Johnson City Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

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Johnson City, Tennessee Shelter Guide

Animal Shelter in Johnson City & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

Use this guide before visiting the Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter in Johnson City, Tennessee. It explains adoption hours, intake hours, address, phone number, adoption fees, adoption applications, stray-hold rules, lost pets, surrender documentation, animal-control routing, spay/neuter clinic notes, map directions and official verification links.

This is built for real search intent: “animal shelter in Johnson City,” “Johnson City animal shelter hours,” “Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter,” “Johnson City animal control,” “Johnson City TN adoptable dogs,” “lost pet Johnson City TN,” and “surrender pet Johnson City.” Start with the section that matches your situation so you do not call the wrong shelter, arrive on a closed day, or miss an important requirement.

Quick Answer Adoption Steps Official Links
3411 N. Roan Street (423) 926-8769 Adoption: 1–6 Closed Wed/Sun Johnson City / Washington County
Fast answer: The main animal shelter in Johnson City, Tennessee is Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter at 3411 N. Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601. The official phone number is (423) 926-8769 and email is info@wcjcanimalshelter.org. Adoption Center hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1 PM to 6 PM. Animal Control Center / Intake hours are listed as 10:30 AM to 5 PM, with intake closed from 12 PM to 1 PM for lunch. The shelter is closed Wednesdays and Sundays.

Which Animal Shelter in Johnson City Do You Mean?

The phrase “animal shelter in Johnson City” can show several results. This guide is for the Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter, the main shelter and animal-control/intake contact for the Johnson City / Washington County region.

Main shelter

Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter

Use this guide for the official shelter at 3411 N. Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601, phone (423) 926-8769.

Humane society

Appalachian Highlands Humane Society

This is a different organization in Johnson City and should not be confused with the Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter.

Nearby counties

Tri-Cities regional shelters

If the animal was found outside Johnson City / Washington County, use the correct surrounding shelter or animal-control agency instead of assuming WCJC can accept the animal.

Important residency note: The shelter states it can only accept animals from residents who live in the Johnson City / Washington County region. If you are outside that region, check the nearby shelter routing section below.

Johnson City Animal Shelter Quick Details

These details answer the most common searches for Johnson City animal shelter hours, Johnson City animal shelter phone number, Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter address, adoptable dogs, adoptable cats, animal control and pet surrender.

MAP

Address

3411 N. Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601.

Use the map section before driving, especially if you are coming from outside Johnson City.

CALL

Main phone

(423) 926-8769.

Use this for adoption, intake, lost/found, surrender and shelter-service questions.

HRS

Adoption hours

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 1 PM–6 PM.

Closed Wednesday and Sunday.

INT

Intake hours

Animal Control Center / Intake: 10:30 AM–5 PM.

Intake lunch closure: 12 PM–1 PM.

Best first step: If you want to adopt, check available pets and start the dog or cat adoption application. If you found a pet, call before transporting. If you need to surrender a pet, ask for an appointment and prepare documentation.

Johnson City Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026

The most important detail is that adoption and intake are separate service windows. A visitor who wants to adopt should plan around the Adoption Center hours, while a person bringing in or reporting an animal should confirm intake timing.

Adoption Hours 1–6 PM Closed Wed/Sun

Current official hour pattern

The shelter lists Adoption Center hours as Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1 PM to 6 PM. Animal Control Center / Intake hours are listed as 10:30 AM to 5 PM, with intake closed from 12 PM to 1 PM for lunch.

Arrive early enough to meet pets, ask questions and avoid intake lunch closure.
Day / Service Official hours found Practical visitor tip
Monday Adoption 1 PM–6 PM; Intake 10:30 AM–5 PM Good day for adoption or intake, but avoid intake lunch closure from 12 PM–1 PM.
Tuesday Adoption 1 PM–6 PM; Intake 10:30 AM–5 PM Call first if you are driving for one specific animal.
Wednesday Closed Do not plan a standard public visit.
Thursday Adoption 1 PM–6 PM; Intake 10:30 AM–5 PM Useful weekday option after the Wednesday closure.
Friday Adoption 1 PM–6 PM; Intake 10:30 AM–5 PM Confirm availability if you want a specific dog or cat.
Saturday Adoption 1 PM–6 PM; Intake 10:30 AM–5 PM Likely to be busier; bring backup animals and enough time.
Sunday Closed Use official pages to prepare for Monday, or use emergency services for immediate danger.
Timing advice: For adoption, do not arrive near 6 PM expecting a full visit. For intake, do not arrive during the 12 PM–1 PM lunch closure or close to 5 PM without calling.

How to Adopt from Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter

The shelter’s adoption process is application-based. A good adoption visit means checking available pets, understanding stray-hold rules, filling out the correct application and asking realistic fit questions before deciding.

Check available pets first

Start with the shelter’s available pets page. Availability can change quickly when a pet is reclaimed, adopted, transferred, placed on hold or moved out of public listing.

Choose dog or cat application

The shelter states that anyone interested in adopting must fill out an application. Use the dog application for dogs and the cat application for cats.

Understand age and home-check requirements

The adoption FAQ says adopters must be 21 and some animals require a home check. Do not assume every pet can go home with every applicant.

Wait for the stray-hold period when needed

Stray animals have a required hold period. Applications may be taken, but the final placement is reviewed after the hold period is complete.

Meet the animal and ask fit questions

Ask about behavior, energy, medical notes, known history, breed uncertainty, children, other pets, leash behavior, litter habits and first-week decompression.

Plan for return-to-shelter policy if needed

The shelter FAQ says if an adopted animal is not a good fit, the animal must be returned to the shelter so it can be placed in another home. Do not rehome the adopted animal on your own.

Better adopter question: “What would make this pet difficult in my home if I am not prepared?” This gives staff room to explain behavior, energy, medical needs, dog-to-dog concerns, fear, training needs or first-week stress.

Johnson City Animal Shelter Adoption Fees

The available pets page says to check the shelter for current adoption pricing, then lists fee amounts and included care. Use the table for planning and confirm before final adoption.

$50

Cats

$50 is listed for cats.

Listed inclusions include spay/neuter, FVRCP vaccine, deworming and microchip with lifetime registration.

$90

Adult dogs

$90 is listed for adult dogs.

Listed inclusions include spay/neuter, Bordetella, Distemper/Parvo vaccines, deworming if necessary and microchip with lifetime registration.

$130

Puppies

$130 is listed for puppies.

Confirm age, vaccine status, spay/neuter timing and pickup details before adoption.

Fee intent Planning answer What to confirm
“How much are cats?” Cats are listed at $50. Ask whether the cat is ready to leave and whether any medical notes apply.
“How much are adult dogs?” Adult dogs are listed at $90. Ask about heartworm status, behavior notes, leash needs and vaccine records.
“How much are puppies?” Puppies are listed at $130. Ask about age, vaccine schedule, spay/neuter status and first-week care.
“Are there barn cats?” The shelter describes feral cats needing outdoor homes, with no adoption fee. Adopters must provide shelter plus daily food and water; confirm current barn cat availability.
“Do fees change?” Pricing should be checked with the shelter. Special events, medical notes or policy updates may change the final amount.
Fee value note: A shelter adoption fee is not just a pet price. It can include surgery, vaccines, deworming and microchip services that may cost more separately at a private clinic.

Stray Hold Rules: Why Some Pets Are Not Ready Yet

People often see a dog or cat online and want to adopt immediately. The shelter explains that stray animals have hold periods because an owner may be looking for them.

Minimum three-day hold

The shelter says stray animals are put on a stray hold for a minimum of three days. Applications may be taken, but the animal cannot be placed until the hold process is complete.

Five-day or longer hold

Stray animals that come in already fixed or with a tag or collar are held for five days and may be held longer if the director chooses.

Practical meaning: If you see a newly listed stray, ask when the hold ends, whether applications are being accepted, and when the best-fit applicant will be chosen.

Johnson City Animal Control and Intake Help

Animal control and intake are not the same as adoption. Use this route for stray animals, unsafe animals, found pets, intake questions or situations where the animal may need shelter support.

Intake hours

10:30 AM–5 PM

The shelter lists Animal Control Center / Intake hours as 10:30 AM to 5 PM on open days, with lunch closure from 12 PM to 1 PM.

Unsafe animal

Call instead of handling

If an unknown animal is aggressive, injured, fearful or in traffic, do not put yourself at risk. Contact animal control or the correct emergency route.

Region rule

Johnson City / Washington County

The shelter says it can only accept animals from residents who live in the Johnson City / Washington County region.

Animal-control call script: “I’m calling about an animal at [exact address/cross street] in [Johnson City/Washington County/other area]. The animal is [dog/cat/other], the situation is [stray/aggressive/injured/neglect/bite/found], and it is happening [now/earlier]. Which route should I use?”
Immediate danger: If a person is being attacked, a bite is in progress, there is a dangerous animal near traffic or children, or there is an urgent safety risk, use emergency services instead of waiting for routine shelter guidance.

Lost and Found Pets in Johnson City / Washington County

Lost-pet searches move fast. Do not rely on one phone call or one online post. Shelter descriptions can be imperfect, and a pet may arrive after your first check.

If your pet is missing

  • Call the shelter at (423) 926-8769 and ask whether a matching pet has arrived.
  • Check available and found-pet listings repeatedly.
  • Visit in person if a listed animal could be yours.
  • Bring proof of ownership: photos, vet records, microchip details, rabies tag or adoption paperwork.
  • Update your microchip contact information immediately.
  • Search nearby shelters if the pet may have crossed county or city lines.

If you found a pet

  • Keep yourself safe; do not chase or corner a frightened animal.
  • Check for tags and visible contact information if safe.
  • Have the animal scanned for a microchip if possible.
  • Call before transporting the animal to confirm the correct shelter route.
  • Give the exact location where the pet was found.
  • Do not permanently rehome a found pet without following lost/found steps.
Found dog safety note: The shelter’s stray animal guidance recommends calm, cautious handling and says to contact local animal control or police if the animal is aggressive or cannot be safely captured.

Surrendering a Pet to Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter

The shelter asks owners to consider alternatives before surrendering. Surrender means the owner gives up rights to the animal, so this should not be treated like a casual drop-off.

Before surrendering

  • Ask family or trusted friends whether they can help temporarily or long-term.
  • Consider training support if the issue is behavior.
  • Do not set a pet free in a park, woods or neighborhood.
  • Do not leave a pet behind in a former home.
  • Do not give the pet away to a stranger without safe screening.
  • Call the shelter to make an appointment if surrender is the only option.

Documentation to prepare

  • Valid photo ID.
  • Medical records, rabies tag or rabies certificate if available.
  • A brief profile of the pet’s habits and behaviors.
  • Proof of Johnson City or Washington County residency.
  • The actual owner must relinquish custody; if bringing an owned pet that is not yours, the owner must sign the animal over.
Surrender call script: “Hi, I need help with possible owner surrender. I live in [Johnson City/Washington County]. The pet is [species/age/sex], with [medical or behavior notes]. I understand I need an appointment. What documents should I bring?”

Johnson City Spay/Neuter Clinic and Community Pet Care

The shelter’s Judy and Doug Lowrie Spay and Neuter Clinic is important for users searching spay/neuter help, vaccines, microchipping and affordable pet care in Washington County and Johnson City.

FIX

Spay/neuter services

The shelter describes the clinic as a low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter option intended to help prevent homeless and unwanted animals in the community.

VAC

Vaccines and microchips

The clinic pages describe preventive care, vaccinations, microchipping and other available services.

CURB

Appointment rules

Registration guidance says appointments are first come, first served, payment is due at booking, and clinic service is curbside only.

Clinic preparation tip: Dogs should be leashed, cats should be in carriers, and feral cats should remain in traps. Bring rabies proof if available because animals over 6 months need proof of rabies vaccination or may receive a one-year rabies vaccine at owner cost.

Nearby Shelter Routing for Tri-Cities Animal Help

If the animal was found outside the Johnson City / Washington County region, use the correct local shelter. The WCJC contact page lists several surrounding shelters that may assist in their own service areas.

Nearby area / organization Listed phone Why this matters
Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter (423) 547-6359 Use when the animal belongs in Carter County / Elizabethton service area.
Sullivan County Animal Shelter (423) 279-2741 Use for Sullivan County routing instead of Johnson City / Washington County intake.
Kingsport Animal Shelter (423) 247-1671 Use when the animal issue is in Kingsport’s service area.
Greeneville-Greene County Humane Society (423) 639-4771 Use for Greeneville / Greene County shelter routing.
Unicoi County Animal Shelter (423) 743-3071 Use for Unicoi County / Erwin area animal shelter questions.
Washington County Virginia Animal Shelter (276) 676-6210 Use for Washington County, Virginia, not Washington County, Tennessee.
Do not guess jurisdiction: Give the exact address or cross street when calling. The correct shelter depends on where the animal was found, not where the finder lives.

What to Bring Before Visiting Johnson City Animal Shelter

A prepared visit helps staff move faster and prevents avoidable delays in adoption, reclaim, surrender, lost-pet search or intake.

ID

Photo ID

Bring valid photo ID for adoption, surrender, reclaim or official service questions.

HOME

Residency proof

For surrender or intake-related questions, prepare proof of Johnson City or Washington County residency if needed.

VET

Pet records

Bring medical records, rabies certificate, rabies tag, microchip information and vaccine records if available.

PAY

Payment method

Bring payment for adoption or clinic services, and confirm the current amount before visiting.

DOG

Dog transport plan

Bring a leash, collar, harness, crate or safe vehicle plan for dogs.

CAT

Cat carrier

Bring a secure carrier for cats. Do not transport a loose cat in a vehicle.

After Adoption: First 7 Days at Home

A practical adoption guide should not stop at the fee. Many adoption problems happen because the first week is rushed, loud or unrealistic.

First 24 hours

  • Keep the pet in a calm starter space.
  • Do not introduce every person and pet immediately.
  • Use leash or carrier control during transport and first entry home.
  • Expect stress behaviors like hiding, pacing, barking, whining or reduced appetite.
  • Keep adoption papers, vaccine notes and microchip details together.

Days 2–7

  • Build a predictable feeding, potty, walk and rest routine.
  • Introduce resident pets slowly and safely.
  • Schedule a vet check if recommended or if symptoms appear.
  • Use calm rewards and avoid punishment-based training.
  • Contact the shelter or a trainer early if serious behavior issues appear.

Video Resource Note

I did not embed a random YouTube video because a current official embeddable Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter video that exactly matches this adoption-hours and animal-control intent was not confirmed. For trust and quality, this page uses official shelter pages and practical visitor guidance instead of forcing an unrelated video.

Recommended future video: an official shelter video explaining adoption applications, stray-hold rules, lost-pet checks, surrender appointments, or how to use the Judy and Doug Lowrie Spay and Neuter Clinic.

Johnson City Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Arrival Tips

Use the map for directions to 3411 N. Roan Street. Before leaving, confirm whether your visit is for adoption, intake, lost/found, surrender, clinic service, volunteer questions or animal-control routing.

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

Arrive early

Do not arrive near closing if you need an adoption conversation, surrender discussion or detailed lost-pet search.

LUNCH

Avoid intake lunch closure

Animal Control Center / Intake is closed from 12 PM to 1 PM for lunch.

CHECK

Check closed days

The shelter lists Wednesday and Sunday as closed days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at Johnson City Animal Shelter

These mistakes cause wasted trips, delayed adoptions and confusing calls.

Before visiting

  • Do not visit on Wednesday or Sunday expecting normal public hours.
  • Do not arrive during the 12 PM–1 PM intake lunch closure for intake help.
  • Do not assume a pet is available just because it appears online.
  • Do not confuse Washington County, Tennessee with Washington County, Virginia.
  • Do not bring an animal from outside the Johnson City / Washington County region without confirming the correct shelter.

Before adopting or surrendering

  • Do not apply without checking housing rules and household fit.
  • Do not ignore stray-hold timing if the animal is newly found.
  • Do not surrender without calling for an appointment.
  • Do not hide medical, behavior or bite history.
  • Do not rehome an adopted pet yourself if the shelter requires return to the shelter.

Johnson City Animal Shelter FAQ

Where is the animal shelter in Johnson City, Tennessee?

The main shelter is Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter at 3411 N. Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601.

What is the Johnson City Animal Shelter phone number?

The official phone number is (423) 926-8769.

What are Johnson City Animal Shelter adoption hours?

Adoption Center hours are listed as Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1 PM to 6 PM. The shelter is closed Wednesday and Sunday.

What are Johnson City Animal Shelter intake hours?

Animal Control Center / Intake hours are listed as 10:30 AM to 5 PM, and intake is closed from 12 PM to 1 PM for lunch.

How much does it cost to adopt a cat from Johnson City Animal Shelter?

The available-pets page lists cats at $50, with spay/neuter, FVRCP vaccine, deworming and microchip with lifetime registration listed as included.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog from Johnson City Animal Shelter?

The available-pets page lists adult dogs at $90 and puppies at $130. Confirm current pricing before adopting.

Do I need an application to adopt from Johnson City Animal Shelter?

Yes. The shelter says anyone interested in adopting one of its animals must fill out an application.

How old do I need to be to adopt from WCJC Animal Shelter?

The adoption FAQ says adopters must be 21, and some animals require a home check.

Why is a Johnson City shelter pet on stray hold?

Stray animals are held for a minimum of three days. Strays that come in already fixed or with a tag or collar are held for five days and may be held longer if the director chooses.

What should I do if my pet is lost in Johnson City?

Call the shelter, check available and found-pet listings, visit in person if needed, bring proof of ownership and update microchip contact information immediately.

Can I surrender my pet to Johnson City Animal Shelter?

The shelter asks owners to consider alternatives first. If surrender is the only option, contact the shelter to make an appointment and prepare photo ID, records, pet profile and proof of Johnson City or Washington County residency.

Does the Johnson City Animal Shelter accept animals from outside the area?

The shelter says it can only accept animals from residents who live in the Johnson City / Washington County region. Nearby shelters may assist other surrounding areas.

Does Johnson City Animal Shelter have a spay/neuter clinic?

Yes. The Judy and Doug Lowrie Spay and Neuter Clinic is connected with the shelter and is described as providing low-cost spay/neuter and related preventive services.

What should I bring to the Johnson City Animal Shelter?

Bring photo ID, payment method, pet records if needed, rabies proof if available, residency proof for surrender/intake questions, and safe transport supplies such as a leash or carrier.

Is Animal-Shelter.org the official Johnson City Animal Shelter website?

No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide. Use the official shelter pages linked above to verify current hours, animals, fees and policies.

Final Take: Use the Johnson City Shelter Route Correctly

For most users searching “animal shelter in Johnson City,” the correct starting point is Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter at 3411 N. Roan Street. Use adoption hours for pet visits, intake hours for animal-control/intake questions, and call before driving for one specific animal or bringing in a pet.

The practical plan is simple: check available pets, fill out the correct adoption application, understand stray-hold timing, bring the right documents, avoid closed days, and verify residency or nearby-shelter routing before bringing in a found or surrendered animal.

Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter, Johnson City, Washington County, any animal control agency, police department, humane society, rescue, veterinarian, Petfinder, or any official shelter portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, surrendering, reclaiming 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.