Broward Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours, Fees & Lost Pets 2026

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2026 Fort Lauderdale shelter action guide

Broward Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

Plan adoption, lost-pet reclaim, found-pet reporting, admissions, animal-control calls, cruelty reporting, tags, SNIP, community cats, surrender prevention and map directions for Broward County Animal Care.

Broward Animal Shelter searches usually mean you need fast, practical help from Broward County Animal Care Division in Fort Lauderdale: adoption hours, free pet adoption details, the $25 registration tag requirement, lost dog or cat reclaim steps, found-pet reporting, animal-control phone routing, cruelty reporting, admissions timing, SNIP help, community-cat resources or directions to 2400 SW 42nd Street. This 2026 guide gives you the full visitor workflow in one place so you can act correctly before driving, calling, reclaiming, reporting or adopting.

2400 SW 42nd Street Adoptions 11AM–6PM Admissions 11AM–5PM Field services 8AM–8PM 954-359-1313
Official Hours & Location Official Adoption Page Call 954-359-1313
1
Choose the right routeAdoption, admissions and field services use different timing.
2
Check pets same dayListings and availability can change fast.
3
Lost pets need speedID pets are held longer than pets without ID.
4
Use 911 for emergenciesAnimal Care field services are not a substitute for emergency response.
Important Broward warning: Broward County Animal Care is different from the Humane Society of Broward County and different from some city animal-control departments. If you need adoption, lost/found pets, admissions or county field services, start with Broward Animal Care. If you live in Coral Springs, Hollywood, Margate or Pompano Beach and need animal cruelty reporting, Broward’s official page lists city-specific reporting routes.

Quick Answer: Broward Animal Shelter hours, address and phone

Broward County Animal Care Division is located at 2400 SW 42nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, across from Employee Parking for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The main phone number is 954-359-1313.

Service Official timing What it means for visitors
Adoptions Lobby Open 7 days, 11AM–6PM; last customers 5:30PM Arrive earlier if you want time to view pets, ask questions and complete paperwork.
Admissions Lobby Open 7 days, 11AM–5PM; last customers 4:30PM Use for admissions-related questions, found-pet help and intake guidance.
Pet Care Clinic By appointment only Do not walk in expecting clinic service without an appointment.
Field Services 7 days, 8AM–8PM Call 954-359-1313, Option 2. For emergencies, call 911.
Federal holidays Closed Check holiday-week hours before traveling or planning reclaim/admission.

Which Broward animal shelter do you actually need?

Many people search “Broward animal shelter,” “Broward animal control,” “Fort Lauderdale animal shelter,” “Humane Society Broward,” “Broward pet adoption,” and “lost dog Broward” as if they all mean the same thing. They do not. Your next step depends on the problem you are trying to solve.

Broward County Animal Care Use this for the county shelter at 2400 SW 42nd Street, adoptions, admissions, lost/found pets, pet registration, field services, community cats and county Animal Care programs.
Humane Society of Broward County This is a separate nonprofit organization with its own shelter, adoption rules, surrender appointments, clinic services and hours. Do not mix its policies with county rules.
City animal-control routes Some Broward cities have their own animal-control or cruelty reporting routes. Check your city before assuming the county shelter is the correct field-service contact.

Broward Animal Shelter adoption hours 2026

The Adoptions Lobby is listed as open 7 days a week from 11AM to 6PM, with last customers taken at 5:30PM. This cutoff matters. If you arrive late, you may not have enough time to view animals, ask staff questions and complete adoption paperwork.

Best adoption window Arrive between 11AM and mid-afternoon if you are serious about adopting the same day.
Late-arrival risk A 5:30PM cutoff does not mean a full adoption can start comfortably at 5:29PM.
Holiday risk Broward Animal Care is closed on federal holidays. Confirm holiday-week hours directly.
Verify Shelter Hours Official Adoption Info

How to adopt from Broward County Animal Care

Broward County’s adoption process is simple for visitors, but good adopters still prepare before walking in. Pet photos can be emotional, but the right match depends on lifestyle, housing rules, medical needs, behavior, transportation and long-term cost.

1

Check current dogs and cats before leaving

Use Broward’s official adoption page and linked pet-listing tools to view current animals. Write down the pet name, ID if shown, species, age, size, color, kennel/location notes and any special status. Check again before driving because listings can change.

2

Visit during the adoption lobby window

Plan to arrive with enough time before 5:30PM. Bring all household decision-makers if possible. If one person in the household is not ready, do not rush adoption just because a pet is cute.

3

Talk with staff before choosing

Ask what staff can share about health, behavior, known history, stray hold status, microchip, vaccinations, energy level, fear triggers, kennel stress, medical follow-up and the first week at home.

4

Confirm fees and registration

Broward’s public page says adoption fees are waived, but a $25 pet registration fee is required. Ask whether any special case, tag, licensing, clinic or medical rule changes your final cost.

5

Prepare safe transport and first-week care

Bring a carrier for cats or small pets and a leash, harness, crate or secure vehicle plan for dogs. At home, start with decompression, quiet space, slow introductions and a vet follow-up plan.

Broward Animal Shelter adoption fees and what is included

Broward’s public Animal Care page says adoption fees are waived and pets receive vaccinations and microchips, with a $25 pet registration fee required. That makes Broward a strong option for adopters, but “free adoption” is not the same as “free pet ownership.”

Cost or item Current public guidance What to verify before adoption
Adoption fee Waived on Broward public Animal Care page Ask if the specific pet, event or case has any different requirement.
Pet registration fee $25 required Confirm tag/registration details, renewal rules and your contact information.
Vaccinations Included for adopted pets per county page Ask which vaccines were given and when the next vet visit should happen.
Microchip Included for adopted pets per county page Register or update the chip immediately with your current phone and email.
Real first-month budget Not limited to shelter fees Budget for food, crate/carrier, litter, flea prevention, training, vet care and emergencies.
Practical money note: A waived adoption fee can help, but the animal still needs routine veterinary care, supplies, food, identification, safe housing and emergency savings. Do not adopt only because the upfront fee is low.

Before you visit: documents and real-world prep

This checklist saves time and prevents weak adoption decisions. Use it before leaving for the Fort Lauderdale shelter.

✓Check official pet listings the same day you plan to visit.
✓Write down the animal name or ID if shown, plus age, color, size and notes.
✓Bring valid photo ID and a payment method for registration or other required fees.
✓If renting, confirm landlord, HOA, pet deposit, breed, weight and pet-count rules first.
✓Bring a secure cat carrier or a dog leash, harness, crate or safe vehicle setup.
✓Prepare questions about vaccines, microchip, behavior, medical notes and first-week transition.
✓Do not arrive near closing expecting a complete adoption conversation.
✓Have backup pet choices. Your first-choice animal may be adopted, reclaimed or unavailable.

Broward Animal Shelter dogs, cats, puppies and kittens

Broward’s adoptable pet selection changes constantly. The right question is not only “Is this pet available?” Ask whether the pet fits your home, schedule, budget and experience level.

Dogs Ask about energy, leash handling, size, known history, heartworm status if available, noise sensitivity, training and decompression.
Cats Ask whether the cat is shy, social, litter trained, bonded, good with other cats or needs a quiet starter room.
Puppies Prepare for chewing, potty training, vaccines, adult-size uncertainty, time commitment and safe socialization.
Kittens Ask about age, weight, vaccine timing, foster status, litter habits, carrier transport and kitten-proofing.

Lost and found pets at Broward Animal Shelter

Lost-pet action must be fast. Broward says lost pets with identification are held for five days, not including holidays and days when the shelter is closed. Animals without identification are held for three days. Tags, tattoos and microchips can make the difference between a quick reunion and a missed reclaim window.

If your pet is missing Report the pet, search Petco Love Lost, search 24Petconnect, check Broward’s found pets, update microchip records and visit the shelter in person if you see a possible match.
If you found a pet Check for tags, scan for a microchip at a vet clinic if safe, email ACADFoundPets@broward.org, and report the pet on Petco Love Lost and 24Petconnect.

If you see your pet online

Call 954-359-1313 or email admissions@broward.org right away, then visit the shelter in person as soon as possible to positively identify and reclaim the pet. Bring proof instead of relying only on verbal description.

Lost-pet proof checklist

  • Recent clear photos showing unique markings.
  • Microchip number and microchip company login if available.
  • Rabies registration tag, tattoo, ID tag or county registration information.
  • Vet records, vaccine records or medication proof.
  • Adoption paperwork or previous shelter records.
  • Your photo ID and current contact information.
  • Screenshot or listing details if the pet appears online.
Official Lost & Found Page Petco Love Lost 24Petconnect

Broward animal control, field services and cruelty reporting

Animal-control intent is different from adoption intent. Use the correct route for loose dogs, sick or injured animals, bite reports, cruelty concerns, dangerous situations and city-specific complaints. Broward’s field services operate daily from 8AM to 8PM. Call 954-359-1313, Option 2. For immediate emergencies, call 911.

Situation Best route Why this matters
Loose, sick or injured dog/cat Call 954-359-1313, Option 2 Give exact location, condition, safety risk and description.
Immediate public-safety danger Call 911 Field services are not a substitute for emergency response.
Animal cruelty against dog or cat Call 311 or Animal Care after-hours route Broward’s page explains specific reporting rules and city exceptions.
Livestock, farm animals or wildlife cruelty Call local law enforcement or correct wildlife route Broward Animal Care notes its cruelty response is for dogs and cats.
Coral Springs, Hollywood, Margate, Pompano Beach Use city animal-control route listed by Broward Some cities investigate through their own animal-control department.
Official Reporting Page Call Animal Care

Surrender prevention and finding a new home for your pet

Broward’s surrender-prevention guidance makes one thing clear: taking a pet to a shelter should be the last resort. The county encourages owners to use available help, behavior resources, low-cost spay/neuter support, rabies/license tag help, pet food pantry connections and responsible rehoming before surrendering.

Try support first Ask for help with behavior, food, medical cost, pet housing, training, temporary foster support or safe rehoming resources before surrender.
Do not wait until crisis Broward’s rehoming advice says not to wait until the last minute. Good rehoming takes photos, honest pet details and time.

Rehoming details to prepare

  • Good-quality photo of the pet.
  • Name, age, weight, breed guess, sex and spay/neuter status.
  • Health history, vaccines and vet records.
  • Personality, energy, fears and training notes.
  • Compatibility with children, dogs, cats and apartments.
  • Your best phone/email and quick response plan.
Surrender Prevention Finding a New Home

Pet tags, SNIP, clinic help and community cats

Many Broward shelter visits are not only about adoption. People also need county registration tags, rabies tag questions, low-cost spay/neuter options, community-cat help, microchip support and clinic appointment guidance. These services have different rules from adoption hours.

Tags and registration Keep tags and microchip contact information updated. Identification can affect lost-pet hold time and reunion speed.
SNIP and low-cost help Ask about current spay/neuter and vaccination resources if cost is the barrier to keeping a pet.
Community cats Broward has community-cat/TNR routing. Do not assume every outdoor cat should be trapped and surrendered.
Clinic note: The Pet Care Clinic is by appointment only. Do not walk in expecting vaccine, tag or clinic service unless the official page says walk-ins are available.

Call scripts for faster Broward Animal Care help

Use a clear script. It helps staff route your call and prevents back-and-forth confusion.

Adoption call “Hi, I’m interested in adopting a dog/cat I saw online. Can you confirm whether the animal is still available, whether it is at the shelter, and what I should bring today?”
Lost pet call “Hi, I lost my dog/cat near [area]. The pet has [tag/microchip/no ID]. I saw a possible match online. What should I bring to reclaim and can you confirm next steps?”
Found pet call “Hi, I found a dog/cat near [location]. The pet is safe/not safe and has/does not have ID. Can you tell me the correct found-pet report or field-service step?”
Cruelty concern call “Hi, I need to report possible cruelty involving a dog/cat at [location]. It is/is not an immediate emergency. Which route should I use and what information do you need?”

Common Broward animal shelter mistakes to avoid

Confusing county shelter and Humane Society Broward County Animal Care and Humane Society of Broward County are separate organizations.
Arriving after the last-customer cutoff Adoption lobby closes at 6PM, but last customers are taken at 5:30PM.
Waiting too long on a lost pet Pets without identification may have a shorter hold period. Search and contact the shelter immediately.
Not updating microchip records A microchip only helps if the phone and email on file are current.
Using the wrong city route Some cities have their own cruelty/animal-control reporting route.
Walking in for clinic service The Pet Care Clinic is by appointment only.

Map to Broward County Animal Care in Fort Lauderdale

Use this map for directions to 2400 SW 42nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Confirm live hours, holiday closure, pet availability and service routing before traveling.

Broward Animal Shelter FAQ

What is the official Broward animal shelter?

The official county shelter is Broward County Animal Care Division at 2400 SW 42nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.

What are Broward Animal Shelter adoption hours?

The Adoptions Lobby is listed as open 7 days a week from 11AM to 6PM, with last customers taken at 5:30PM. The shelter is closed on federal holidays.

What is the phone number for Broward County Animal Care?

The main phone number is 954-359-1313. For field services, call 954-359-1313 and choose Option 2. For emergencies, call 911.

Are Broward Animal Shelter adoption fees really free?

Broward’s public Animal Care page says adoption fees are waived, but a $25 pet registration fee is required. Confirm current rules before adopting.

What does Broward Animal Care include with adopted pets?

Broward’s public page says adopted pets receive vaccinations and microchips. Ask staff what records you will receive and what follow-up care is recommended.

How long does Broward hold lost pets?

Broward says lost pets with identification are held for five days, not including holidays and shelter-closed days. Animals without identification are held for three days.

What should I do if I see my lost pet online?

Call 954-359-1313 or email admissions@broward.org right away, then visit the shelter in person as soon as possible with proof of ownership.

What should I do if I found a dog or cat in Broward County?

Check for ID, have the pet scanned for a microchip if safe, report the found pet to ACADFoundPets@broward.org, and also report on Petco Love Lost and 24Petconnect.

Does Broward Animal Care handle all animal cruelty reports?

Broward Animal Care handles dog and cat issues, but some cities have their own animal-control departments and livestock/wildlife concerns may need law enforcement or other agencies.

Is Animal-Shelter.org the official Broward Animal Care website?

No. This is an independent guide. Use Broward.org/Animal for official hours, policies, pet listings, reporting routes and updates.

Final takeaway

Broward Animal Shelter searches should start with Broward County Animal Care Division at 2400 SW 42nd Street in Fort Lauderdale. Adoption visitors should use the 11AM–6PM Adoptions Lobby window and arrive before the 5:30PM last-customer cutoff. Lost-pet owners should search immediately, check Petco Love Lost and 24Petconnect, contact Animal Care, and visit in person with proof if a possible match appears. For field services, call 954-359-1313, Option 2; for immediate emergencies, call 911.

Official Broward Shelter Page Back to Top
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