Merced Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours, Fees, Lost Pets & Local Rules
Use this guide to choose the correct Merced route fast: adopt a dog or cat, view shelter animals, reclaim a lost pet, report a bite, report a barking or dangerous animal, surrender a pet, license a dog, or understand the cat-programming rule before trapping or bringing in a cat.
The key split: Merced County Animal Services operates the county shelter in Atwater and handles adoptions, fees, impounds, bite quarantine, service requests and shelter animals. City of Merced Animal Control handles city animal-control calls such as bites, barking, strays, dangerous animals and dog licensing inside city routing.
SHELTER
CONTROL
ROUTE
FIRST
BEFORE
Which Merced Animal Shelter Is This?
Most users searching “Merced animal shelter” are looking for Merced County Animal Services, but city animal-control calls may route through the City of Merced Police Department.
| Search intent | Correct route | Phone / action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a pet | Merced County Animal Shelter | 209-385-7436 | The county shelter handles adoptions and adoptable animal listings. |
| View dogs, cats or other animals | Merced County Animal Services listings | Use View Dogs / View Cats / View Other Animals | Live listings may update faster than general pages. |
| Lost pet in City of Merced | City Animal Control + County Shelter | 209-385-4720 and 209-385-7436 | City FAQ says to contact both. |
| Dangerous animal or snake in City of Merced | City Animal Control / Police report route | 209-385-6905 | City FAQ says leave the animal alone and call. |
| Barking, stray, abuse report inside City of Merced | City Animal Control | 209-385-4720 or 209-385-6905 depending issue | City FAQ lists these routes. |
| County animal-service complaint or bite report | Merced County service request forms | Use county online forms or call shelter | County page has public bite report, agency bite report and service/complaint forms. |
Merced County Animal Shelter Address, Hours and Contact
Use these official hours for general shelter planning, then call first for specific adoption, reclaim, surrender, cat intake or livestock issues.
| Detail | Official information | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Shelter name | Merced County Animal Services / County Animal Shelter | Operated under county animal services / sheriff website pages. |
| Address | 2150 Shuttle Dr., Atwater, CA 95301 | Use for adoption, reclaim, surrender and shelter visit planning. |
| Phone | (209) 385-7436 | Use for shelter animals, adoption, reclaim, cat-programming questions and fees. |
| Fax | (209) 722-3627 | Official shelter fax. |
| Weekday hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm | Arrive early enough for paperwork and staff questions. |
| Saturday hours | 10:00 am-3:00 pm | Shorter window; call first for a specific pet. |
| Closed | Sundays and holidays | Do not leave animals outside the shelter. |
How to Adopt from Merced County Animal Shelter
Merced County’s official pages give direct live-listing links for dogs, cats and other animals. Use those first, then call the shelter before driving for one specific animal.
Check live animal listings
Use the official “View Dogs,” “View Cats,” or “View Other Animals” links. Save the animal ID, photo, species, age and location details.
Call before driving
Call 209-385-7436 to confirm the pet is still available and ask whether any hold, surgery, microchip or fee step applies.
Bring ID and transport
Bring valid photo ID, a leash/harness or carrier, and a safe vehicle setup. Do not carry a new pet loose through the parking lot.
Ask fit questions
Ask about behavior, kids, other pets, medical notes, spay/neuter status, vaccine/microchip status, size, energy and follow-up care.
Verify the fee
Use the official fee schedule as a starting point, but confirm current cost, promotions and any additional licensing or medical steps.
Leave with records
Ask for adoption receipt, medical/vaccine notes, microchip information, spay/neuter details and any licensing instructions.
Merced Animal Shelter Fees: Adoption, Impound, Surrender and Care
The official Animal Control Fee Schedule was updated February 7, 2022. Confirm current payment methods and totals before visiting.
Adoption fees
| Animal type | Official adoption fee | What to ask before paying |
|---|---|---|
| Cat | $75 | Ask about spay/neuter, rabies, FVRCP, microchip and any current health notes. |
| Dog | $120 | Ask about spay/neuter, rabies, DAPPV/Bordetella, microchip and dog license needs. |
| Large livestock | $210 | Includes horses, donkeys, llamas, etc.; ask about transport and board. |
| Small livestock | $50 | Includes pigs, goats, sheep, etc.; ask about handling, transport and enclosure. |
| Small animal other than dog/cat | $10 | Ask about species-specific housing, heat, diet and vet needs. |
Common reclaim / impound / care fees
| Fee type | Official fee | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Small animal board per day, dog/cat | $10/day | Can apply during impound or shelter care. |
| Small animal/reptile board per day, other than dog/cat | $5/day | Ask shelter for total before reclaim. |
| Small animal 1st impound | $50 | Can apply to first impound. |
| Small animal 2nd or additional impound in 12 months | $100 | Higher repeat impound fee. |
| Spay/neuter impound discount | $25 discount | For first dog/cat impound only; owner must provide proof at redemption. |
| Home quarantine fee | $50 | Listed under biting animals. |
| Non-vaccinated bite penalty fee | $150 | Listed under biting animals. |
Owner surrender / release fees
| Owner release type | Official fee | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Owned dog or cat to shelter | $75 per animal | Call before surrendering. Bring records and honest behavior/medical details. |
| Owned litter, 2 months old or less | $100 per litter | Ask about age, health and intake availability first. |
| Owned small animals such as rabbits, birds, reptiles | $25 per animal | Ask whether the shelter can currently accept the species. |
| Large livestock released to shelter | $150 | Ask about transport, board and facility limits. |
| Small livestock released to shelter | $75 | Ask about species and transport before arriving. |
| Field pickup of owner release animal or litter | $128 | Includes release fee and one hour at officer rate. |
View Dogs, Cats and Other Animals at the Shelter
Merced County’s official “View Animals at the Shelter” page separates listings by species, which is better for users than one generic “pets” link.
View Dogs
Use the official View Dogs link first, then call 209-385-7436 with the animal ID before driving.
View Cats
Check the official View Cats link and also read the cat-programming note before trapping or bringing in a cat.
View Other Animals
Merced County may list livestock, reptiles, rabbits, birds or other small animals depending on intake.
Lost or Found Pet in Merced: Fast Steps
City of Merced says lost-pet owners should contact both City Animal Control and the Merced County Animal Shelter. Do not rely only on social media.
If your pet is lost
- Call City Animal Control at 209-385-4720 if inside city routing.
- Call Merced County Animal Shelter at 209-385-7436.
- Update microchip information immediately.
- Check official dog/cat listings daily.
- Post clear photo, cross streets, date/time and contact method.
- Search nearby homes, alleys, parks, schools, canals, fields and shopping areas.
If you found a dog
- Check collar/tag only if safe.
- Take clear photos before moving the dog.
- Call the shelter at 209-385-7436.
- For City of Merced reporting, use 209-385-4720 or 209-385-6905 depending on issue.
- Keep found animals separate from your pets.
- Do not give the dog to someone without proof of ownership.
To reclaim a pet
- Bring government photo ID.
- Bring pet photos, microchip, rabies certificate or vet records.
- Ask about impound, board, license or vaccination fees.
- Bring leash, carrier or safe transport.
- Ask whether spay/neuter proof can reduce an eligible first impound fee.
- Call before visiting to confirm the pet is still there.
Found Cats: Merced County’s Call-Before-Trapping Rule
This is a practical detail many searchers miss. The City of Merced animal-control page repeats the county cat-programming update.
| Cat situation | Best action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You found or plan to trap a cat in Merced County | Call the shelter first at 209-385-7436, option 2 | Official page asks citizens to call before trapping or bringing a cat in. |
| Cat is already trapped | Contact your local dispatch center to connect with an animal-control officer | Official page says to use dispatch if the cat is already trapped or for cat-related nuisance help. |
| Eligible cat | May be scheduled for sterilization/vaccination and returned, placed for adoption or transferred to rescue | Do not assume every cat becomes a shelter adoption case. |
| Not eligible for program | May remain at shelter for adoption or rescue placement | Ask staff what applies to the specific cat. |
Merced City vs County Animal Control
Use the correct routing based on location and issue. City of Merced FAQ gives city-specific phone numbers, while county pages provide county service-request forms and shelter contact.
| Issue | City of Merced route | County / shelter route | What to provide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dangerous animal or snake on property | Leave it alone and call 209-385-6905 | Call local law enforcement / animal services if outside city | Exact location, animal type, current danger. |
| Bite | Report right away; City FAQ says call police department at 209-385-6905 | County has public/agency bite report forms | Victim, animal owner if known, location, injury details. |
| Lost pet | Call City Animal Control at 209-385-4720 | Also call county shelter at 209-385-7436 | Description, microchip, last-seen location, photo. |
| Barking dog complaint | Call 209-385-4720 or 209-385-6905 | Use county service request if outside city | Address, dates, times, duration, repeated pattern. |
| Stray dog/cat | Call 209-385-4720 or 209-385-6905 | Call shelter / local dispatch based on location | Species, color, location, collar/tag, behavior. |
| Abused pet | Call 209-385-4720 | County service/complaint form or Animal Services | Facts, location, photos/video if safe and legal. |
Bites, Quarantine and Dangerous Animal Calls
Bite reporting is public health, not just a shelter question. Report promptly.
Bite report
City FAQ says animal bites should be reported right away to Merced City Animal Control / Police Department route at 209-385-6905.
Quarantine fees
County fee schedule lists a $50 home quarantine fee, $150 non-vaccinated bite penalty fee and $20/day shelter isolation board.
Dangerous animal
City FAQ says leave a dangerous animal or snake alone and call 209-385-6905.
Dog Licenses, Pet Limits and Leash Rules in Merced
Merced city and county rules can be different, but these official city FAQ details are useful for searchers inside the City of Merced.
| Topic | Official city guidance | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Dog license | Dogs need a current rabies certificate to license. | Take certificate to Central Police Station at 611 W. 22nd St. or check with local vet. |
| License duration | Dog may be licensed up to 3 years depending on rabies vaccination duration. | Bring verified rabies certificate. |
| Discounts | Senior citizens and spayed/neutered dogs may qualify for discounts. | Bring proof of age or spay/neuter certificate. |
| Cats | Cats do not need a license. | Still microchip and keep photos/records for lost-cat recovery. |
| Pet limits | Up to 5 dogs over 4 months, up to 5 cats over 4 months, and up to 2 poultry for pet use. | Verify zoning/HOA/rental rules too. |
| Leash rule | Dogs must be secured by a leash or secured in a yard at all times. | Do not let dogs roam loose. |
Surrendering an Animal to Merced County Animal Shelter
Do not use surrender as the first step if rehoming, vet help or behavior help may solve the problem. If surrender is needed, call first and prepare the fee and records.
Call before arriving
Call 209-385-7436 so staff can explain current intake ability, fees and paperwork.
Prepare the surrender fee
County fee schedule lists $75 per owned dog or cat, $100 per litter 2 months old or less, and $25 per owned small animal such as rabbit, bird or reptile.
Bring honest records
Bring ID, proof of ownership, rabies/vaccine records, microchip, medications, diet, behavior notes, bite history and reason for surrender.
Ask about rehoming alternatives
If the reason is cost, behavior, housing, unwanted litter or medical care, ask about local rescues, low-cost spay/neuter or veterinary options before surrendering.
Do not abandon animals
Never leave animals at the shelter gate, in a parking lot, in fields or outside after hours.
Local Insider Tips for Merced Shelter Visitors
It is in Atwater
Many users search “Merced shelter” and drive around Merced city. The county shelter address is 2150 Shuttle Dr. in Atwater.
Call before trapping cats
Official cat-programming guidance says call 209-385-7436 option 2 before trapping or bringing a cat in.
Save animal ID
Screenshot the dog, cat or other-animal listing before calling. Staff can help faster with the ID.
Bring transport gear
Carrier for cats and small animals. Leash/harness/crate for dogs. Livestock requires special transport planning.
Central Valley heat
Do not leave animals in parked cars. Plan water, shade and quick transport during hot Merced County weather.
Ask fee total first
Impound, board, quarantine, medical, surrender or license costs can stack. Ask for the full amount before arrival.
Map to Merced County Animal Shelter
Use this map for route planning to the Atwater shelter. For animal-control calls, bites, dangerous animals or city enforcement issues, call the proper number first.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I’m interested in [animal ID/name] listed under [dogs/cats/other animals]. Is this animal still available, and what should I bring to adopt?Lost pet
Hi, I lost my [dog/cat/other pet] near [location] on [date/time]. The pet is [description] and may have [tag/microchip/collar]. Has a matching animal been reported or brought in?Found cat
Hi, I found or plan to trap a cat near [location]. I saw the county note to call before trapping or bringing in a cat. What should I do next?Animal-control issue
Hi, I need to report [bite/dangerous animal/barking/stray/abuse] at [exact location]. The animal is [description], and the situation is [urgent/non-urgent].Official Links for Final Action
The useful details are summarized above. Use these official links for live pet listings, forms, current policy and final verification.
Related Shelter Guides
Merced Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Merced Animal Shelter located?
Merced County Animal Shelter is located at 2150 Shuttle Dr., Atwater, CA 95301.
What is the phone number for Merced County Animal Shelter?
The Merced County Animal Shelter phone number is (209) 385-7436. The shelter fax number is (209) 722-3627.
What are Merced Animal Shelter hours?
Merced County Animal Shelter hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The shelter is closed Sundays and holidays.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog or cat in Merced County?
The official fee schedule lists dog adoption at $120 and cat adoption at $75. Large livestock adoption is $210, small livestock is $50, and small animals other than dogs or cats are $10.
How do I view animals at the Merced County shelter?
Use the official View Animals at the Shelter page, which separates listings into View Dogs, View Cats and View Other Animals. Save the animal ID and call (209) 385-7436 before driving for one specific pet.
Who do I call if I lost a pet in Merced?
If the pet was lost in the City of Merced, the city FAQ says to contact Merced City Animal Control at (209) 385-4720 and also contact Merced County Animal Shelter at (209) 385-7436 to check for the pet.
Who handles animal control in the City of Merced?
City of Merced Animal Control handles city animal-control issues. The non-emergency animal-control number is (209) 385-4720, and the city FAQ lists (209) 385-6905 for bite reports, dangerous animals and some nuisance reports.
Should I bring a found cat directly to Merced County Animal Shelter?
No. Official city/county guidance says citizens who found or plan on trapping a cat should call the shelter at (209) 385-7436, option 2, before trapping or bringing a cat into the shelter.
How much does it cost to surrender a dog or cat to Merced County Animal Shelter?
The official fee schedule lists release of an owned dog or cat to the shelter at $75 per animal. An owned litter 2 months old or less is listed at $100 per litter, and owned small animals such as rabbits, birds or reptiles are listed at $25 per animal.
Do dogs need a license in Merced?
Yes. City guidance says dog licensing requires a current rabies certificate, while cats do not need a license. The city says dog licenses can be handled at the Central Police Station at 611 W. 22nd Street or through some local veterinarians.
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.