Richmond Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Richmond Animal Shelter usually means Richmond Animal Care & Control, also called RACC. It is Richmond City’s public animal shelter and animal-control department at 1600 Chamberlayne Avenue. Use this guide before visiting for adoption, lost pets, found pets, animal control, cruelty reporting, pet licensing, fostering, volunteering, donations or a same-day adoption visit.
This article is built around real search intent: “Richmond animal shelter hours,” “RACC adoption fees,” “Richmond animal control phone number,” “lost dog Richmond VA,” “found cat Richmond,” “Richmond pet license,” “RACC foster,” “Richmond animal shelter near me” and “adopt a dog Richmond VA.” Each section gives a practical answer instead of only repeating keywords.
Richmond Animal Shelter Quick Details
These are the high-intent details people usually need first: address, phone, hours, adoption fees, intake phone, emergency routing and best first step based on the reason for your visit.
Address
1600 Chamberlayne Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222.
Use the map section below before visiting from The Fan, Church Hill, Northside, Manchester, Carytown, Jackson Ward, Shockoe or nearby county areas.
Main phone
804-646-5573.
Use this for adoption, animal-control, cruelty, licensing direction, foster, volunteer and general RACC questions.
Lost/found intake
804-646-5574 is listed for intake questions on the lost/found page.
Use this when checking a missing pet or found animal process.
After-hours emergency
RACC says to call 911 for animal-related emergencies after hours.
For non-emergency questions, use the shelter or animal-control contact route.
Which Richmond Animal Shelter Do You Mean?
Search results can mix Richmond Animal Care & Control, Richmond SPCA, Richmond Animal League, Henrico shelter, Chesterfield shelter and even Richmond, BC. For animal-control and lost/found issues, jurisdiction matters.
Richmond Animal Care & Control
Use RACC if you need the City of Richmond’s public shelter, animal control, cruelty reporting, stray intake, lost/found pets, city pet licensing or open-admission shelter services.
Richmond SPCA / Richmond Animal League
These are separate nonprofit organizations. They may help with adoption, rescue or resources, but they are not the City of Richmond animal-control department.
Henrico, Chesterfield or Hanover
If the animal issue happened outside Richmond city limits, call the county where the animal was found or where the incident happened.
What Richmond Animal Care & Control Handles
RACC is not only an adoption counter. It is the City of Richmond’s animal care and control department, handling sheltering, enforcement, cruelty reports, bites, licensing support, lost/found animals and animal-related community concerns.
Dogs, cats, kittens and rabbits
RACC lists same-day adoption procedures, fees and adoption policies. Dogs, cats and kittens are spayed/neutered before adoption; rabbits go home with a spay/neuter certificate.
Stray animals and reunions
RACC’s lost/found page says stray animals at the facility are automatically uploaded to the website upon intake and recommends visiting often until you locate your pet.
Cruelty, bites and danger
Animal Control Officers handle suspected cruelty, abandoned animals, sick or injured animals, aggressive animals, animal fighting, livestock/poultry issues and animal bites.
Richmond Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
The key timing issue is that Monday and Tuesday are by appointment. If you want a regular walk-in-style adoption visit, Wednesday through Sunday is usually the practical public window.
Current listed adoption schedule
Monday and Tuesday are by appointment. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are listed as 12 PM–6 PM. Saturday is 12 PM–5 PM and Sunday is 12 PM–4 PM.
| Day / Need | Listed Guidance | Practical Visitor Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | By appointment | Do not plan a standard walk-in adoption visit unless RACC confirms an appointment. |
| Tuesday | By appointment | Good for scheduled follow-up or special appointment needs. |
| Wednesday–Friday | 12 PM–6 PM | Best weekday window for adoption visits, questions and matching conversations. |
| Saturday | 12 PM–5 PM | Likely busier. Arrive early and have more than one pet in mind. |
| Sunday | 12 PM–4 PM | Shorter visit window. Avoid arriving near closing for adoption paperwork. |
| Lost/found staff | Lost/found page lists staff availability from morning through closing windows. | Search online, call intake and visit the shelter repeatedly until your pet is found. |
| After-hours emergency | Call 911 for animal-related emergencies after hours. | Use 911 for immediate danger, active attacks, severe injury or urgent public-safety risk. |
How to Adopt from Richmond Animal Shelter
RACC’s adoption intent is practical and same-day focused. The shelter asks adopters and household members to visit in person, meet the animal and answer questions so staff can decide if the match is appropriate.
Check the official adoption page first
Use the official RACC adoption page for current adoption policies, hours, fees and process notes. Third-party posts or old screenshots may not reflect current availability.
Bring all household members
RACC says anyone interested in adopting, along with all household members, must visit the shelter in person to meet and interact with the animal.
Bring resident dogs for dog adoptions
For dog adoptions, resident dogs must attend the meet-and-greet. This helps reduce bad matches and gives staff a chance to discuss safe introductions.
Know the kitten rule
Kittens 4 months or younger must be adopted in pairs or have another cat at home. This supports socialization and helps prevent Single Kitten Syndrome.
Complete the application after matching
Once a good match is made, the adopter completes an adoption application that is reviewed and approved or denied immediately.
Use Foster to Furever for eligible dogs
RACC’s Foster to Furever program gives eligible dogs 6 months or older a 7-day trial foster period. The $100 adoption fee is required to participate, and dogs must be spayed/neutered before leaving.
Richmond Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
RACC’s listed fees are simple, but what matters to adopters is what those fees include and how to plan for the first month after adoption.
Dogs, cats and kittens
RACC lists a $100 adoption fee for dogs, puppies 5 months or older, cats and kittens.
Young puppies
RACC lists a $150 adoption fee for puppies 4 months or younger.
Cats and kittens
RACC says cats and kittens may be adopted two for the price of one.
| Search Intent | Practical Answer | What to Ask Before Paying |
|---|---|---|
| “RACC adoption fees” | $100 for dogs, puppies 5+ months, cats and kittens; $150 for puppies 4 months or younger. | Ask whether any fee waiver, medical reason or space reason applies today. |
| “What does adoption include?” | Fees cover spay/neuter, flea/tick prevention, age-appropriate vaccines, deworming, microchip, dog heartworm testing for dogs 6+ months and FeLV/FIV testing for cats. | Ask which records you receive and what vet follow-up is recommended. |
| “Can I pay by card?” | RACC says it accepts cash, Visa/Mastercard or money order. | Bring a backup payment method in case systems are down. |
| “Free adoption Richmond VA” | RACC says fees may be waived for medical or space reasons at management discretion. | Do not assume free adoption unless RACC confirms it for that pet or event. |
Lost and Found Pets at Richmond Animal Shelter
Searches like “lost dog Richmond VA,” “found cat Richmond,” “RACC lost and found,” and “Richmond city strays” need fast action. RACC says stray animals at the facility are automatically uploaded to the website upon intake and recommends visiting the shelter often until you locate your pet.
If your pet is missing
- Create a detailed lost-pet post through the RACC lost/found process with contact information.
- Call intake at 804-646-5574 if you have questions.
- Visit 1600 Chamberlayne Avenue often, not just once.
- Check stray listings repeatedly because animals arrive throughout the day.
- Update your microchip registry contact details immediately.
- Prepare proof of ownership: photos, vet records, rabies certificate, license, microchip and adoption paperwork.
If you found an animal
- Create a detailed found-animal post with safe contact information.
- Call intake before transporting if the animal is injured, fearful, aggressive or difficult to handle.
- Note the exact location, date, time and direction of travel.
- Ask about microchip scanning and intake steps.
- Do not permanently rehome a found pet before proper lost/found reporting.
- Do not send money to callers claiming your lost pet needs urgent paid treatment unless verified directly with the shelter or veterinarian.
Richmond Animal Control: When to Call RACC
“Richmond animal control” searches usually involve a problem that needs routing: injured animals, aggressive animals, suspected cruelty, bites, abandoned animals, animal fighting, nuisance wildlife, livestock/poultry concerns or after-hours emergencies.
Call 804-646-5573
Use RACC’s main number for animal-related concerns, cruelty reports, neglected animals, abandoned animals and general animal-control questions inside Richmond city limits.
Report bites quickly
RACC says animal bites in the City of Richmond should be reported to RACC at 804-646-5573 or the City of Richmond Health Department at 804-205-3912.
Call 911 for emergencies
RACC says to call 911 for animal-related emergencies after hours. Use 911 for immediate danger, attacks or serious public-safety risk.
| Situation | Best First Step | What to Say |
|---|---|---|
| Suspected cruelty or neglect | Call RACC with details. | Give address, what you saw, animal condition, date/time and whether the situation is ongoing. |
| Abandoned animal | Call RACC. | Explain if the animal is tied, trapped, in a house, in a vehicle, outside in weather or without food/water. |
| Animal bite | Contact RACC or Richmond Health Department; seek medical guidance. | Give bite location, animal owner if known, vaccine status if known and injury details. |
| Aggressive animal | Call RACC or 911 depending on immediate danger. | Give exact location, direction of travel and whether anyone is in danger now. |
| Nuisance wildlife | Use Virginia DWR wildlife conflict help for wildlife issues. | Describe species, location and whether the animal appears sick, injured or trapped. |
Richmond Pet License, Rabies and Owner Rules
People searching “Richmond pet license,” “RVA dog license,” “cat license Richmond VA” or “rabies tag Richmond” need rules that connect to lost-pet recovery. Licensing is not only a fee; it helps identify pets and return them home.
Annual pet license
RACC says the cost of a pet license is $10 for each cat and/or dog and must be renewed annually.
Rabies vaccine
RACC says all cats and dogs living in Richmond are required to be licensed and have a current rabies vaccination.
Spay/neuter rule
RACC says cats and dogs over six months living in Richmond are required to be spayed or neutered unless the owner has a breeder’s permit.
Foster, Volunteer and Donate to RACC
Not every user wants to adopt today. Some want to foster kittens, volunteer, donate supplies, help with events or support animals through the RACC Foundation.
Foster help
RACC says its foster program is especially important for underage kittens and puppies, pregnant or nursing moms, hospice animals and animals with medical or behavioral needs.
Volunteer roles
Volunteer roles include laundry, dishwashing, dog walking, exercise, socialization, enrichment, cat socialization, grooming, bathing, adoption events and paperwork help.
Donate
RACC lists ways to donate by mail, online donation, Amazon Wish List, merch and Kroger Community Rewards support.
“Richmond Animal Shelter Near Me”: How to Choose the Right Route
A “near me” search can show RACC, Richmond SPCA, Richmond Animal League, Henrico, Chesterfield or private rescues. The right choice depends on what you are doing.
Compare shelters if adopting
For adoption, it is fine to compare RACC with nearby nonprofits and county shelters, but always use the shelter where the pet is listed.
Use incident location
For found animals and lost-pet searches, use the agency for the city or county where the animal was found.
Use Richmond City for city issues
RACC animal-control reporting applies to City of Richmond concerns. County incidents may need county animal control.
What to Bring Before Visiting Richmond Animal Shelter
A prepared visitor gets helped faster. Bring different items depending on adoption, reclaim, found pet, license or animal-control reason.
Photo ID
RACC requires a current photo ID such as a driver’s license or state ID card for adoption.
Household members
All household members should attend for adoption because RACC uses an in-person matching process.
Resident dog
Resident dogs must attend the meet-and-greet for dog adoptions.
Carrier
Bring a carrier for an adopted kitty. A loose cat in a car is unsafe.
Leash and collar
Bring a leash and collar for an adopted dog unless RACC tells you otherwise.
Proof for lost pet
For reclaim, bring photos, license, microchip, vet records, rabies proof and adoption paperwork if available.
After Adoption: First 7 Days at Home
A high-value adoption guide should help after the adoption fee too. Shelter pets often need decompression, routine and calm introductions.
First 24 hours
- Keep the pet in a quiet starter area.
- Do not invite visitors immediately.
- Keep dogs leashed outside, even in fenced yards at first.
- Keep cats in one room with litter, food, water and hiding space.
- Review RACC paperwork and schedule vet follow-up if recommended.
Days 2–7
- Use a predictable feeding, potty, walk and rest routine.
- Introduce resident pets slowly and safely.
- Watch for coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, refusal to eat, limping or severe anxiety.
- Use positive reinforcement and avoid punishment during adjustment.
- Ask for help early if fear, aggression, escape attempts or litter issues appear.
Video Resource Note
I did not embed a random YouTube video because a current official embeddable RACC adoption-process video was not confirmed. For quality and trust, this article uses official RACC pages and practical visitor workflows instead of forcing an unrelated video.
Richmond Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Visit Tips
Use this map for directions to RACC at 1600 Chamberlayne Avenue. Confirm the right service before driving: adoption, reclaim, found pet, animal-control report, foster, volunteer, license or donation.
Arrive early
Same-day adoption still takes time. Do not arrive near closing if you need a full matching conversation.
Check pet status
Pet availability changes quickly. Use official RACC channels and call if your trip depends on one animal.
Transport safely
Use a carrier for cats and a leash/collar plan for dogs. Secure the pet before leaving the property.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Richmond Animal Shelter
These mistakes cause wasted trips, delayed adoptions and missed lost-pet reunions.
Before visiting
- Do not show up Monday or Tuesday expecting a regular public adoption visit without appointment confirmation.
- Do not arrive near closing if you want same-day adoption.
- Do not forget all household members for adoption.
- Do not forget resident dogs for dog meet-and-greets.
- Do not bring a cat without a carrier or a dog without leash/collar setup.
Before calling or reporting
- Do not call RACC for a county incident without checking jurisdiction.
- Do not handle aggressive, sick or injured animals if unsafe.
- Do not permanently rehome a found pet without lost/found reporting.
- Do not send money to a lost-pet scam caller without direct verification.
- Do not skip pet licensing if you live in Richmond City.
Official Richmond Animal Shelter Links
Use these official RACC and City of Richmond pages for final decisions. This guide explains the process, but official pages control current rules, hours, fees and emergency guidance.
Richmond Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the official Richmond Animal Shelter?
The official City of Richmond public shelter is Richmond Animal Care & Control, often called RACC.
Where is Richmond Animal Care & Control located?
RACC is located at 1600 Chamberlayne Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222.
What is the Richmond Animal Shelter phone number?
The main RACC phone number is 804-646-5573. For intake/lost-found questions, RACC lists 804-646-5574 on its lost/found page.
What are Richmond Animal Shelter adoption hours in 2026?
Adoption Center hours are Monday and Tuesday by appointment, Wednesday through Friday 12 PM–6 PM, Saturday 12 PM–5 PM and Sunday 12 PM–4 PM.
Is RACC open on Monday or Tuesday?
RACC lists Monday and Tuesday adoption visits as by appointment. Confirm directly before planning a Monday or Tuesday visit.
How much are RACC adoption fees?
RACC lists $100 for dogs, puppies 5 months or older, cats and kittens, and $150 for puppies 4 months or younger. Cats and kittens may be adopted two for the price of one.
What is included with RACC adoption fees?
Adoption fees cover spay/neuter surgery, flea/tick prevention, age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, heartworm testing for dogs 6 months and older, and FeLV/FIV testing for cats.
Do I need to bring my dog to adopt another dog from RACC?
Yes. RACC says resident dogs must attend the meet-and-greet for dog adoptions.
Can I adopt one kitten from RACC?
RACC says kittens 4 months or younger must be adopted in pairs or have another cat at home to support proper socialization.
What should I do if I lost a pet in Richmond?
Create a detailed lost-pet post through the RACC lost/found process, call intake at 804-646-5574 if needed, check stray listings repeatedly and visit the shelter often with proof of ownership.
What number do I call for Richmond animal control?
Call RACC at 804-646-5573 for animal-control concerns inside Richmond City. For after-hours animal-related emergencies, RACC says to call 911.
How do I report animal cruelty in Richmond?
Call RACC at 804-646-5573 and provide a detailed report. RACC says reports can be anonymous, but callers should provide as much information as possible.
Do Richmond City cats and dogs need a license?
Yes. RACC says cats and dogs living in Richmond are required to be licensed and have a current rabies vaccination. The pet license cost is listed as $10 per cat or dog and must be renewed annually.
Is RACC the same as Richmond SPCA?
No. RACC is the City of Richmond public shelter and animal-control department. Richmond SPCA is a separate nonprofit organization.
Final Take: Use Richmond Animal Shelter the Right Way
Richmond Animal Care & Control is the main public shelter and animal-control resource for Richmond City. The most important visitor details are simple: use 1600 Chamberlayne Avenue for directions, call 804-646-5573 for general RACC help, use 804-646-5574 for intake/lost-found questions, and call 911 for after-hours animal-related emergencies.
If you plan to adopt, review the RACC adoption policies first, bring photo ID, bring all household members, bring resident dogs for dog adoptions, and bring the right carrier or leash setup. If you lost or found a pet, act quickly, post details, check online listings, visit often and keep proof of ownership ready.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Richmond Animal Care & Control, the City of Richmond, Richmond SPCA, Richmond Animal League, Henrico County, Chesterfield County, Hanover County, PetData, RACC Foundation, any police department, veterinarian, rescue or official shelter portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, reclaiming, licensing, fostering, volunteering, donating or reporting an animal concern.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.