Sonoma County Animal Shelter: Adoption & Pets 2026
Use this Sonoma County animal-help guide to adopt a pet, check current shelter animals, contact the correct shelter by city, report a lost or found pet, reclaim an animal, license a dog or cat, or call Animal Services before driving to Santa Rosa.
Best first step: Sonoma County Animal Services is the public shelter for Santa Rosa and unincorporated Sonoma County. Other Sonoma County cities may route to different shelters, so check the service-area table before you visit.
Choose What You Need
Sonoma County Animal Help Cards
Click the action that matches your situation. This keeps the page useful for adoption visitors, lost-pet owners, found-pet helpers and Sonoma County residents who need the correct animal-service route.
Which Sonoma County Shelter Serves Your Area?
Do this check before bringing in a found animal. The correct shelter depends on where the animal was found, not just where you live.
| Area | Starting shelter / agency | Contact | Use this for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unincorporated Sonoma County | Sonoma County Animal Services | 707-565-7100 | Stray/found pets, adoption, licensing and county animal-service routing. |
| City of Santa Rosa | Sonoma County Animal Services | 707-565-7100 | Santa Rosa shelter services and animal-service questions. |
| Rohnert Park | Rohnert Park Animal Services | 707-584-1582 | Animals found inside Rohnert Park service area. |
| Cotati | Rohnert Park Animal Services | 707-584-1582 | Cotati animal shelter/service routing. |
| Sebastopol | Humane Society of Sonoma County route | 707-542-0882 | Sebastopol-area shelter route listed by county shelter guide. |
| Healdsburg | Humane Society of Sonoma County / Healdsburg location route | 707-280-9632 | Healdsburg animal services and shelter route. |
| City of Sonoma / nearby unincorporated Sonoma area | Sonoma Police Department route | 707-996-3601 | City of Sonoma animal-service routing and local police contact. |
Sonoma County Animal Services Hours, Address and Contact
Use the right hour window: adoption, phone, office and dispatch hours are not identical.
| Need | Official detail | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption visit | Tuesday-Saturday, 12pm-4:30pm | Arrive early enough to view, ask questions and complete next steps. |
| Office help | Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm | General in-person shelter business. |
| Phone help | Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-5:30pm | Call before driving, especially for lost/found or fees. |
| Dispatch | Monday-Saturday, 8am-5pm | Animal-service dispatch window; emergencies may require 911. |
| Closed | Sundays, Mondays and holidays | Do not plan a normal adoption visit on closed days. |
| Address | 1247 Century Court, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 | Main Sonoma County Animal Services shelter location. |
| theanimalshelter@sonomacounty.gov | Useful when sending photos, written details or follow-up questions. |
Sonoma County Animal Services 2026/27 Adoption Fees
The county’s 2026/27 fee ordinance lists these adoption fees. Promotions or special conditions may change the amount, so verify with the shelter before payment.
| Animal | Standard fee | Two-week available option | Ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog, 8 weeks up to 6 months | $240 | $180 | Vaccine timing, spay/neuter status, puppy setup and training needs. |
| Dog, over 6 months to 5 years 11 months | $170 | $115 | Energy level, kid/dog/cat history, leash behavior and medical notes. |
| Dog, 6 years and older | $124 | $65 | Senior care, medication, dental needs and quiet-home fit. |
| Cat, 8 weeks up to 6 months | $150 | $90 | Kitten-proofing, boosters, litter setup and safe transport. |
| Cat, over 6 months to 5 years 11 months | $107 | $55 | Indoor/outdoor history, litter habits, other pets and personality. |
| Cat, 6 years and older | $73 | $40 | Senior-cat medical notes and first-vet follow-up. |
| Special/promotional dog or cat fee | $35 | Case-dependent | Used due to space or animal condition; confirm eligibility. |
| Rabbit | $55 | Not listed as two-week option | Housing, hay diet, chewing, litter habits and rabbit-savvy vet care. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order to make a Sonoma County adoption visit easier.
Check current animals first
Open the Current Animals in Shelter dataset. Save the animal name, type, breed, color, sex, size, Animal ID, impound number and kennel number.
Call before driving
Call 707-565-7100 and ask if the animal is still available, whether a meet is possible today, and what documents/payment are required.
Bring the right household decision-makers
Make sure adults, renters and family members agree before visiting. Ask about dog-dog, cat-dog or child introduction rules.
Prepare transport
Bring a cat carrier, dog leash/harness or secure crate. Do not plan to carry a nervous animal loose in a car.
Ask the five exit questions
Ask about food, medical notes, vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip, behavior, first vet visit and whether a local license/registration is needed.
Lost or Found Pet in Sonoma County
Lost/found success depends on fast photos, correct jurisdiction, microchip/tag checks and local posting.
If your pet is lost
- Search nearby first: yard, garage, sheds, vineyards/fence lines, creek edges, porches and parked cars.
- Call Sonoma County Animal Services if the pet may be in Santa Rosa or unincorporated Sonoma County.
- Check the Current Animals in Shelter list.
- Use DocuPet lost-pet tools if your pet is licensed or tagged.
- Update your microchip company with current phone, email and emergency contact.
- Post photo, cross streets, city, date/time, collar/tag and safe contact method.
- Visit or call more than one shelter if the pet crossed a city boundary.
If you found a pet
- Keep yourself safe; do not handle aggressive, injured or trapped animals.
- Take clear photos before moving the animal.
- Check collar and tag only if safe.
- Use DocuPet Found a Tag if a license tag is visible.
- Ask a vet clinic or shelter route about microchip scanning.
- Post exact found location, not just “Sonoma County.”
- Call the agency that serves the location where the animal was found.
Reclaiming a Pet: What to Bring
Call first, then bring proof. Reclaim fees and board/impound charges can depend on animal type, license status and situation.
Photo ID
Bring government photo identification for the person reclaiming the animal.
Ownership proof
Bring photos, vet records, adoption papers, microchip details, license record or tag number.
License or tag
Bring dog/cat license proof if available. Licensed pets are easier to trace.
Rabies records
Bring current rabies vaccination proof if applicable.
Payment
Ask Animal Services which reclaim, board, impound or license fees apply before you arrive.
Call first
Call 707-565-7100 with Animal ID, impound number or description before driving.
Surrender or Rehome a Pet
Do not drop off an owned pet without speaking to the correct shelter. Surrender rules, fees and appointment requirements can depend on jurisdiction and available space.
| Situation | Best first action | Prepare before calling | Ask this |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owned pet in Santa Rosa or unincorporated Sonoma County | Call SCAS at 707-565-7100 | Pet age, species, medical history, behavior notes, bite history, vaccine records. | “Do I need an appointment, and what surrender fee or alternatives apply?” |
| Pet from another Sonoma County city | Check the shelter routing table first | Exact city/address where the pet lives or was found. | “Which shelter or partner agency handles this location?” |
| Temporary hardship | Ask about alternatives before surrender | Reason: housing, food, veterinary cost, behavior, emergency, family change. | “Are there food, foster, training, licensing or rehome resources before intake?” |
| Found pet you cannot keep safely | Call the agency serving the found location | Photos, cross streets, collar/tag, microchip scan status. | “Where should I bring this animal, and when?” |
Dog/Cat Licensing and DocuPet
Sonoma County uses DocuPet for licensing and lost-pet support. A current license/tag can speed up reunification if someone finds your pet.
How to Use Sonoma County’s Open-Data Animal List
Sonoma County provides open datasets for shelter intake/outcome and current animals. These help adopters search available pets and help owners check animals currently in shelter care.
Open Current Animals in Shelter
Use the official Current Animals in Shelter dataset first.
Search by type and color
Use type, breed, color, sex, size and intake date to narrow results. Owner-given names may not match if shelter staff assigned a temporary name.
Save Animal ID and kennel number
Before calling, note the Animal ID, impound number and kennel number. This makes the call faster.
Verify by phone
Data can change as animals are reclaimed, adopted, transferred or moved. Call 707-565-7100 before driving.
Local Sonoma County Tips
City matters
Santa Rosa and unincorporated Sonoma County route to SCAS; other cities may use different shelter partners.
Use landmarks
For rural found pets, include road name, cross street, vineyard, trailhead, creek or park landmark.
License helps
A DocuPet tag, microchip and updated phone number can shorten the reunion process.
Do not arrive late
Adoption hours end at 4:30pm. Arrive early enough to talk, view animals and complete steps.
Bring transport
Carry a leash, crate or cat carrier. Nervous animals can bolt in parking lots.
Disaster-ready pets
Sonoma County residents should keep pet meds, food, license, microchip and carrier ready for wildfire or evacuation season.
Before You Leave Home
Animal ID, kennel number, photo ID, payment, carrier/leash, renter approval.
Recent photo, microchip, tag/license number, cross streets, last-seen time.
Photos, exact location, tag details, safe containment, microchip scan status.
ID, ownership proof, rabies certificate, license proof and payment method.
Map: Sonoma County Animal Services
Use the map for the main SCAS shelter in Santa Rosa. For found animals outside Santa Rosa or unincorporated Sonoma County, confirm the correct shelter route first.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I’m interested in [animal name/Animal ID]. Is this animal still available, and what should I bring for adoption today?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets/community]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. Has a matching animal come in?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat/other] near [exact location]. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. Which shelter or agency serves this location?Surrender
Hi, I need help with surrender or rehoming for my [pet]. I live in [city/unincorporated area]. What appointment, fee and alternatives should I know?Official Sonoma Animal Links
The key details are summarized above. Use these official links for live verification, animal lookup, licensing and final action.
Sonoma County Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Sonoma County Animal Services located?
Sonoma County Animal Services is located at 1247 Century Court, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.
What is the Sonoma County Animal Services phone number?
The Sonoma County Animal Services phone number is 707-565-7100.
What are the adoption hours for Sonoma County Animal Services?
Adoption hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm to 4:30pm. The shelter is closed Sundays, Mondays and holidays.
Does Sonoma County Animal Services serve every city in Sonoma County?
No. Sonoma County Animal Services serves unincorporated Sonoma County and the City of Santa Rosa. Other cities may route to Rohnert Park Animal Services, Humane Society of Sonoma County, Sonoma Police Department or another local partner.
How much are Sonoma County dog adoption fees in 2026/27?
The 2026/27 county fee table lists dog adoption fees as $240 for dogs 8 weeks up to 6 months, $170 for dogs over 6 months to 5 years 11 months, and $124 for dogs 6 years and older, with lower optional two-week available fees listed for some dogs.
How much are Sonoma County cat adoption fees in 2026/27?
The 2026/27 county fee table lists cat adoption fees as $150 for cats 8 weeks up to 6 months, $107 for cats over 6 months to 5 years 11 months, and $73 for cats 6 years and older, with lower optional two-week available fees listed for some cats.
Where can I see current animals at Sonoma County Animal Services?
You can use Sonoma County’s Current Animals in Shelter open-data page to check animals currently in the shelter, including fields such as type, breed, color, Animal ID, impound number and kennel number.
What should I do if I lost a pet in Sonoma County?
Search nearby, call the shelter or agency serving the location, check the Current Animals in Shelter dataset, update your microchip account, use DocuPet lost-pet tools if your pet is licensed, and post a clear photo with cross streets.
What should I bring to reclaim a pet?
Bring government photo ID, proof of ownership such as photos or veterinary records, rabies certificate if applicable, license or tag information, and payment for any applicable reclaim, board, impound or license fees.
Where can I license a dog or cat in Sonoma County?
Sonoma County pet licensing is handled through DocuPet, where residents can license, renew and manage pet tags and use lost-pet support tools.
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.