Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter, Control & Rescue 2026 Guide

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Tuscaloosa shelter • control numbers • adoption • rescue • lost pets

Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter: Control & Rescue 2026 Guide

Use this guide to adopt a pet, check shelter hours, call the correct animal-control agency, find a lost pet, handle a found animal, redeem a pet, surrender responsibly, foster, volunteer, donate, or use TMAS rescue support programs.

Quick rule: TMAS is the stray/found animal receiving facility for Tuscaloosa County, the City of Tuscaloosa, and Northport, but it does not pick up stray animals. For pickup, call the correct animal-control number.

Pick My Action Animal Control Numbers Lost / Found Pet
TMAS: 205-752-9101 3140 Inv Dornell Cousette St Open 12pm-6pm most days Wednesday & Sunday closed
🐶Adopt Dogs
🐱Adopt Cats
🐰Other Pets
☎️Control
🐾Rescue
🚐Transport
METRO SHELTER
Fast answer: Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter is at 3140 Inv Dornell Cousette Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. Main phone: 205-752-9101. Hours listed by TMAS are Monday 12pm-6pm, Tuesday 12pm-6pm, Wednesday closed, Thursday 12pm-6pm, Friday 12pm-6pm, Saturday 12pm-6pm, Sunday closed. For stray pickup, call the right animal-control agency: Tuscaloosa County 205-752-0616, Tuscaloosa City 205-349-5311, or Northport 205-339-6600.
Shelter phone205-752-9101
Dog adoption$100 base
Cat adoption$50
Stray hold7 full days

Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter Guide Menu

Clickable Tuscaloosa Animal Help Cards

Choose the card that matches the problem. This is faster than reading a long directory page.

AdoptView adoptable animalsCheck current dogs, cats and other animals, then apply from the animal listing. ProcessRead adoption fees and rulesAge 19+, application required, 30-45 minute process when busy. ShelterCall TMAS: 205-752-9101Use for adoption, lost/found, surrender, foster, volunteer and general shelter questions. CountyTuscaloosa County Animal ControlCall 205-752-0616 for county stray pickup or animal-control issues. CityTuscaloosa City Animal ControlCall 205-349-5311 for city animal-control pickup route. NorthportNorthport Animal ControlCall 205-339-6600 for Northport animal-control pickup route. LostSearch lost pets and shelter animalsCheck daily and visit TMAS in person if your pet is missing. FoundUse found animal guidanceCall before bringing a stray and check for tags/microchip first. HelpOwner assistance before surrenderAsk about pet food, crates, fence help, temporary foster and other support.

Hours, Address and Best Time to Visit

The shelter is not open every day. Plan around the 12pm-6pm window and Wednesday/Sunday closure.

Day TMAS public hours Best use Practical tip
Monday12pm-6pmAdoption, lost-pet visit, owner help questions.Arrive with enough time for paperwork and animal meet.
Tuesday12pm-6pmAdoption and lost/found follow-up.Good before Wednesday closure.
WednesdayClosedCheck website only.Use animal-control phone numbers for pickup issues.
Thursday12pm-6pmAdoption, redemption and follow-up.Call before bringing a found stray.
Friday12pm-6pmAdoption and weekend planning.Ask if a hold or Early Bird Hold is possible.
Saturday12pm-6pmAdoption, volunteer open house, rescue support.Volunteer open house is listed for the second and last Saturday at 3pm.
SundayClosedCheck online only.Use jurisdiction animal control for urgent pickup needs.
Location note: TMAS lists its location as 3140 Inv Dornell Cousette Street, near Waste Management on 35th Street. Save the address in your map before leaving.

Animal Control: Who to Call for Stray Pickup

TMAS receives strays from the local animal-control agencies, but the shelter says it does not pick up stray/found animals.

Where the animal is Call Use for What to say
Tuscaloosa County205-752-0616Stray/found animal pickup or animal-control response in county jurisdiction.“The animal is at [exact address/cross street] in Tuscaloosa County.”
City of Tuscaloosa205-349-5311City animal-control pickup route.“This is inside Tuscaloosa city limits at [location].”
Northport205-339-6600Northport animal-control pickup route.“This is inside Northport at [location].”
You can safely transport the animal205-752-9101Call TMAS before bringing a stray.“I found a stray and can transport. Do you have space and what should I do?”
Sick/injured animal after hoursAppropriate animal control agencyFound animals page says call animal control for your jurisdiction outside office hours.“The animal is sick/injured and the shelter is closed.”
Do not skip the jurisdiction step: a Tuscaloosa County address, a City of Tuscaloosa address and a Northport address may need different animal-control calls.

Adoption, Hold and Redemption Fees

TMAS posts clear fee rules. Use this before you call or visit.

Fee / category Amount What it includes or means Ask before paying
Dog adoption$100 baseIncludes heartworm test, DA2PPV, Bordetella, dewormer, microchip, rabies certificate, spay/neuter surgery and basic exam at participating vet.“Is this dog discounted because of length of stay?”
Dog after 1 month in shelter$50TMAS lists a lower dog fee after one month in the shelter.“How long has this dog been in care?”
Dog after 3 months in shelter$25TMAS lists a lower dog fee after three months in the shelter.“Is the $25 long-stay fee active for this dog?”
Cat adoption$50Includes FELV/FIV test, FVRCP vaccine, PP-2 dewormer, microchip, rabies certificate, spay/neuter surgery and basic exam at participating vet.“Is the cat already altered and microchipped?”
Other animals$10 if availableTMAS lists rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets under other animals.“What care notes and supplies does this animal need?”
Early Bird Hold$35 non-refundable donationFirst right of adoption if a stray is not reclaimed. It does not go toward adoption fee.“When does the animal become available, and what is the exact deadline?”
Adoption hold$35 non-refundableFor animals already available for adoption; held for 24 hours; does not go toward adoption fee.“What time does the 24-hour hold expire?”
Redemption first offense$40Applies when an animal is brought in by animal control.“Are boarding and rabies fees also due?”
Redemption second offense$55Listed second-offense redemption fee.“Which offense level applies?”
Redemption third offense$75Listed third-offense redemption fee.“How many nights of boarding are charged?”
Redemption fourth offense$125Listed fourth-offense redemption fee.“What total is due today?”
Boarding$10 per nightCharged during the animal’s shelter stay.“What is the intake date and total nights?”
Rabies certificate fee$15Certificate redeemable at a local vet for rabies vaccination if rabies cannot be verified.“Can my existing rabies certificate satisfy this?”

How to Adopt from Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter

TMAS says every adopter must fill out an adoption application and be at least 19 years old.

View available animals

Start on the official Adopt page. Open the animal listing you like and read the notes carefully.

Apply online to save time

TMAS says you can click the animal you are interested in and use the “Apply” button. This saves time before your visit.

Confirm you meet basic rules

You must be at least 19. Renters should speak with the landlord before adoption and satisfy pet requirements first.

Give yourself enough time

TMAS says the adoption process can take 30-45 minutes and longer when busy.

Ask animal-specific questions

Ask about temperament, apartment fit, kids, other animals, medical notes, spay/neuter timing and heartworm/FELV/FIV test details.

Finalize only after approval

A hold does not guarantee adoption. Adoption is finalized only after the completed application is approved by an adoption coordinator.

Best adoption script: “I am interested in [animal name/ID]. Is the animal still available, what is the current fee, and should I submit the online application before coming?”

Lost or Found Pet in Tuscaloosa

TMAS says all animals picked up by County, City of Tuscaloosa and Northport Animal Control agencies are brought to the shelter.

If your pet is lost

  • View pets currently housed at TMAS and check daily.
  • If you see your pet, call 205-752-9101 or email intake@metroanimalshelter.org.
  • Come to the shelter and look for your missing pet in person.
  • If you do not locate your pet, complete a lost pet report while you are there.
  • Provide a photo if possible.
  • Visit several times weekly on staggered days so the pet is not missed before rescue, foster or other movement.
  • Post on Nextdoor, Petco Love Lost, Pawboost and local Facebook missing-pet groups.

If you found an animal

  • Check for ID tags first.
  • Ask a local vet clinic to scan for a microchip when safe.
  • Call TMAS before bringing a stray to make sure there is space.
  • If pickup is needed, call animal control for the correct jurisdiction.
  • For a sick or injured animal outside office hours, call animal control for your jurisdiction.
  • Use the official found pet guidance and found-pet form if you want TMAS notified.
  • Keep the animal separated from your own pets until you receive instructions.
7-day hold: TMAS says it holds stray animals for 7 full days to fulfill state-law requirements. After that, if unclaimed, ownership switches to the shelter.

Redeeming an Animal from TMAS

If your animal is brought to TMAS, you must go through the redemption process and verify ownership.

📷

Photos with owner

TMAS accepts pictures with the owner as proof. Facebook pictures alone may not qualify if they do not meet proof criteria.

🐾

Growth progression

Pictures showing progression, such as puppy to adult, can help verify ownership.

🏥

Vet records

Bring veterinary records and rabies proof if available.

🧾

Bill of sale

A bill of sale is listed by TMAS as accepted proof of ownership.

📄

Adoption paperwork

Bring prior adoption paperwork if the animal was adopted.

💉

Rabies status

If rabies cannot be verified as current, TMAS says owners must pay for a rabies certificate.

After the stray hold: If the animal becomes available for adoption after the 7 full days and the previous owner identifies it, TMAS says the owner must go through the adoption process, including spay/neuter.

Owner Surrender and Assistance Before Surrender

TMAS frames surrender as a last resort and asks owners to contact shelter staff first.

Need Official route Prepare Ask this
Owner surrenderCall 205-752-9101 for appointmentValid state ID or driver’s license, pet records, behavior notes, bite history and reason for surrender.“Do you have space and what appointment times are available?”
Who TMAS accepts fromTuscaloosa County, Tuscaloosa City and Northport / Tuscaloosa County residentsConfirm your address and jurisdiction before scheduling.“Am I inside your owner-surrender service area?”
Surrender fee$25 per owned petBring payment and ask if any special case applies.“Is the fee $25 for this surrender?”
Litters 8 weeks old or less$25Ask what age/health information is required.“Should I bring the mother or only the litter?”
Owner assistanceOwner Assistance page / call shelterExplain the real problem: food, containment, emergency, fence, crate or temporary foster.“Can support help me keep my pet safely?”
Home-to-home rehomingOwner surrender program pagePhotos, pet description, medical and behavior notes.“Can I use home-to-home before shelter intake?”
Assistance options TMAS lists when funding allows: pet food, crates, 10×10 cages when there is no fenced yard, minor fence mending and temporary foster homes for emergency situations.

Foster, Rescue, Volunteer and Happy Hour Programs

Rescue help is not only adoption. TMAS uses foster homes, volunteers, transports, enrichment and community programs to move animals out of the shelter environment.

🏡

Foster homes

Foster parents must be at least 19 and have time to commit to an additional dog or cat. Transportation to the shelter, events or vet clinics may be required.

🚐

Rescue pending

Short-term foster may be needed until transport to another rescue organization, often around 2-4 weeks.

🍼

Too young to adopt

Puppies or kittens under 8 weeks may need foster care until old enough for adoption.

❤️

Special needs

Scared, sick, injured, underweight or stressed animals may need a home setting before adoption.

🐕

Happy Hour

TMAS lists Happy Hour as appointment-based and says approved dogs can be checked out for enrichment. Confirm current appointment hours before going.

🙋

Volunteer open house

TMAS lists volunteer open house on the second and last Saturday of each month at 3pm.

Happy Hour note: the official Happy Hour page contains more than one hour statement. Schedule the appointment from the official page or call the shelter before planning a dog outing.

Spay/Neuter Certificates and Low-Cost Help

TMAS lists a certificate program for qualifying owners who need lower-cost spay/neuter help.

Certificate basics

  • Certificate cost is listed as $20.
  • The program is in partnership with ALSpay clinic in Birmingham.
  • TMAS provides the certificate but is not involved in the medical procedure or treatment.
  • Up to 6 animals per household may be altered, listed as 3 dogs and 3 cats.
  • Certificates are issued as long as program funds are available.

Proof of need examples

  • Alabama EBT.
  • Low-income housing documents.
  • SSI proof.
  • Medicaid proof.
  • Unemployment proof.
  • Household income proof such as prior-year W-2 where required.
Next step: if you qualify, TMAS says to come to the shelter with appropriate proof and fill out an application. After receiving the certificate, you contact ALSpay to schedule the procedure.

Wildlife, Kittens and Sick/Injured Animals

Found animals need different action depending on health, species and safety.

🦉

Wild animals

For baby wildlife, TMAS guidance says the best thing is generally to leave it alone. Alabama Wildlife Center Helpline: 205-663-7930 ext. 2.

🐾

Sick or injured pet

If found outside TMAS office hours, call animal control for your jurisdiction.

🐱

Kittens

Use TMAS found-animal guidance before removing kittens. If the mother is nearby, moving them too quickly may reduce survival chances.

Before You Leave Home

Adoption

Animal listing, online application, ID, landlord approval, questions about fee, spay/neuter and medical notes.

Lost pet

Recent photo, microchip number, vet records, collar/tag details, shelter visit plan and social post text.

Found pet

Exact location, photo, safe confinement status, tag/microchip check and correct animal-control number.

Surrender

Appointment, valid ID, pet records, behavior notes, fee, service-area confirmation and owner-assistance questions.

Map: Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter

Use this map for route planning. For found strays, pickup issues or surrender, call first.

Copy/Paste Call Scripts

Adoption

Hi, I am interested in [animal name/ID]. Is the animal still available, what is the current fee, and should I apply online before visiting?

Lost pet

Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [location]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. I will check the shelter in person. Has a matching animal been brought in?

Found stray

Hi, I found a [dog/cat/other] at [exact location]. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. I can/cannot transport. Do I call TMAS or animal control for this jurisdiction?

Surrender help

Hi, I am considering surrender because [reason]. Before scheduling, can you tell me whether owner assistance, food, crate, fence help, temporary foster or home-to-home rehoming may help?

Official Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter Links

The important details are summarized above. Use these official pages for live listings, forms, fees and final confirmation.

TMASTuscaloosa Metro Animal ShelterMain official shelter site, missing-pet links and quick contact. MAPLocation and hoursAddress, phone and public hours. ADOPTAdoptable animalsCurrent available pets and adoption listings. FEESAdoption processAge rule, fees, holds, Early Bird Hold and included care. LOSTLost petsSearch shelter animals, 7-day hold, redemption proof and fees. FOUNDFound animalsFound dog, cat, kitten, wildlife and sick/injured guidance. HELPOwner assistanceKeep-families-and-pets-together support before surrender. HOMEOwner surrenderHome-to-home, space-dependent surrender and Happy Hour note. FOSTERFoster programRequirements, supplies and foster types. VOLVolunteerOpen house, volunteer roles and GivePulse registration process. SPAYSpay/neuter certificates$20 certificate program and proof-of-need examples. GIVEDonateOne-time donations, monthly giving, wishlists and support options.

Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter FAQ

Where is Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter located?

Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter is located at 3140 Inv Dornell Cousette Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

What is the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter phone number?

The main Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter phone number is 205-752-9101.

What are Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter hours?

TMAS lists Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 6pm. Wednesday and Sunday are closed.

Does Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter pick up stray animals?

No. TMAS says it does not pick up stray or found animals. For pickup, call the correct animal-control agency for Tuscaloosa County, Tuscaloosa City or Northport.

What are the Tuscaloosa animal-control phone numbers?

TMAS lists Tuscaloosa County Animal Control at 205-752-0616, Tuscaloosa City at 205-349-5311 and Northport at 205-339-6600.

How much is dog adoption at Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter?

TMAS lists dog adoption at $100, with lower prices of $50 after one month in the shelter and $25 after three months in the shelter.

How much is cat adoption at Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter?

TMAS lists cat adoption at $50.

How long does TMAS hold stray animals?

TMAS says it holds stray animals for 7 full days to fulfill state-law requirements. After 7 full days, if unclaimed, ownership switches to the shelter.

What proof do I need to redeem my animal?

TMAS lists accepted proof such as pictures with the owner, pictures showing progression, vet records, bill of sale and adoption paperwork.

How much is owner surrender at TMAS?

TMAS owner assistance information lists a $25 surrender fee for each owned pet, with litters 8 weeks old or less remaining $25. Surrenders are appointment-based and dependent on space.

USA-wide shelter helper • adoption, lost pets, found pets, surrender and animal control

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.

Lost Pet PlanSearch, microchip, shelter checks, flyers
Found Pet HelpSafety, scanning, reporting, holding
Adoption PlannerReadiness, questions, supplies, budget
Visit ChecklistDocuments, call script, official links

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.

Important: Shelter rules vary by city, county, agency, and animal type. Always confirm hours, intake rules, fees, appointment requirements, and proof-of-ownership rules with the official shelter or animal control agency before visiting.

Lost pet recovery checklist

Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.

0% completed

Found pet safety decision helper

Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.

Safety first: Do not approach an aggressive, injured, trapped, or traffic-endangered animal if doing so could put you or others at risk. Contact animal control, emergency services, or a qualified professional when needed.

Adoption readiness checker

This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.

0% readiness signals checked

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.

Helpful reminder: Ask the shelter about pet food pantries, low-cost vet care, behavior support, temporary foster options, and safe rehoming resources before making a final decision.

Animal control contact decision helper

Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.

Emergency warning: If there is immediate danger to a person, a serious bite, traffic hazard, or active attack, contact local emergency services or animal control according to local rules.

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.

USA-wide Shelter user intent Official-source focused

Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.

Independent shelter-help tool. Not affiliated with any animal shelter, humane society, rescue, animal control agency, city, county, state agency, veterinarian, or microchip company. Always confirm current rules, hours, fees, and requirements directly with the official organization.