Pitt County Animal Shelter, Control & Adoption Guide
Need the Pitt County Animal Shelter phone, adoption hours, fees, lost-pet steps, surrender rules or animal-control number? Start here before you drive to County Home Road or call the wrong agency.
This guide separates adoption, animal control, lost/found pets, owner surrender, nuisance traps, found kittens, rabies/bite reporting, foster help and local city-limit routing for Ayden, Greenville and Winterville.
Use the Right Pitt County Animal Services Route
Most visitors need one of five actions: adopt, reclaim, report, surrender or get animal-control help. Use this table first.
| Need today | Use this route | Number / detail | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog or cat | Pitt County Animal Services adoption hours | Mon-Fri 1:00-4:30 p.m. | Pet listing, questions, ID, adoption fee, transport plan. |
| General shelter question | General information line | 252-902-1725 | Pet ID, address, contact info or service need. |
| Animal control during office hours | Animal Control / PCAS | 252-902-1725 | Exact location, description, photos/video if safe. |
| After-hours or weekend non-emergency | Pitt County Sheriffâs Office non-emergency | 252-830-4141 | Address, risk level, animal type, whether contained. |
| Dangerous animal emergency | Emergency services | 911 | Call immediately; do not attempt capture. |
| Media inquiry | Media line | 252-902-2993 | Story topic, deadline, organization, callback number. |
| Animal cruelty or neglect | Animal Control / PCAS | 252-902-1725 or 252-902-1726 listed on cruelty page | Date, time, address, photos/video if safe, witness details. |
Pitt County Animal Shelter Adoption: Fast Steps
Do not arrive only to browse. Check adoptable animals first, save the pet details, then visit during adoption hours.
Search adoptable pets online
Pitt County says adoptable shelter pets can be found through online adoption platforms including 24PetConnect/PetPlace. Search ZIP 27858, choose adoptable animals, set distance, filter by animal type and search Pitt County under shelter/client name.
Save the pet details
Save the pet name, ID number, species, age, sex, listing screenshot and any medical or stray-hold note. Pets with names are often available now; ID-only animals may still be on stray hold.
Visit during adoption hours
Adoption hours are Monday-Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Arrive early enough to meet the pet, ask questions and complete paperwork.
Ask about go-home timing
Animals must be spayed or neutered before going home. If the pet is already altered, same-day release may be possible. If not, ask about surgery and pickup timing.
Bring transport gear
Bring a secure cat carrier or dog leash/harness/crate plan. Do not plan to carry a frightened animal loose through the parking lot or car.
Ask first-week questions
Ask about vaccines, microchip, spay/neuter record, food, medications, behavior notes, resident-pet introduction and the first vet visit.
Official Pitt County Animal Services Fee Table
Use this for planning. Promotions or sponsored specials may temporarily lower adoption prices, but the county fee schedule is the safest baseline.
| Service | Official fee | What it means | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adoption â Cats | $95 | Includes spay/neuter. | Bring a secure carrier and ask about vaccine/microchip details. |
| Adoption â Dogs | $135 | Includes spay/neuter. | Ask whether the dog is altered and can go home today. |
| Owner Surrender Fee | $30 | County fee schedule owner-surrender amount. | Surrender is by appointment/space availability; call first. |
| Dangerous Dog Permit Application | $50 | Permit application fee. | Ask PCAS for current dangerous-dog process and appeal route. |
| Rabies Vaccine | $15 | Rabies vaccination fee. | Proof may be needed for reclaim or release. |
| Quarantine Fee | $25 + per night | Initial quarantine fee. | Applies in bite/rabies quarantine situations. |
| Quarantine Per Night | $10 per night, max 10 nights | Daily quarantine boarding fee. | Ask where quarantine will occur and what documents are required. |
| Reclaim â altered cat/dog | 1st $25, 2nd $60, 3rd $95, 4th+ $150 | Reclaim fee increases by occurrence. | Proof of ownership and rabies proof may be required. |
| Reclaim â unaltered cat/dog | 1st $50, 2nd $120, 3rd $190, 4th+ $300 | Higher reclaim fees for unaltered pets. | Ask about spay/neuter, rabies and additional release requirements. |
Lost or Found Pet in Pitt County: What to Do First
The right first step depends on where the pet was lost or found. City-limit pets may be held locally before transfer to Pitt County Animal Services.
If you lost a pet
- Search your home, yard, sheds, ditches, porches, nearby woods and under vehicles first.
- Submit Pitt Countyâs Lost or Found Pet Form.
- Call Pitt County Animal Services at 252-902-1725.
- If inside Ayden, Greenville or Winterville city limits, call that townâs animal-control contact first.
- Call your vet and microchip company; update phone and email immediately.
- Post clear photos with cross streets, date, sex, color, collar and microchip status.
- Check online listings daily and visit in person if photos are unclear.
- Bring proof of ownership: ID, photos, vet records, license, microchip or adoption paperwork.
If you found a pet
- Do not approach an aggressive, injured or traffic-endangered animal.
- Take photos before moving the animal if safe.
- Check collar/tag only if safe.
- Keep the pet separate from your pets.
- Ask a vet, shelter or animal-control officer about a microchip scan.
- Submit Pitt Countyâs Lost or Found Pet Form.
- Report the exact found location, not just your home address.
- Do not give the animal to a stranger without proof of ownership.
Owner Surrender and Rehoming: Pitt County Rules
Pitt Countyâs owner-surrender page is clear: surrender should be the last resort. The county shelter is high-volume, open-admission, space is limited, and adoption cannot be guaranteed.
Try these before surrender
- Ask family, friends, neighbors, coworkers and previous owners first.
- Contact the rescue, breeder or original adoption source.
- Use Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet or Home to Home to find responsible adopters.
- Ask your veterinarian for rescue contacts or rehoming advice.
- Use local pet-food or hardship resources if the issue is temporary.
- Be honest about medical, behavior, house-training and bite history.
If surrender is still needed
- Call 252-902-1725 first.
- Owned cats and dogs are accepted by appointment only.
- Intake depends on space availability.
- The official surrender page says appointments are not guaranteed.
- Bring valid ID and pet records.
- Prepare the surrender fee and honest history.
Animal Control, Cruelty, Dangerous Animals and Neglect
Pitt County Animal Services responds to animal-related concerns, enforces ordinances, investigates animal bites and handles stray reports. Use photos/video only if safe.
Office-hours control
Call Animal Control at 252-902-1725, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
After-hours non-emergency
Call the Pitt County Sheriffâs Office non-emergency line at 252-830-4141.
Dangerous animal emergency
Call 911. Do not try to capture, corner or transport a dangerous animal yourself.
Cruelty signs Pitt County highlights
Visible wounds, limping, severe matting, fleas/ticks, underweight body or distress.
No visible food, water, shelter, sanitation or necessary medical care.
Animals left behind in a home, yard or property after people move.
Chains, padlocks, tight collars or caging that prevents normal movement.
Found Kittens in Pitt County: Do Not Kit-Nap Too Fast
Pitt Countyâs kitten guidance says many outdoor kittens are not abandoned. The mother may be nearby and waiting for people to leave.
| Situation | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Kittens are clean, quiet, warm and safe | Watch from a distance. | Mother cat is likely caring for them. |
| You are unsure if mother returned | Sprinkle a flour ring around the kittens and check for paw prints later. | This helps confirm whether mom came back. |
| Kittens are dirty, cold, thin or crying for hours | Call Pitt County Animal Services at 252-902-1725. | They may need urgent help. |
| Mother has not returned after 6-8 hours | Call for guidance. | Kittens may need intervention. |
| Kittens are in danger from weather, traffic or predators | Step in or call for help immediately. | Safety overrides waiting. |
| Kittens are older than 6 weeks and friendly | Ask about intake if space is available or adoption resources. | They may be ready for socialization/adoption help. |
Animal Traps, Nuisance Dogs/Cats and Wildlife
Pitt County Animal Services provides humane live traps for nuisance dogs and cats, but the wildlife rules are different.
Domestic animals
If an Animal Control Officer places a trap for a nuisance dog or cat, PCAS will remove the domestic animal once caught.
Borrowing traps
Citizens may borrow a trap for up to seven days. Traps are first-come, first-served and waitlists may apply.
Wildlife
Wildlife caught in private traps will not be removed by PCAS. Contact a licensed Wildlife Damage Control Agent or professional trapper.
Bites, Rabies and Quarantine Basics
Pitt Countyâs pet-safety guidance says all dog bites in North Carolina must be reported. Dogs that bite a person must be quarantined for 10 days, even if vaccinated for rabies.
If a bite happens
Report the bite. Be ready to provide where it happened, who was bitten, animal owner info if known and vaccination status.
Vaccination rule
North Carolina requires rabies vaccination for dogs, cats and ferrets over four months of age.
Quarantine location
Quarantine may happen at home, a vet office or the shelter depending on bite details, vaccination status and location.
How to Help Pitt County Shelter Pets
If you cannot adopt, you can still help through fostering, rescue transfer support, walking programs, donations and responsible sharing.
Foster
Foster homes give one animal a temporary home and open shelter space for another. PCAS foster requirements include being 18+, valid driverâs license, insurance proof, landlord approval if renting and ability to separate foster pets for 10-14 days.
Mutt Strutters
Volunteers meet at the shelter Monday-Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. First-timers complete orientation and walk with an experienced volunteer.
Shelter programs
Volunteer opportunities can include dog walking, enrichment, cat enrichment, Reading Buddies, cleaning, adoption support and events.
Pitt County Animal Shelter Map
Use the map for route planning to the shelter. Call first for surrender, animal-control questions, or if you are trying to confirm whether a specific pet is still available.
Copy/Paste Scripts for Faster Help
Adoption
Hi, Iâm interested in [pet name / ID] listed for Pitt County Animal Services. Is this pet available for adoption, and can the pet go home today or is surgery/hold still pending?Lost pet
Hi, I lost my [dog/cat] near [exact location] on [date]. The pet is [description] and may be microchipped. I submitted a lost/found form. Has a matching pet been brought in?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location]. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. I can/cannot temporarily hold the pet. What is the correct reporting or intake step?Surrender
Hi, I live in Pitt County and need help with possible surrender or rehoming for my [dog/cat]. Is intake space available, and what records or appointment steps are required?Official Pitt County Animal Services Links
This article brings the key details onto the page. Use official links for live availability, forms, policy updates and final action.
Pitt County Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Pitt County Animal Services located?
Pitt County Animal Services is located at 4550 County Home Road, Greenville, NC 27858.
What is the Pitt County Animal Shelter phone number?
The general information line for Pitt County Animal Services is 252-902-1725.
What are Pitt County Animal Services adoption hours?
Adoption hours are Monday through Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
What are the office hours for Pitt County Animal Services?
Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with closure from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for lunch.
Who do I call after hours for a non-emergency animal-control issue?
For after-hours or weekend non-emergency animal-control issues, Pitt County directs residents to call the Pitt County Sheriffâs Office non-emergency line at 252-830-4141.
What should I do for a dangerous animal emergency in Pitt County?
Call 911 for emergency situations involving dangerous animals. Do not try to capture or corner the animal yourself.
How much are Pitt County animal adoption fees?
The official fee schedule lists cat adoption at $95 and dog adoption at $135. These adoption fees include spay/neuter.
How do I report a lost or found pet in Pitt County?
Submit Pitt Countyâs Lost or Found Pet Form and call Pitt County Animal Services at 252-902-1725. If the pet is inside Ayden, Greenville or Winterville city limits, contact that townâs animal-control route first.
Can I surrender a pet to Pitt County Animal Services?
Owned cats and dogs are accepted by appointment only and only as space allows. Pitt County recommends trying rehoming options first and calling 252-902-1725 for questions or an appointment request.
What should I do if I find kittens outdoors in Pitt County?
If kittens are clean, quiet, warm and safe, watch from a distance because the mother cat may return. Call Pitt County Animal Services at 252-902-1725 if kittens are cold, dirty, thin, crying for hours, in danger or if the mother has not returned after 6 to 8 hours.
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.