns inside Tallahassee city limits, call 850-891-2958.
Regular animal-control hours are Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
Sick, injured or aggressive stray
For an after-hours emergency involving a sick, injured or aggressive stray animal, call 850-606-5800 for Consolidated Dispatch.
Unincorporated Leon County
If the issue is in unincorporated Leon County, the city page directs residents to Leon County Animal Control at 850-606-5400.
| Problem | Best Route | Information to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Loose or stray domestic animal inside city limits | City Animal Control: 850-891-2958. | Exact address, direction of travel, animal description, safety risk. |
| Sick, injured or aggressive stray after hours | Consolidated Dispatch: 850-606-5800. | Location, animal condition, whether it can move, traffic danger, your phone number. |
| Unincorporated Leon County animal issue | Leon County Animal Control: 850-606-5400. | Address verification, city/county jurisdiction, animal type, urgency. |
| Immediate danger to a person | Emergency services. | Life safety, attack in progress, serious bite, traffic hazard or active threat. |
| Wildlife concern | Use wildlife resources, not normal shelter adoption desk. | Species, condition, location, whether people or pets had contact. |
Surrender or Rehome a Pet in Tallahassee
Tallahassee Animal Services says surrender should be an absolute last resort. They recommend owner-led rehoming first because you know the animal best and can help find the right permanent home.
Try these before surrender
- Contact the prior owner, breeder, rescue or shelter if your pet came with a return agreement.
- Update vaccines, spay/neuter and microchip when possible.
- Create good photos and a clear description of the pet’s personality and needs.
- Share responsibly on Facebook, Instagram, Craigslist, Adopt-a-Pet and vet office flyers.
- Interview adopters and ask for vet references when appropriate.
- Reach out to rescues, especially breed-specific rescues for purebred dogs.
If surrender is the only option
- Call 850-891-2950 to schedule an appointment.
- City guidance says only Tallahassee residents are accepted for surrender.
- There is no fee to surrender an animal.
- Once surrendered, you will not be able to reclaim or adopt the animal.
- Be honest about medical, behavior, bite, anxiety and medication history.
Foster, Volunteer, Donate and Support Shelter Pets
Not everyone can adopt. Search intent like “Tallahassee animal shelter volunteer,” “foster dog Tallahassee,” “donate to Tallahassee animal shelter,” and “Animal Shelter Foundation Tallahassee” should lead to practical support options.
Foster
Fostering can help kittens, puppies, medical recovery pets, shy animals and pets needing a break from the shelter.
Volunteer
Volunteers may help with enrichment, walking, socialization, events, photos, laundry, cleaning or adoption support depending on current needs.
Donate
Donations and ASF support can help with medical care, enrichment, spay/neuter, shelter improvements and adoption support.
What to Bring Before Visiting Tallahassee Animal Shelter
A prepared visitor gets helped faster. Adoption, reclaim, surrender, foster and found-pet visits need different documents.
Photo ID and address proof
For adoption, bring a current government-issued photo ID proving you are over 18 and proof of current address such as a telephone or utility bill.
Payment method
The city says cash, charge and checks are accepted. Bring payment for adoption, preventives or reclaim-related fees when applicable.
Dog meet-and-greet plan
If you have a dog, bring them for a meet-and-greet when considering another dog, if staff approves the visit.
Carrier
Bring a secure carrier for cats, kittens or small pets. Loose cats in vehicles can escape or get injured.
Proof for reclaim
For a lost pet, bring photos, vet records, microchip number, rabies record and any ownership paperwork.
Questions list
Write questions about behavior, health, surgery, vaccines, microchip, other pets, children and first-week care.
After Adoption: First 7 Days at Home
The city adoption page reminds adopters to read their contract and pet guide, build structure and provide enrichment. That advice matters because the first week sets the tone.
First 24 hours
- Keep the new pet in a quiet starter space.
- Do not introduce every person and pet immediately.
- Use a leash, crate or carrier during transport.
- Feed on a predictable schedule and give dogs regular potty breaks.
- Read the adoption contract and pet adoption guide.
Days 2–7
- Provide daily enrichment, training and calm routines.
- Schedule vet follow-up if recommended.
- Introduce resident pets slowly and safely.
- Watch for coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, limping, refusal to eat or severe fear.
- Ask for behavior help early instead of waiting until stress becomes a bigger problem.
Video Resource Note
I did not add a random YouTube embed because a current official embeddable Tallahassee Animal Services video was not confirmed. For trust and AdSense-safe quality, this guide uses official City of Tallahassee pages and practical visitor guidance instead of forcing an unrelated video.
Tallahassee Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Arrival Tips
Use this map for the Animal Service Center at 1125 Easterwood Drive. Check official hours, current pets and appointment status before driving.
Pick the right time
Appointments and walk-in kennel viewing are not the same. Confirm which one matches your visit.
Call before special trips
Call before driving for one specific pet, a surrender appointment, a holiday week or a complex animal-control question.
Bring safe transport
Use a carrier for cats and a leash/crate plan for dogs. Do not rely on holding a pet loose in the car.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Tallahassee Animal Shelter
These mistakes come from real user searches: “hours today,” “walk in,” “animal control,” “surrender,” “lost dog,” “found cat,” “adoption fee” and “near me.”
Before visiting
- Do not assume 10 AM–6 PM means walk-in kennel viewing all day.
- Do not drive for one pet without checking whether it is still available.
- Do not skip the adoption questionnaire if you want a planned meeting.
- Do not forget government photo ID and proof of address.
- Do not bring your current dog without confirming meet-and-greet instructions.
Before calling or surrendering
- Do not call shelter adoption staff for an immediate animal-control emergency.
- Do not assume city animal control covers unincorporated Leon County.
- Do not handle an aggressive or injured animal if unsafe.
- Do not surrender without calling for an appointment.
- Do not surrender until you understand that you cannot reclaim or adopt the animal afterward.
Official Tallahassee Animal Services Links
Use official pages for final decisions. This independent guide explains the process, but the City of Tallahassee controls current hours, fees, animal availability, surrender rules and animal-control routing.
Tallahassee Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the official Tallahassee Animal Shelter?
The main public shelter is Tallahassee Animal Services, also called the Animal Service Center, located at 1125 Easterwood Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32311.
What is the Tallahassee Animal Shelter phone number?
The main Tallahassee Animal Services phone number is 850-891-2950.
What are Tallahassee Animal Shelter adoption hours?
The city lists appointments daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. Walk-in kennel viewing is listed Tuesday through Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM.
Can I walk through kennels at Tallahassee Animal Services?
Yes, walk-in kennel viewing is listed Tuesday through Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM. If you want to meet a specific animal, use the adoption questionnaire and appointment process.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from Tallahassee Animal Services?
The regular dog adoption fee is listed as $30. Confirm current fees and event specials before adopting.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from Tallahassee Animal Services?
The regular cat adoption fee is listed as $20. Confirm current pricing and specials before checkout.
What is included with adoption?
Adoption benefits include a collar and personalized ID tag, a bag of food, vaccinations, microchip, heartworm testing for dogs over 6 months, medical records, and care/behavior information. Most pets are spayed or neutered before adoption.
Do unaltered animals leave the shelter?
No. Tallahassee Animal Services says unaltered animals do not leave the shelter. If surgery is still needed, the pet is scheduled for the next available surgery day.
What should I do if I lost my pet in Tallahassee?
Search your home and neighborhood, complete the Lost Pet Report, check Found Pet listings daily, update microchip details, post online, make flyers and contact veterinarians and emergency clinics.
What should I do if I found a pet in Tallahassee?
Check for ID, scan for a microchip, file a Found Pet Report with a photo, search lost-pet listings, post locally, make flyers and call the shelter if you cannot safely care for the animal.
Who do I call for Tallahassee animal control?
For domestic animal concerns inside City of Tallahassee limits, call City Animal Control at 850-891-2958. For after-hours sick, injured or aggressive stray animals, call Consolidated Dispatch at 850-606-5800.
What if the animal issue is in unincorporated Leon County?
The city page directs unincorporated Leon County animal-control issues to Leon County Animal Control at 850-606-5400.
Can I surrender my pet to Tallahassee Animal Services?
Possibly, but surrender should be a last resort. Tallahassee Animal Services says only Tallahassee residents are accepted for surrender, appointments are required, and there is no surrender fee.
Can I reclaim a pet after surrender?
No. The city states that once you surrender your pet, you will not be able to reclaim or adopt the animal.
Is Tallahassee Animal Services the same as Leon County Humane Society?
No. Tallahassee Animal Services is the city animal shelter. Leon County Humane Society is a separate nonprofit organization with its own adoption and program rules.
Final Take: Use Tallahassee Animal Shelter the Right Way
Tallahassee Animal Services is the main public shelter for adoption, lost pets, found pets, city animal-control questions, foster, volunteer and rehoming guidance. The most important visitor details are 1125 Easterwood Drive, 850-891-2950, appointment availability daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, and walk-in kennel viewing Tuesday through Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM.
For adoption, check the online kennel, complete the questionnaire, bring ID, proof of address and a payment method, and ask practical first-week questions. For lost or found pets, move quickly and use official reports, microchip checks and neighborhood posts. For animal control, confirm whether the issue is inside Tallahassee city limits or unincorporated Leon County before calling.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Tallahassee Animal Services, the City of Tallahassee, Leon County, Leon County Humane Society, Animal Shelter Foundation, any animal control agency, police department, veterinarian, rescue, microchip company or official shelter portal. Always verify current hours, fees, animal availability, surrender rules and emergency 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.