Rohnert Park Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this page like a fast local animal-help dashboard for Rohnert Park and Cotati: adoption hours, appointment rules, fees, lost/found pets, reclaim steps, licensing, microchips, food help, and surrender alternatives.
Official name: Rohnert Park Animal Services. It is a City of Rohnert Park municipal open-admissions shelter under the Department of Public Safety, and it also contracts with the City of Cotati for stray-animal sheltering.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Adoption hours and appointment rule
- Adoption fees
- What adoption includes
- Adoption micro-steps
- Lost/found pet steps
- Strays in the shelter
- Licenses and DocuPet
- Free microchips and ID tags
- Food pantry and spay/neuter support
- Surrender and rehoming
- Who to call first
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Rohnert Park Animal Help Cards
Tap the matching action. Every card points to the official path or the right phone step.
Rohnert Park Animal Shelter Hours and Appointment Rule
The shelter welcomes appointments so staff can better serve adoptions, lost-pet reclaim, stray intake, surrender, microchips and licenses.
| Day | Official public status | Best action | Micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed / appointments only | Call first. | Use for appointment planning, not casual walk-in browsing. |
| Tuesday | Closed / appointments only | Call first. | Ask whether your need can be scheduled. |
| Wednesday | Open 1:00-5:30 p.m. | Adoption, reclaim, forms, license or microchip visit. | Call ahead if you need staff time. |
| Thursday | Open 1:00-5:30 p.m. | Good weekday visit day. | Bring application details and pet photo/ID if needed. |
| Friday | Open 1:00-5:30 p.m. | Good before weekend. | Complete online adoption application first. |
| Saturday | Open 1:00-5:30 p.m. | Weekend adoption or lost/found check. | Arrive with enough time for questions. |
| Sunday | Open 1:00-5:30 p.m. | Weekend visit. | Call if bringing a stray or surrendering a pet. |
Official Adoption Fees
These are the fee categories listed by Rohnert Park Animal Services. Promotions or special cases can change the final amount, so confirm before payment.
| Adoption type | Fee | What to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs and cats | $100 | Is there any training fee, license requirement or medical note? | Base fee may not be the final total. |
| Senior pets | $45 | What senior care, medication or follow-up is needed? | Senior pets may need extra setup. |
| Training fee | $95 | Does this puppy or dog require the training fee? | RPAS lists this for all pups and certain dogs. |
| Adopt a pair to same home | Second adoption is half price | Are these animals bonded or recommended as a pair? | Helpful for cats or animals that do better together. |
| Rabbits | $40 | What housing, diet and rabbit vet care is needed? | Rabbits need different care than cats/dogs. |
| Other animals | Call for details | What species, enclosure, food and fee applies? | Small animals vary by species and care needs. |
What Adoption Includes
This is the practical value users usually miss when a page only says “adoptable pets.”
Cats
- FVRCP vaccine.
- Rabies if over 4 months old.
- Deworming.
- Feline leukemia / FIV testing.
- Spay or neuter.
- Microchip.
- Safety collar, cat carrier, free health exam and free bag of food.
Dogs
- DHPP vaccine.
- Bordetella vaccine.
- Rabies if over 4 months old.
- Deworming.
- Heartworm test.
- Spay or neuter.
- Microchip, collar and leash, free health exam and free bag of food.
Rabbits
- RHDV vaccine.
- Spay or neuter.
- Microchip.
- Cardboard carrier.
- Ask about indoor setup, hay, litter, chewing and rabbit-savvy veterinary care.
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow the shelter’s official matching process instead of just arriving and hoping the pet is available.
Open the right adoptable list
Start with dogs, cats, rabbits, or small animals. Screenshot the animal’s name.
Submit the correct application
Use the dog, cat, rabbit or small-animal application linked on the official adoption page and put the animal’s name in the interest field.
Wait for staff match review
RPAS says staff review submitted applications and call back the ones that seem the best match.
Do the next “date” step
The next step may be FaceTime, Zoom or an appointment so you can ask questions and learn more about that animal.
Renters: expect landlord verification
If you rent, RPAS says landlords will be called to verify that the selected animal is allowed.
Resident dogs and household members
If adopting another dog, bring your dog for a meet. RPAS also asks all household members who will live with the new dog to meet the dog.
Finish paperwork and fees
If all goes well, complete paperwork, pay adoption fees and review important go-home information with staff.
Lost or Found Pet in Rohnert Park / Cotati
Use both shelter reporting and real-world search steps. Do not rely on phone calls alone.
If your pet is lost
- Complete the official Lost Animal Form with a clear head shot and markings.
- File lost reports with shelters near where the pet was lost.
- Visit shelters in person regularly; your description and staff’s mental picture may differ.
- Act fast: California law only requires a 4-day stray hold; RPAS says its policy is to try for 7 days depending on health, temperament and space.
- Use Nextdoor and Josie’s Lost Dog Facebook page as suggested by RPAS.
- Put simple posters near last-seen location: big photo, “Lost [color/size/type] Dog/Cat,” phone number.
- If microchipped, call the chip company and flag the file as lost.
If you found a pet
- If found in Rohnert Park or Cotati, bring the pet to RP Animal Shelter for a microchip scan.
- If you can safely hold the pet while the owner is found, RPAS says that is great.
- Take a photo and submit the official Found Animal report.
- Post on social media; RPAS suggests Nextdoor and Josie’s Lost Dog Facebook page.
- If found outside Rohnert Park or Cotati, contact the shelter closest to where the pet was found.
- Do not assume condition means abuse or neglect; report to the right agency and make a good-faith attempt to find the owner.
Strays in the Shelter: What to Know
Facebook helps, but is incomplete
RPAS says its Facebook page may show recently turned-in strays, but postings are not exhaustive and do not include every situation.
In-person checks matter
Visit the shelter personally and check found-animal listings because only you may recognize your pet accurately.
Redemption fees vary
Call 707-584-1582 for current information and redemption fees before visiting to reclaim.
Dog and Cat Licensing in Rohnert Park
The City requires dogs and cats to be licensed. DocuPet handles the online licensing experience for Rohnert Park residents.
| License / rule | Verified detail | Micro-step |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs licensing? | Dogs and cats living in Rohnert Park are required to be licensed. | Use DocuPet or visit/call the shelter. |
| License term | Licenses are available for 1-year terms and must be renewed before expiration. | Watch reminders by mail, phone or email. |
| Spayed/neutered dog | $18.00 | Upload or show spay/neuter proof for the discounted rate. |
| Intact dog | $36.00 | Ask if your pet qualifies for any special status. |
| Senior discount | Spayed/neutered dog senior discount: $6.00 | DocuPet says seniors are age 55+ and the pet must be spayed/neutered. |
| Late fee | $25.00 | Late fees start if not renewed within 30 days of expiration. |
| Age rule | Pets over 4 months are required to be licensed. | Prepare rabies proof before licensing. |
| Proof required | Valid rabies proof is required; spay/neuter proof is required for altered rates. | A 30-day temporary license may be issued while gathering documents. |
| Pet limit | DocuPet lists a maximum of 3 dogs and 4 cats per dwelling. | Check with RPAS before adding more pets. |
Microchips and ID Tags
This is one of the strongest local user-value sections because it helps prevent lost pets from staying lost.
Free ID tags
RPAS offers free ID tags for Rohnert Park and Cotati residents as part of its No More Lost Pets campaign. Non-residents can buy a personalized tag for $5.
Free microchips for residents
Microchips are free for Rohnert Park and Cotati residents. Non-residents are listed at $10.
Included in adoption
RPAS says all animals adopted from the shelter are microchipped at the time of adoption, included in the adoption price.
Support Before Surrender: Food, Spay/Neuter and Rehoming Help
Before surrendering, check whether a short-term support resource can keep the pet safely at home.
Pet Food Pantry
RPAS runs a limited pantry for one- or two-time help when donated food is available. It is not meant to be a continuous food source.
Low-cost spay/neuter
RPAS offers low-cost spays/neuters for dogs and cats of low-income residents of Rohnert Park and Cotati city limits. Appointments are required; call the Fix-it Clinic message line at 588-3531.
Rehoming assistance
Use RPAS pet rehoming assistance when direct owner-to-owner placement may be safer than shelter intake. Include honest age, sex, spay/neuter status and behavior notes.
Surrendering a Pet
Do not arrive without calling. RPAS asks people to call ahead for surrender appointments.
| Need | Correct action | Prepare | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surrender from Rohnert Park / Cotati | Call 707-584-1582 for appointment. | Pet name, age, sex, medical records, behavior notes, bite history, reason for surrender. | RPAS says it accepts owner surrenders from Cotati residents as space allows. |
| Financial food emergency | Ask about Pet Food Pantry. | Explain short-term need clearly. | Food help is limited and depends on donated food availability. |
| Prevent unwanted litter | Ask about Fix-it Clinic. | Residency/low-income status and appointment need. | Low-cost spay/neuter is for eligible Rohnert Park and Cotati residents. |
| Private rehome | Use rehoming assistance route. | Good photos and honest pet description. | The City accepts no responsibility for pets posted to owner-rehome pages. |
Who to Call First
Use this table before driving, surrendering, reclaiming, licensing or bringing in a found animal.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adoption appointment | 707-584-1582 | “I submitted an application for [animal name]. What is the next step?” | Ask about Zoom/FaceTime or in-person appointment. |
| Lost pet reclaim | 707-584-1582 | “My pet may be at the shelter. I have photos and microchip/license information.” | Ask about redemption fees and proof needed. |
| Found pet in Rohnert Park/Cotati | Found a Pet page | “I found a pet at [exact location] and can/cannot hold it safely.” | Bring for microchip scan if safe. |
| License | Licensing page | “I need to license my dog/cat and have rabies/spay-neuter proof.” | Use DocuPet, mail, phone or in-person route. |
| Microchip or ID tag | Microchips & ID tags | “I’m a Rohnert Park/Cotati resident and need a tag or microchip.” | No appointment necessary per RPAS microchip/tag page. |
| Surrender | 707-584-1582 | “I need to discuss surrender or support options for my pet.” | Ask about appointment, pantry, rehome or spay/neuter help. |
Before You Leave Home
Application, pet name, ID, payment, landlord approval, resident-dog plan.
Recent photo, markings, microchip, license, collar/tag, cross streets.
Photo, exact location, safety status, scan plan, found report.
Rabies proof, spay/neuter proof, current address, payment.
Map: Rohnert Park Animal Services
Use this map for the shelter location. For surrender, bringing in a stray, reclaiming a pet, microchips or licenses, call before visiting when staff time is needed.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I submitted or want to submit an application for [animal name]. Is this animal still available, and what is the next appointment or meet-and-greet step?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets] in [city]. The pet is [color/size/markings] and may be microchipped. Has a matching animal been reported or brought in?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat/other animal] near [exact location]. The animal is [safe/injured/scared]. I can/cannot hold it. Should I bring it for a microchip scan or file a found report first?Surrender/support
Hi, I need help with possible surrender or rehoming for my pet. The issue is [food/housing/medical/behavior/other]. Are there support options before surrender?Official Rohnert Park Animal Links
The key verified details are already summarized above. Use these official pages for live forms, current listings and final verification.
Rohnert Park Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the official Rohnert Park animal shelter?
The official shelter covered here is Rohnert Park Animal Services at 301 J Rogers Lane, Rohnert Park, CA 94928.
What is the Rohnert Park Animal Services phone number?
The main phone number for Rohnert Park Animal Services is 707-584-1582.
What are the Rohnert Park Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Rohnert Park Animal Services lists Wednesday through Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. as open hours. Monday and Tuesday are closed or appointments only.
Do I need an appointment at Rohnert Park Animal Services?
Rohnert Park Animal Services asks visitors to call ahead for appointments for adoptions, reclaiming a lost pet, bringing in a stray animal, surrendering a pet, microchips or licenses.
How much are Rohnert Park Animal Services adoption fees?
Rohnert Park Animal Services lists dogs and cats at $100, senior pets at $45, rabbits at $40, a $95 training fee for all puppies and certain dogs, and a pair discount where the second adoption is half price to the same home.
What does a Rohnert Park dog adoption include?
Rohnert Park Animal Services says dog adoptions include DHPP, Bordetella, rabies if over 4 months old, deworming, heartworm test, spay or neuter, microchip, collar and leash, free health exam and free bag of food.
What should I do if I lost a pet in Rohnert Park?
File a lost report, include a clear photo and markings, visit the shelter in person regularly, post simple flyers and social media alerts, and call the microchip company to flag the pet as lost.
What should I do if I found a pet in Rohnert Park or Cotati?
If the pet was found in Rohnert Park or Cotati, Rohnert Park Animal Services says to bring the animal to the shelter to be scanned for a microchip and submit a found animal report.
Are microchips and ID tags free in Rohnert Park?
Rohnert Park Animal Services offers free ID tags and microchips for Rohnert Park and Cotati residents. Non-resident microchips are listed at $10.
Are dog and cat licenses required in Rohnert Park?
Yes. The City of Rohnert Park requires dogs and cats to be licensed, and Rohnert Park Animal Services provides licensing through DocuPet, mail, phone and in-person options.
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.