Frederick Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this Frederick guide like an action dashboard: adoption reservation, stray intake, lost-pet search, reclaim documents, surrender appointment, cruelty report, licensing, and animal-control emergency routing.
2026 shelter note: Frederick County Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center is renovating and expanding the Rosemont Avenue shelter. Animals remain available for adoption and essential services continue, but tours and educational programs may be limited during construction.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- 2026 shelter renovation check
- Who to call first
- Adoption and intake hours
- Adoption fees
- Adoption micro-steps
- Lost/found pet steps
- Reclaim documents and 5-day rule
- Surrender appointment
- Animal control and cruelty reports
- Rabies and licensing
- What to bring
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Official 2026 Shelter Check
This section prevents the biggest mistake: driving to the shelter without knowing reservation, intake, and construction rules.
Renovation in progress
Frederick County says the shelter renovation and expansion began March 6, 2025. Essential services continue, but shelter tours and educational programs may be unavailable during the project.
Adoption is by reservation
Official pages say adoption visits require a reservation. Use the reservation link or call 301-600-1546 before planning a visit.
Owned pet intake is appointment-only
Owned pet intake is not a walk-in service. Call 301-600-1855 after reviewing surrender alternatives.
Clickable Frederick Animal Help Cards
Tap the matching action. Each card gives the correct official route or phone number.
Who to Call First
Use this table before driving to Rosemont Avenue or submitting the wrong report.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a pet | Adopt page or 301-600-1546 | “I want to make a reservation to meet [pet name/type].” | Complete application/questionnaire and bring pickup supplies. |
| Animal concern or complaint | 301-600-1544 | “I need to report [animal at large/noise/neglect/bite] at [location].” | Give exact address, time, animal description and risk level. |
| Animal emergency or after-hours report | 301-600-1603 | “This is an animal emergency involving [animal/situation].” | For active human emergency, call 911 first. |
| Lost pet | Lost & Found + 301-600-1546 | “My pet is missing near [cross streets]. I have photos and proof.” | Submit lost report and visit shelter in person often. |
| Found pet | 301-600-1546 | “I found a pet near [exact place]. I can/cannot bring it in.” | Bring pet to shelter if safe; they can scan microchip and post photo. |
| Surrender owned pet | 301-600-1855 | “I need resources or a surrender appointment.” | Review alternatives, then prepare ID, records and pet profile. |
| Animal bite / rabies concern | 301-600-1544 | “I need to report an animal bite involving [animal/person/location].” | All bites must be reported. |
Frederick Animal Shelter Adoption Hours and Intake Hours
Adoption is not a normal walk-in visit. Use the hours below to plan the right action.
| Service | Official timing | What it means | Best next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Control Officer hours | 7am-9pm daily | Officer coverage for animal-control needs. | Call the correct phone line before expecting response. |
| Stray intake | 8am-4pm daily | Time window for stray intake at the shelter. | Call if the animal is unsafe or you cannot transport it. |
| Administrative hours | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8am-5pm; Wed 8am-7pm; Sat 9am-4pm | Office support, calls, forms and service questions. | Verify current reservation and construction instructions before visiting. |
| Adoption visits | Reservation only | You need an appointment/reservation to visit adoptable animals. | Use reservation page or call 301-600-1546. |
| Owned pet intake | Appointment only | Do not bring an owned pet without scheduling. | Call 301-600-1855 after checking alternatives. |
Official Frederick Adoption Fees
FCAC says adoption fees help recoup part of the cost of care, vaccination, microchipping and neutering.
| Animal | Official fee | Age / detail | Ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitten or cat | $97.50 | Under 5 years; $20 reduced fee when adopting 2 cats at the same time | Carrier, litter habits, first vet visit, rabies voucher. |
| Puppy | $150 | Under 1 year | Spay/neuter timing, house training, equipment and schedule. |
| Dog | $92.50 | Over 1 year | Landlord check, leash, collar, behavior notes. |
| Senior dogs/cats | Discounted | Dogs/cats 5+ get $20 off; 10+ receive further discounts | Medication, mobility, dental, bloodwork and quiet setup. |
| Rabbit | $50 | Rabbit adoption | Housing, hay, litter box, chewing and exotic-vet plan. |
| Ferret | $45 | Ferret adoption | Cage, diet, enrichment, heat sensitivity. |
| Reptile | $15 | Reptile adoption | Heat, UVB, enclosure, diet and legal ownership. |
| Bird | $10 | Bird adoption | Cage size, noise, diet, lifespan and vet care. |
| Guinea pig | $10 | Guinea pig adoption | Pairing, hay, vitamin C, cage size. |
| Hamster, gerbil or rat | $5 | Small pet adoption | Enclosure, bedding, chew safety and handling. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order so the adoption visit is smoother and less stressful.
Open current adoptable pets
Use the official Adopt page to view dogs, cats and small animals. Screenshot the pet name and listing details.
Make a reservation
Adoption visits require a reservation. Use the FCAC reservation page or call 301-600-1546.
Submit adoption application and questionnaire
FCAC links an Adoption Application and Questionnaire to begin the process. Complete them before or during the visit when possible.
Expect landlord check if renting
The adoption process may include checking with your landlord unless you own your home. Confirm pet policy before choosing a pet.
Bring pickup supplies
Bring a collar and leash for dogs and a carrier for cats or small animals. Buy an engraved ID tag with your name and number.
Ask first-week questions
Ask the adoption counselor about house training, equipment, food, first few days, first vet visit and rabies-vaccine voucher.
Lost or Found Pet in Frederick County
Online reports help, but Frederick County specifically says owners should also come in person to visually look for their lost pet.
If your pet is lost
- Submit a lost report and call 301-600-1546.
- Email or provide a clear photo; mixed-breed descriptions can be hard to match.
- Visit the shelter in person during office hours as often as you can.
- Check the official stray animal page quickly because stray pets are held for 5 calendar days.
- Put up flyers in your neighborhood and place one on your car.
- Contact vets and rescue groups, but do not rely only on those messages.
- Prepare proof of ownership: photos, bill of sale, vet records, microchip or ID tag.
If you found a pet
- If safe, bring the pet to the shelter so the owner has a better chance of finding it.
- FCAC can check for a microchip and may recognize the pet.
- If you cannot bring the pet in, phone in a description to 301-600-1546.
- Put up flyers in the area where the pet was found.
- Ask whether an officer can help if you cannot transport the animal.
- If you may want to adopt the pet if no owner is found, ask staff about application timing.
- For unsafe or injured situations, use animal control instead of handling alone.
Reclaiming a Pet: Documents, Fees and the 5-Day Rule
Do not wait. Lost pets may be moved to another outcome after 5 calendar days.
5 calendar days
Frederick County says stray animals are held for 5 calendar days before being considered for adoption, rescue or euthanasia.
Proof of ownership
Microchip in your name or an ID tag may suffice. Photos, bill of sale or vet records can also be used.
Reclaim fees
Fees are associated with care while the pet is in the shelter. Call ahead to ask what care has been provided.
Hardship situation
If you cannot reclaim due to hardship such as hospitalization or house fire, call and arrange boarding at a kennel of your choice.
Bring photos
Bring several clear photos, including face, body markings and any collar/tag photos.
Call before arrival
Use 301-600-1546 to ask what has already been done and what fees/documents are needed.
Surrendering a Pet in Frederick County
Frederick County says surrender should be a last resort and that alternatives may help keep pets with their families.
| Step | Official route | Prepare | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check alternatives first | Surrendering Your Pet | Housing, food, behavior, vet-cost or safety reason. | Frederick County says resources may solve common surrender reasons. |
| Schedule appointment | 301-600-1855 | Call if you do not have email access. | Appointment helps staffing, shelter capacity and animal care. |
| Bring ID | At appointment | Photo ID showing proof of Frederick County residency. | Required for surrender appointment. |
| Bring records | At appointment | Veterinary and vaccination records. | Helps staff evaluate care needs. |
| Complete pet profile | Before appointment | One completed profile for each pet. | Behavior and history can affect placement options. |
| Understand outcome risk | Before surrender | Be honest about medical/behavior issues. | County states rehoming is not guaranteed and euthanasia may be final outcome. |
Animal Control, Cruelty Reports and Wildlife
Use the correct line for complaints, emergencies, bites and cruelty concerns.
| Need | Phone / action | Use for | Micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| General animal concern or complaint | 301-600-1544 | Nuisance animals, animals at large, noise disturbance, welfare concerns. | Give exact location, description, time and risk level. |
| Animal emergency / after-hours | 301-600-1603 | Urgent animal-control reports outside normal route. | If active human emergency, call 911 first. |
| Animal abuse or neglect | Report Cruelty | Animals without shade, shelter, fresh water, or other neglect/abuse concerns. | Document address, dates, photos only if safe/legal. |
| Animal bite | 301-600-1544 | All animal bites must be reported. | Report quickly for rabies and public-health handling. |
| Nuisance wildlife | Department of Natural Resources or licensed wildlife trapper | Wildlife concerns not handled as domestic animal sheltering. | Do not relocate wildlife without guidance. |
| Emergency wildlife with bite risk | Animal Control may respond when DNR officers are not available | Wild animal bite situations or urgent public-safety concerns. | Call and explain species, location and bite/exposure risk. |
Rabies and Licensing Basics
This is important for adopters, reclaiming owners and bite reports.
Rabies vaccination
Maryland requires dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months or older to have current rabies vaccination.
Dog and cat license
Frederick County says dogs and cats must be licensed pursuant to Frederick County Code.
How to order
Order by mailing the completed license application and fees, or purchase tags with rabies certificate at listed locations.
Before You Leave Home
Reservation, pet screenshot, application, questionnaire, ID, payment, leash/collar or carrier.
Recent photos, microchip/tag info, vet records, bill of sale, lost report, exact last-seen location.
Safe transport plan, found location, clear photos, collar/tag details, phone description.
Appointment, Frederick County residency ID, vet/vaccine records, completed pet profile.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption reservation
Hi, I want to make a reservation to meet an adoptable [dog/cat/small animal]. I am interested in [pet name/listing]. What application or questionnaire should I complete before visiting?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. I have photos and proof of ownership. Has a matching animal been admitted?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location]. The pet is [safe/injured/aggressive]. I can/cannot bring the animal to the shelter. What should I do next?Surrender appointment
Hi, I need help with possible surrender for my [pet]. I live in Frederick County and have vet records. What alternatives should I try first, and how do I schedule an appointment if needed?Map: Frederick County Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center
Use this map for the Rosemont Avenue facility. For adoption, surrender, or renovation-related access, call or reserve before driving.
Official Frederick Animal Shelter Links
The key details are summarized above. Use these official pages for live forms, reservations and final verification.
Frederick Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the main animal shelter in Frederick County?
The main shelter covered here is Frederick County Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center at 1832 Rosemont Ave., Frederick, MD 21702.
What is the Frederick County Animal Control main phone number?
The main office phone number is 301-600-1546.
Do Frederick animal shelter adoption visits require a reservation?
Yes. Frederick County Animal Control says adoption visits require a reservation to visit adoptable animals.
What are Frederick County Animal Control officer hours?
Frederick County lists Animal Control officer hours as 7am-9pm daily.
What are Frederick stray intake hours?
Frederick County lists stray intake hours as 8am-4pm daily.
How much is a dog adoption at Frederick County Animal Control?
Frederick County lists puppy adoption at $150 for dogs under 1 year and dog adoption at $92.50 for dogs over 1 year.
How much is a cat adoption at Frederick County Animal Control?
Frederick County lists kitten or cat adoption under 5 years of age at $97.50, with a $20 reduced fee when adopting 2 cats at the same time.
How long are stray animals held in Frederick County?
Frederick County says stray animals are held for 5 calendar days before being considered for adoption, rescue or euthanasia.
What proof do I need to reclaim a lost pet?
Frederick County says proof of ownership may include a microchip in your name, an ID tag, photos, bill of sale or veterinary records.
Can I surrender an owned pet without an appointment?
No. Frederick County says owned pet intake is by appointment only. Call 301-600-1855 after reviewing alternatives to surrender.
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.