Metro Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this guide before visiting Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It covers adoption hours, address, phone, adoption fees, dog and cat adoption process, available pets, Early Bird holds, lost pets, found animals, stray intake, animal control numbers, foster care, Happy Hour, volunteer help, map directions and official shelter links.
This article answers real searches like “Metro Animal Shelter near me,” “Metro Animal Shelter Tuscaloosa,” “Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter adoption,” “Metro Animal Shelter hours,” “Metro Animal Shelter lost pets,” “animal control Tuscaloosa,” “Home to Home adoption,” “Happy Hour dogs,” and “Metro Animal Shelter foster.” Start with the section that matches what you need today.
Metro Animal Shelter Quick Details
These are the most useful details for visitors searching Metro Animal Shelter Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter, Metro Animal Shelter hours, animal control Tuscaloosa, lost pets and adoptable dogs or cats.
Address
3140 Inv Dornell Cousette Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.
The shelter also describes its location as on 35th Street near Waste Management.
Shelter phone
205-752-9101.
Use this for adoption, lost/found, foster, volunteer, intake and general shelter questions.
Public hours
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat: 12 PM–6 PM.
Closed: Wednesday and Sunday.
Animal control
Animal-control routing depends on whether the issue is in Tuscaloosa City, Northport or Tuscaloosa County.
“Metro Animal Shelter Near Me” — What It Means in Tuscaloosa
People searching “Metro Animal Shelter near me” may need adoption, a lost-pet search, a found-animal report, a stray-animal route, animal-control phone number, or a foster/volunteer option. The right next step depends on the problem.
| User Search | Likely Meaning | Best Practical Step |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Animal Shelter near me | User wants the Tuscaloosa shelter address, phone and hours. | Use 3140 Inv Dornell Cousette Street and verify hours before driving. |
| Metro Animal Shelter adoption | User wants adoptable dogs, cats or other pets. | Browse available pets, fill out the adoption application, and allow 30–45 minutes or longer at the shelter. |
| Metro Animal Shelter lost pets | User lost a pet or found a stray. | Check TMAS lost/found resources, call the shelter, and use Petco Love Lost or local lost-pet tools. |
| Animal control Tuscaloosa | User needs an officer, stray pickup, bite, cruelty or public-safety route. | Use the correct number for City of Tuscaloosa, City of Northport or Tuscaloosa County. |
| Metro Animal Shelter foster | User wants temporary care options. | Review foster types, check available foster animals, and contact the foster coordinator. |
What Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter Actually Handles
TMAS is not only an adoption page. It receives animals from animal control and citizens, works to reunite lost pets with owners, adopts animals into homes, supports foster care, runs community programs and connects people to local animal resources.
Dogs, cats and other animals
Adopters can browse dogs, cats and other animals by pet type and location, including TMAS on-site, foster homes and partner retail locations when listed.
Stray receiving facility
TMAS states it is the only stray receiving facility for Tuscaloosa County, Tuscaloosa City and Northport.
Foster, volunteer and resources
TMAS offers foster opportunities, Happy Hour dog outings, volunteer roles, spay/neuter resources, owner assistance resources and donation options.
Metro Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
The public hours are simple, but visitors should plan carefully because adoption, intake, holds, foster pickup and lost-pet reclaim can take time.
Current official timing
TMAS lists Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12 PM to 6 PM. Wednesday and Sunday are listed as closed.
| Day / Need | Listed Hours | Practical Visitor Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 12 PM–6 PM | Good weekday adoption option. Submit the application online first if you already found a pet. |
| Tuesday | 12 PM–6 PM | Good for adoption, lost-pet checks and general shelter questions. |
| Wednesday | Closed | Use the day to check available pets, lost/found listings and prepare paperwork. |
| Thursday | 12 PM–6 PM | Call ahead if visiting for one specific pet, because availability can change. |
| Friday | 12 PM–6 PM | Good time to plan before weekend traffic, but still allow enough time for paperwork. |
| Saturday | 12 PM–6 PM | Likely to be busier. Arrive early and have backup pets in mind. |
| Sunday | Closed | Do not plan a normal adoption visit unless an official event says otherwise. |
How to Adopt from Metro Animal Shelter
The adoption process is not just “pick a photo and pay.” TMAS requires an application, reviews whether the adopter can meet the specific animal’s needs, and asks renters to handle landlord requirements before adopting.
Browse available pets first
Use the official adoptable-pets list before visiting. Filter by dog, cat, other, on-site, foster home or partner location if available. Save the animal name and ID if you have a specific pet in mind.
Check your home rules before applying
If you rent or lease, speak with your landlord before adopting. Confirm breed limits, weight limits, pet deposits, pet rent, number-of-pet rules and lease requirements.
Fill out the adoption application
TMAS says everyone must fill out an adoption application. You can save time by applying online through the animal profile when an “Apply” option is available.
Allow enough time at the shelter
Plan for 30–45 minutes or longer if busy. Bring time to meet the animal, ask questions, review medical notes, complete paperwork and set up safe transport.
Ask first-week care questions
Ask about vaccines, deworming, heartworm or FELV/FIV testing, microchip, spay/neuter status, behavior, other pets, children, crate training, leash behavior and first-week decompression.
Metro Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
Use these official fee details for planning, then verify the fee on the pet’s profile or with TMAS before checkout because events and discounts may change costs.
| Adoption Type | Listed Fee | What It Includes / Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dog adoption | $100 | Includes heartworm test, DA2PPV vaccine, Bordetella, dewormer, microchip, rabies certificate, spay/neuter surgery and basic exam at a participating vet. |
| Dog after 1 month in shelter | $50 | Discounted fee may help longer-stay dogs find homes. Ask whether the discount applies to the exact dog. |
| Dog after 3 months in shelter | $25 | Helpful for adopters open to longer-stay dogs. Still ask about medical and behavior notes. |
| Cat adoption | $50 | Includes FELV/FIV test, FVRCP vaccine, PP-2 dewormer, microchip, rabies certificate, spay/neuter surgery and basic exam at a participating vet. |
| Other animals | $10 if available | May include rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and similar animals. Ask about housing, diet and vet care before adopting. |
Early Bird Hold and Adoption Holds at Metro Animal Shelter
Many users search whether they can “hold” a pet at TMAS. The shelter describes two different hold ideas: Early Bird holds for certain stray animals and holds for animals already available for adoption.
| Hold Type | Cost / Timing | Important Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Early Bird Hold | $35 non-refundable donation | Gives first right of adoption if a stray animal is not reclaimed. It does not go toward the adoption fee. |
| Early Bird deadline | Adoption must be completed one hour before close on the day the animal becomes available. | If you miss the deadline, the hold can be forfeited. |
| Available-animal hold | $35 non-refundable hold fee | Applies to animals already available for adoption; it does not go toward the adoption fee. |
| Hold length | 24 hours | If the animal is not adopted in that window, it returns to adoption availability. |
| Hold guarantee | No guarantee | A hold does not guarantee adoption; adoption is finalized only when a completed form is approved by an adoption coordinator. |
Available Dogs, Cats and Home to Home Pets
TMAS lists adoptable animals on its website and also links to Home to Home animals. Home to Home adoptions happen directly through the original owner, not through TMAS, so the process and responsibility are different.
Dogs
Ask about heartworm test, vaccines, spay/neuter timing, leash behavior, energy level, other-dog history and whether the dog has been at the shelter long enough for a discount.
Cats
Ask about FELV/FIV test, vaccine status, litter habits, indoor-only transition, shyness, other cats, children and carrier transport.
Home to Home
Use Home to Home as a direct-owner adoption option, but ask the owner for vet records, behavior history and clear transfer expectations.
Lost and Found Pets at Metro Animal Shelter
TMAS is the main receiving point for strays brought in by local animal-control agencies, so lost-pet searches should start quickly and repeat often. Do not rely on one phone call if your pet is missing.
If your pet is missing
- Call TMAS at 205-752-9101 and ask about recently received animals.
- Check found dogs, found cats and lost/found resources on the shelter site.
- Use Petco Love Lost and local social media lost-pet groups.
- Visit in person if a listed animal might match; shelter photos may not look like your pet at home.
- Bring photos, vet records, microchip information, rabies certificate and any proof of ownership.
- Update microchip contact details immediately.
If you found a pet
- Call TMAS before bringing the animal to confirm space and instructions.
- Check for a collar, tag or visible owner contact information.
- Have the pet scanned for a microchip if possible.
- Report the animal to the correct animal-control agency if pickup or officer help is needed.
- Post a found-pet notice with general location and clear photo.
- Do not permanently rehome a found pet without following local lost/found steps.
Animal Control for Tuscaloosa, Northport and Tuscaloosa County
TMAS receives animals from multiple animal-control agencies, but the right animal-control number depends on where the issue happens. Use the exact city or county location before calling.
| Location / Agency | Official Number Listed by TMAS | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| City of Tuscaloosa Animal Control | 205-349-5311 | Animal-control issues inside Tuscaloosa city limits. |
| City of Northport Animal Control | 205-339-6600 | Animal-control issues inside Northport city limits. |
| Tuscaloosa County Animal Control | 205-752-0616 | Animal-control issues in Tuscaloosa County areas outside city routes. |
| Metro Animal Shelter | 205-752-9101 | Shelter, adoption, lost/found, foster, volunteer and intake questions. |
Stray Intake and Owner Assistance at Metro Animal Shelter
If you found a stray or are struggling to keep a pet, call first. TMAS says the shelter is often full or over capacity, and the best outcome may be reunification, owner support, foster, rescue, transport or adoption depending on the situation.
Before bringing a stray
- Call 205-752-9101 before driving to confirm space and instructions.
- Use animal control if the animal is aggressive, injured, trapped, in traffic or unsafe to handle.
- Write down the exact found location, time and date.
- Keep yourself safe and do not force-contact a scared animal.
- Ask whether a microchip scan, found report or officer pickup is better.
Before surrendering your own pet
- Call first and ask about current owner-assistance or intake options.
- Prepare age, sex, breed/type, spay/neuter status, vaccine history and medical notes.
- Be honest about bites, aggression, fear, escape history, medications or illness.
- Ask about rehoming, foster, food, spay/neuter help, behavior help or rescue resources.
- Do not leave animals outside the shelter or in the parking area.
Foster Care at Metro Animal Shelter
TMAS says foster parents must be at least 19 years old, have time for an additional dog or cat, and may need transportation to and from the shelter, vet clinics or offsite adoption events. Fostering can create shelter space and help pets heal, grow or decompress.
Too young
Puppies and kittens under about 8 weeks may need foster care until they are old enough for adoption placement.
Special needs
Some animals need extra care because they are scared, mildly ill, injured, underweight or stressed.
Transport foster
Some pets need short-term foster homes before rescue transport.
General foster
Some animals can live in foster care until adopted, which creates space at the shelter.
Happy Hour Dogs at Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter
Happy Hour is a practical program for people who want to help but cannot adopt. It lets approved community members check out approved dogs for enrichment outside the shelter during allowed times.
Dog outing program
TMAS describes Happy Hour as a way for community members to check out approved dogs between 10 AM and 5 PM on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday through Saturday.
Safety first
Rules include being over 18, never allowing the dog off leash, staying with the dog, one dog per car and returning the dog by 5 PM.
Exercise and exposure
Happy Hour can give dogs exercise, human interaction and a break from the stressful shelter environment.
Volunteer at Metro Animal Shelter
Volunteering can help with adoption, animal care, dog walking, cat cuddling, maintenance, enrichment, events, foster support and photography. Some volunteer categories require time in other roles before moving into special assignments.
Open House
TMAS says open houses are held the second and last Saturday of each month at 3 PM to help interested people understand the organization and volunteer work.
GivePulse profile
Volunteers create a profile, complete forms, waivers and code of conduct, then sign up for activities and shifts.
Volunteer roles
Roles can include dog walking, cat cuddling, animal care, maintenance, Petsmart team, Happy Hour, events, playgroups, transport and photography.
Spay/Neuter, Wildlife and Local Animal Resources
People often search the shelter for issues that may be better handled through spay/neuter support, wildlife advice, emergency veterinary care or local rescue organizations.
| Need | Resource Type Listed by TMAS | Practical Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Feral cats / cat overpopulation | TSNIP | TMAS describes Tuscaloosa Spay & Neuter Incentive Program as a resource for education and feral cat Trap-Neuter-Return. |
| Low-cost spay/neuter | Alabama Spay/Neuter Clinic | Ask about eligibility, transport/pickup options and appointment rules before assuming availability. |
| Spay/neuter certificates | Friends of Cats and Dogs | TMAS notes low-cost certificates may be available without a qualification process. |
| Baby wildlife | Alabama Wildlife Center Helpline | TMAS says generally the best thing with baby wild animals is to leave them alone and use the wildlife helpline for guidance. |
| Rescue support | Local rescues | Rescue groups may help place animals through foster-based or donor-supported programs. |
Video Resource Note
The official TMAS pages mention foster and volunteer videos, but I did not embed a random YouTube video because a current official playable public embed was not confirmed. For trust, this guide uses official shelter pages and practical visit guidance instead of forcing an unrelated video.
What to Bring Before Visiting Metro Animal Shelter
A prepared visitor gets better help. Bring different items depending on whether you are adopting, reclaiming a lost pet, asking about a stray, fostering, volunteering or donating.
Photo ID
Bring identification for adoption, reclaim, foster, volunteer or official records.
Housing approval
If renting, confirm landlord requirements, pet rent, deposits, breed limits, size limits and maximum pet count.
Payment method
Bring a payment method for adoption fees, holds, donations or other applicable shelter charges.
Dog transport
Bring or plan for a leash, collar, harness, crate or secure vehicle setup.
Cat carrier
Bring a secure cat carrier. A loose cat in a car is unsafe and stressful.
Question list
Ask about vaccines, tests, microchip, spay/neuter, behavior, first-week care and vet follow-up.
After Adoption: First 7 Days at Home
A helpful adoption guide should not stop at the fee table. The first week is when shelter pets are adjusting to new smells, sounds, people, routines and rules.
First 24 hours
- Use a calm starter room or small area.
- Do not introduce every person and pet immediately.
- Use a leash, crate, carrier, baby gate or safe room as needed.
- Expect hiding, barking, pacing, whining, reduced appetite or nervous behavior.
- Keep vaccine, microchip, spay/neuter and adoption paperwork together.
Days 2–7
- Set predictable feeding, potty, walk and rest routines.
- Use slow introductions with resident pets.
- Schedule recommended vet follow-up.
- Watch for coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, limping, refusal to eat or severe anxiety.
- Ask for help early if behavior or medical concerns appear.
Metro Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Arrival Tips
Use this map for directions to Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter. Check official hours and call before bringing a stray animal or driving for one specific pet.
Arrive early
Give yourself time to meet animals, ask questions, apply and plan transport before closing.
Call first
Call before bringing a stray, visiting for one specific pet or asking about surrender/intake options.
Use safe transport
Use a leash, collar, harness, crate or carrier before leaving with a pet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Metro Animal Shelter
These mistakes cause wasted trips, delayed adoptions, lost-pet delays and confusion with animal-control routing.
Before visiting
- Do not plan a normal visit on Wednesday or Sunday.
- Do not arrive near closing if you need a full adoption process.
- Do not assume a pet online is still available.
- Do not place a hold without understanding the non-refundable rule.
- Do not bring a stray without calling first.
Before adopting or helping
- Do not adopt without checking landlord rules.
- Do not choose only by photo or breed label.
- Do not ignore vaccines, testing, microchip or spay/neuter notes.
- Do not call the wrong animal-control agency for your location.
- Do not skip first-week decompression planning.
Official Metro Animal Shelter Links
Use these official links for final verification and action. This independent guide explains the process, but TMAS controls current hours, fees, animal availability, holds, foster needs, volunteer steps and lost/found instructions.
Metro Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Metro Animal Shelter located?
Metro Animal Shelter in this guide refers to Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter at 3140 Inv Dornell Cousette Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.
What is the phone number for Metro Animal Shelter?
The shelter phone number is 205-752-9101.
What are Metro Animal Shelter adoption hours?
The shelter lists Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12 PM to 6 PM. It is closed Wednesday and Sunday.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from Metro Animal Shelter?
The official adoption process page lists dog adoption at $100, $50 after one month in the shelter and $25 after three months in the shelter. Confirm current pricing for the exact dog before checkout.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from Metro Animal Shelter?
The official adoption process page lists cat adoption at $50. Confirm the current fee before adopting.
What is included with a Metro Animal Shelter dog adoption?
Dog adoption includes items such as heartworm test, DA2PPV vaccine, Bordetella, dewormer, microchip, rabies vaccine certificate, spay/neuter surgery and basic exam at a participating vet.
What is included with a Metro Animal Shelter cat adoption?
Cat adoption includes items such as FELV/FIV test, FVRCP vaccine, PP-2 dewormer, microchip, rabies vaccine certificate, spay/neuter surgery and basic exam at a participating vet.
How old do you have to be to adopt from Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter?
The official adoption process page says adopters must be at least 19 years old.
Can I put a hold on an animal at Metro Animal Shelter?
TMAS lists Early Bird holds and adoption holds with a $35 non-refundable amount that does not go toward the adoption fee. A hold does not guarantee adoption.
What should I do if I lost my pet in Tuscaloosa?
Call TMAS at 205-752-9101, check lost/found resources, use Petco Love Lost, visit the shelter if a pet may match and bring proof of ownership.
What should I do if I found a stray animal?
Call TMAS before bringing the animal to confirm space and instructions. If the animal needs officer help, call the correct animal-control number for Tuscaloosa City, Northport or Tuscaloosa County.
Who do I call for animal control in Tuscaloosa?
TMAS lists City of Tuscaloosa Animal Control at 205-349-5311, City of Northport at 205-339-6600 and Tuscaloosa County at 205-752-0616.
Does Metro Animal Shelter offer foster care?
Yes. TMAS has foster options for animals that are too young, have special needs, are waiting for transport, or need a foster home until adoption.
What is Happy Hour at Metro Animal Shelter?
Happy Hour is a TMAS program where approved community members can check out approved dogs for outings during allowed times, following safety rules such as keeping dogs leashed and returning them by 5 PM.
What should I bring to adopt from Metro Animal Shelter?
Bring photo ID, payment method, landlord approval if renting, safe leash or carrier transport, and questions about the pet’s medical care, behavior and first-week adjustment.
Final Take: Plan Your Metro Animal Shelter Visit First
Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter is a key local shelter for adoption, stray receiving, lost and found pets, foster care, Happy Hour dog outings, volunteer support, spay/neuter resources and animal welfare help in the Tuscaloosa area.
The best visitor plan is simple: check adoptable pets first, apply online if possible, confirm landlord rules, arrive early enough for a 30–45 minute process, call before bringing a stray, use the right animal-control number for your location, and verify current fees and holds before paying.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter, City of Tuscaloosa, City of Northport, Tuscaloosa County, Shelterluv, Petfinder, Home to Home, Petco Love Lost, GivePulse, any veterinarian, rescue, animal-control agency or official shelter portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, surrendering, fostering, volunteering, reclaiming 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.