Johnston County Animal Shelter: Adoption & Pets 2026
Use this guide to adopt a pet, schedule an appointment, check Johnston County Animal Services hours, report a lost or found animal, reclaim a pet, plan a surrender appointment, handle rabies questions, or contact the right shelter desk in Smithfield.
Start with the right step: Johnston County Animal Services is appointment-based for adoptions, surrenders and rabies appointments. Call before driving, especially because official pages show slightly different general closing times.
Choose What You Need
Johnston County Animal Shelter Action Cards
Tap the task you need. Each card gives the official route and the next step.
Hours, Location and Appointment Rules
Adoption is appointment-based. Do not drive to Smithfield expecting a walk-in adoption visit.
| Need | Official detail | What to do | Local tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| General shelter contact | 115 Shelter Way, Smithfield, NC 27577; phone 919-934-8474. | Call first if the visit depends on closing time, lunch closure or appointment availability. | Save the address before leaving; Shelter Way can be missed if you are relying on memory. |
| General weekday operations | Official pages list weekday hours and a daily 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. lunch closure. | Avoid the lunch window unless you already confirmed an appointment. | Because official pages differ on general closing time, phone confirmation is safest. |
| Pet adoption hours | Monday-Friday, 1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; every 2nd and 4th Saturday, 1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; appointment only. | Call 919-934-8474 and ask for a pet-specific appointment. | Ask if the animal is still available before driving from Clayton, Benson, Selma, Four Oaks or another town. |
| Surrenders | Surrenders are by appointment only. | Call 919-934-8474 and prepare records and honest behavior details. | Do not bring an owner surrender without confirming the appointment process. |
| Rabies appointments | Rabies appointments are by appointment only. | Call the shelter to arrange vaccination help. | Bring any prior rabies certificate if available. |
Adoption, Rabies, Reclaim and Ordinance Fees
Use this table for planning. Promotions and waiver events can change what you pay, so confirm the final amount during appointment scheduling.
| Fee type | Official amount | What it means | Ask this before paying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adoption planning total | $110-$125 | Adopt page shows $110 plus microchip $10 if able to be implanted and rabies shot $5 if 3 months or older. | “What is the exact total for this animal today?” |
| Basic adoption fee | $125 | Fee schedule lists basic adoption fee including $100 spay/neuter deposit or voucher. | “Does this animal receive the spay/neuter voucher/deposit?” |
| Veterans adoption waiver | Adoption fees waived | The adoption page says adoption fees are waived for Veterans, but spay/neuter deposit and/or voucher fees still apply. | “Which part is waived and which part still applies?” |
| July 2026 adoption special | Free adoption event listed for July | Official event text says all adoptions are free for the month of July; call and schedule an appointment. | “Is the July free adoption special still active for this pet?” |
| Rabies vaccination | $5 | Fee schedule lists rabies vaccinations at $5. | “Do I need an appointment for rabies vaccination?” |
| Rabies non-compliance | $100 | Fee schedule lists rabies non-compliance fee. | “What proof do I need to avoid non-compliance?” |
| Rabies quarantine | $75 for 10 days | Fee schedule lists rabies quarantine fee. | “Where and how will quarantine be handled?” |
| Simple reclaim | $25 | Fee schedule lists simple reclaim fee. | “Are boarding or medical costs also due?” |
| Multiple offender reclaim | $50 | Fee schedule lists multiple offender reclaim fee. | “Is this considered simple or multiple offender reclaim?” |
| Dog boarding | $5 per day plus incidental expenses | Fee schedule lists dog boarding fee. | “How many days are being charged?” |
| Horse reclaim / horse boarding | $50 reclaim; $10 per day boarding plus expenses and feed | Useful for large-animal cases. | “Are transport, feed or vet costs added?” |
| Cruelty or dangerous dog violation | $500 per offense | Fee schedule lists these ordinance-related fees. | “Which ordinance category applies?” |
How to Adopt from Johnston County Animal Shelter
Follow this order. It gives the shelter what they need and helps you avoid a wasted trip.
Open adoptable pets
Start on the official Adoptable Pets page. Save the animal name, species, description and listing details.
Call for appointment
Call 919-934-8474. Animals can be met by appointment only, and adoption hours are limited.
Confirm basic eligibility
You must be at least 18 and have a government-issued ID. Johnston County residency is not required.
Ask about spay/neuter
The Pet Adoption Center requires adopted pets to be spayed or neutered. It does not offer spay/neuter services but provides a $100 voucher for selected participating veterinarians.
Meet the animal
Arrive with enough time for the appointment, questions and paperwork. Ask about temperament, known medical notes and any hold or pickup timing.
Pay and plan the first week
Confirm the final adoption total, microchip, rabies shot, voucher/deposit and whether the animal needs a vet appointment immediately after adoption.
Lost or Found Pet in Johnston County
Use the online notice tool, but do not treat it as the only step. The county specifically says lost-pet owners should visit the shelter in person.
If your pet is lost
- Submit the official lost pet form.
- Upload a .jpg photo so the listing can be approved and a poster can be created.
- Print the generated poster and place it near where the pet disappeared.
- Visit the shelter in person between 8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday to check.
- Do not rely on phone identification; the county says it cannot identify your pet over the phone.
- Bring photos, microchip number, vet records, rabies certificate and proof of ownership.
- Check found pet listings daily.
If you found an animal
- Submit the official found animal form.
- Upload a clear .jpg photo to help the listing get approved.
- Use the downloadable poster to alert nearby neighbors and businesses.
- Call 919-934-8474 for instructions before transporting the animal.
- Do not assume posting online satisfies North Carolina’s 72-hour stray holding requirement.
- If unsafe, injured, aggressive or a bite happened, contact Animal Services and follow public-health guidance.
Reclaiming a Pet from Johnston County Animal Services
Reclaim is time-sensitive. Go in person, bring proof, and ask about every fee before leaving home.
Bring ID
Carry government-issued photo ID so staff can verify you during reclaim or adoption paperwork.
Proof of ownership
Bring pet photos, veterinary records, adoption papers, microchip details, rabies certificate and any tag/license information.
Rabies proof
County animal law emphasizes rabies vaccination and tags. Bring current proof if available.
Reclaim fee
Fee schedule lists simple reclaim at $25 and multiple offender reclaim at $50.
Extra costs
Special handling, vet care or special diet costs may be billed at cost when applicable.
Visit in person
For lost pets, Johnston County directs owners to come to the shelter for a personal walk-through.
Surrender and Rabies Appointments
Surrenders and rabies appointments are appointment-only. Prepare before calling so the conversation is useful.
| Need | Correct route | Prepare before calling | Ask this |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner surrender | Call 919-934-8474 | Pet name, species, age, sex, medical records, vaccine status, spay/neuter status, bite history, behavior notes and reason for surrender. | “What appointment times are available and what records should I bring?” |
| Rabies appointment | Call 919-934-8474 | Pet age, species, current rabies certificate if any, owner ID and contact details. | “Can I arrange vaccination directly through the shelter?” |
| Emergency safety issue | Call appropriate emergency/Animal Services route | Exact location, animal description, danger level, bite/scratch details and whether a human is at risk. | “Is this a public-health or enforcement response?” |
Rabies, Bites, Tags and Animal Laws
Rabies rules are a major part of Johnston County animal services. Keep vaccination proof and tag information easy to find.
Rabies basics
- County rabies clinic page says North Carolina law requires owners of dogs and cats over four months of age to have animals vaccinated against rabies.
- County code also discusses dogs, cats and ferrets in rabies-control sections.
- Rabies vaccination fee listed by the shelter fee schedule is $5.
- Rabies non-compliance fee is listed at $100.
- Rabies quarantine fee is listed at $75 for 10 days.
If an animal bite or scratch breaks skin
- Johnston County Public Health defines an animal bite as an incident where teeth or claws from an animal known to carry rabies breaks human skin.
- A bite or scratch report must be completed and submitted to the local Health Department.
- The public-health page says confinement is usually required for 10 days.
- Animal Control Officers usually are not taking or killing a pet simply because it bit someone.
- If the animal is not currently vaccinated, vaccination may be required at the end of the 10-day period.
How to Support Johnston County Animal Services
The official donation page lists practical items the shelter accepts, plus monetary donations by mail or drop-off.
Cleaning supplies
Liquid laundry soap, bleach, paper towels, sponges and scrubbys are listed donation items.
Pet supplies
Pill pockets, puppy pads, canned/dry puppy food, dog and cat treats, cat toys and hard-rubber dog toys/balls are listed.
Money donations
Official page says monetary donations can be mailed or dropped off at the shelter, with checks payable to “Friends of Johnston County.”
Before You Leave Home
Pet listing screenshot, appointment time, government ID, payment, carrier/leash, spay/neuter voucher questions.
Recent photo, cross streets, microchip number, rabies certificate, vet records, in-person shelter visit plan.
Photo, exact found location, safe confinement status, call to shelter, 72-hour licensed-shelter hold awareness.
Appointment, pet records, behavior notes, medications, food, reason for surrender and honest bite history.
Map: Johnston County Animal Services
Use this map for route planning to the Smithfield shelter. For adoption, surrender, rabies or lost/found visits, call first.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption appointment
Hi, I am interested in [pet name/listing]. Is the animal still available, and can I schedule an adoption appointment? What is the exact fee and what should I bring?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [town/cross streets]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. I will visit in person, but can you tell me the best time and what proof to bring?Found animal
Hi, I found a [dog/cat/other] near [exact location]. I can/cannot safely hold the animal. What is the correct Johnston County process and should I bring the animal to the shelter?Surrender or rabies appointment
Hi, I need an appointment for [surrender/rabies]. I have [records/vaccine proof/behavior notes]. What appointment times are available and what documents should I bring?Official Johnston County Animal Shelter Links
The important details are already summarized above. Use these official links for live listings, forms, fees and final verification.
Johnston County Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Johnston County Animal Services located?
Johnston County Animal Services is located at 115 Shelter Way, Smithfield, NC 27577.
What is the Johnston County Animal Shelter phone number?
The main Johnston County Animal Services phone number is 919-934-8474.
What are Johnston County Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Pet adoption hours are Monday-Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and every 2nd and 4th Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., by appointment only.
Do I need an appointment to adopt a pet?
Yes. Johnston County Animal Services says animals can be met by appointment only. Call 919-934-8474 to schedule an appointment.
Do I have to live in Johnston County to adopt?
No. The adoption page says you do not need to be a Johnston County resident, but you must be at least 18 and have a government-issued ID.
How much does adoption cost at Johnston County Animal Services?
The adoption page shows a total from $110 to $125, depending on microchip and rabies shot needs. The official fee schedule also lists the basic adoption fee at $125.
What should I do if my pet is lost in Johnston County?
Submit the lost pet form, upload a .jpg photo, create a printable poster, check found-pet listings, and visit the shelter in person between 8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Can Johnston County identify my lost pet over the phone?
No. Johnston County says it cannot identify your pet over the phone and will direct you to come to the shelter for a personal walk-through.
Does filing a found-pet report satisfy the 72-hour holding requirement?
No. Johnston County says filing a found report or other online form does not satisfy the NC GS 19A-32.1 minimum 72-hour holding requirement. The holding period can only be done by a North Carolina licensed animal shelter.
Are surrenders and rabies appointments walk-in?
No. Johnston County Animal Services says surrenders and rabies appointments are by appointment only. Call 919-934-8474 to schedule.
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.