Pocatello Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this Pocatello animal-help guide before visiting Upper Ross Park for adoption, reclaiming a lost pet, reporting animal-control issues, licensing a dog or cat, surrendering a pet, or checking current shelter fees.
Official quick route: Pocatello Animal Services is at 3100 Avenue of the Chiefs, Upper Ross Park, Pocatello, ID 83204. Main phone: 208-234-6156. Emergency after hours: Pocatello Police Department at 208-234-6100.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Who to call first
- Shelter and enforcement hours
- Adoption fees and included services
- Adoption micro-steps
- Discounts and promotions
- Lost/found pet steps
- Reclaim and 3-business-day hold
- Surrender and service fees
- Animal control and ordinances
- Dog/cat license fees
- Multi-animal and livestock permits
- Before you leave home
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Pocatello Animal Help Cards
Tap the matching action. Each card uses the official City of Pocatello route or phone number.
Who to Call First
Use this before driving, assuming a stray is adoptable, or calling the wrong public-safety route.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog or cat | Adoption page or 208-234-6156 | “I’m interested in [Petfinder pet name/ID]. Is this animal still available?” | Ask about spay/neuter timing and the two-week trial period. |
| Lost pet may be at shelter | Missing Pets | “My pet is missing near [location]. Do you have a matching stray?” | Bring ID and proof of ownership immediately. |
| Found pet in Pocatello | 208-234-6156 | “I found a [dog/cat] at [exact location]. It has/does not have tags.” | Ask about surrendering to the shelter or owner-search steps. |
| After-hours emergency | 208-234-6100 | “This is an animal emergency outside shelter hours at [address].” | Use police emergency route outside shelter operation. |
| County area outside city | Contact county resources | “This is outside Pocatello city limits.” | The City’s missing-pet guidance says county residents should contact the Sheriff’s Department. |
| Surrender / owner release | 208-234-6156 | “I need to ask about owner surrender and current acceptance options.” | Ask about the $30 per animal / $60 litter fee and alternatives. |
Pocatello Animal Shelter and Enforcement Hours
The facility has a mid-day closure. Plan your visit around the actual public windows.
| Service | Official hours | Best user action | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal shelter facility — Monday-Friday | 10am-12:30pm and 1pm-5pm | Visit for adoption, reclaim, licensing and shelter business. | Do not arrive during the 12:30pm-1pm closure. |
| Animal shelter facility — Saturday | 11am-12:30pm and 1pm-5pm | Arrive early because the day starts later. | Good for adoption browsing, but call before driving for one pet. |
| Sunday and holidays | Closed | Use online pet listings and prepare documents. | Emergency after-hours route is 208-234-6100. |
| Enforcement services | Monday-Friday 8am-10pm; Saturday-Sunday 8am-10pm | Use for animal-control issues inside Pocatello. | Emergency phone remains 208-234-6100 outside operation. |
| Animal Services office contact | Monday-Friday 8am-5pm | Use for administrative questions, licensing and email follow-up. | Email pokypets@pocatello.gov for non-urgent questions. |
Adoption Fees and Included Services
The City lists clear dog, cat and kitten fees. Promotions can reduce them, so call for today’s discount before driving.
| Pet | Official adoption fee | Included services listed by City | Ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog / puppy | $130 plus tax | 1-2 parvo/distemper vaccinations, deworming, Bordetella, rabies vaccination, city license if applicable, collar/leash, spay/neuter, microchip, sample dog food. | Is surgery already complete, or will spay/neuter timing slow the adoption? |
| Adult cat | $35 plus tax | 1-2 distemper/upper respiratory vaccinations, rabies vaccination, deworming, collar, spay/neuter, microchip, carrier and sample cat food. | Is the cat already altered, and what is the two-week trial process? |
| Kitten | $50 plus tax | Same listed cat package: vaccines, rabies when applicable, deworming, collar, spay/neuter, microchip, carrier and food sample. | Ask about kitten age, booster timing and surgery timing. |
| Other small animals | Not publicly listed in the adoption page | The adoption page says the shelter sometimes has other small animals too. | Call 208-234-6156 for current availability and fee. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order so users understand Petfinder availability, discounts and spay/neuter timing.
Open the official adoption page
Start with the City’s Adoption Center, then open available dogs or cats on Petfinder.
Screenshot the pet
Save the pet name, ID, species and profile link before calling. Petfinder listings can change quickly.
Call before driving for one pet
Call 208-234-6156 and ask whether the pet is still available, already adopted, under hold, or waiting on surgery.
Bring the whole household decision
The City reminds adopters this is a lifetime family commitment. Include family members before final choice.
Ask about spay/neuter timing
All shelter adoptions require spay/neuter, and the City says this may slow the adoption process.
Use the two-week trial carefully
The shelter offers a two-week trial period. Ask staff exactly how the trial, return and follow-up process works before leaving.
Discounts, Promotions and Pets 4 Vets
This is where users often get confused because permanent fees and temporary specials can differ.
Senior discount
The adoption page says discounts are offered to senior citizens over 60.
Older dog discount
The City says discounts are offered for dogs over 6 years of age.
Pets 4 Vets
Veterans and current service members should ask staff about the Pets 4 Vets program.
Lost or Found Pet in Pocatello
Use shelter list, proof of ownership, neighborhood flyers and city/county routing together.
If your pet is lost
- Check the City’s current stray-animal list from the Missing Pets page.
- If your pet appears on the list, go to Pocatello Animal Shelter during business hours quickly.
- Bring identification and proof of ownership.
- Call 208-234-6156 and give clear contact information.
- Post signs in your neighborhood and flyers in local public establishments.
- Advertise in local papers, including those reaching county areas.
- If you live in the county, contact the Sheriff’s Department route listed by the City.
If you found an animal
- Call Pocatello Animal Services at 208-234-6156.
- Include your contact information so staff can match your report with photos/details.
- Post local flyers and remember where they were placed so they can be removed later.
- If you leave the animal at the shelter, the City says it will be held for 3 working days for the owner to claim.
- After the holding period, the animal becomes City property and may be placed for adoption if possible.
- There is no guarantee the animal will be adopted or how long it will be held.
Reclaim and 3-Business-Day Hold
This is the most important lost-pet rule on the page.
3 business days
Stray animals are held at the Pocatello Animal Shelter for 3 business days, excluding Sundays and major holidays, to give owners time to locate them.
Proof required
The City says identification and proof of ownership are required to reclaim a pet.
Impound cost
The license/service-fee page lists impoundment as $15 per day plus medical costs.
Surrender, Owner Release and Service Fees
Use official fee language and call first. Acceptance, space and paperwork can vary.
| Service | Official fee | Best action | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release / owner surrender | $30 per animal or $60 per litter of 3 or more | Call 208-234-6156 before bringing an animal. | Ask about space, paperwork and alternatives first. |
| Owner-requested pickup | $35 plus applicable fees | Ask if this is available for your situation. | The City lists it as approved in special instances. |
| Euthanasia | $40 per animal | Call staff for humane options, timing and eligibility. | Do not assume walk-in availability. |
| Quarantine | $165 for 10-day period | Use if directed by Animal Services after bite/exposure situation. | Rules can involve public-health or enforcement requirements. |
| Microchip implant | $21.23 plus tax per animal | Ask if available and whether appointment is needed. | Listed as Home Again microchip implant. |
Animal Control and Ordinance Route
Pocatello Animal Services coordinates animal-control activity within city boundaries and manages the shelter.
| Need | Official route | Use for | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal-control issue inside Pocatello | Animal Services enforcement | Loose animals, dangerous-animal concerns, ordinance enforcement and related city animal services. | Call 208-234-6156 |
| After-hours emergency | Pocatello Police Department | Emergency during hours of non-operation. | Call 208-234-6100 |
| Dangerous animal concern | City Ordinance 6.04 route | The City highlights dangerous-conduct provisions and potential seizure/impoundment pending adjudication. | Open ordinances |
| Public education / tours | Animal Services office | The shelter provides educational tours, volunteer programs and scheduled public presentations. | Email pokypets@pocatello.gov |
Pocatello Dog and Cat License Fees
Pet owners inside Pocatello city limits are required to license cats and dogs. Licenses are effective June 1-May 31, and sales begin each May.
| License type | Fee | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Non-spayed / non-neutered dog | $25 | Dog licenses are required for dogs over 3 months in the city. |
| Spayed / neutered dog | $15 | Half price during May licensing campaign. |
| Senior citizen dog — unaltered | $18 | Senior residents receive reduced fee. |
| Senior citizen dog — altered | $5 | Reduced senior altered-dog rate. |
| Duplicate license | $1 | Use if tag/license needs replacement. |
| Late fee | $5 | 2026 news says overdue licenses after June 30 receive late fee. |
| Cat regular license + microchip | $22.50 | For cats over 3 months living inside city limits. |
| Cat license only, already microchipped | $5 | Renewal/current microchip route. |
Multi-Animal, Kennel and Livestock Permits
This helps owners who have more than ordinary dog/cat numbers or small livestock inside city limits.
| Permit / license | When it applies | Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Animal Housing License | More than 2 dogs or more than 5 cats in your home | $25 first year; $10 renewal; $5 late fee after May 31 | Neighbor signatures are required. |
| Livestock License | Farm-type animals such as pigs, goats, horses or cows | $50 first year; $25 renewal; $5 late fee after May 31 | Each permit allows 2 animals. |
| Small Livestock License | Rabbits, chickens or other poultry | $5 per animal; $5 late fee after May 31 | Renewable each May. |
| Commercial kennel permits | Listed as due by June 1 in 2026 licensing notice | Call for current amount | Use Animal Services for exact requirements. |
Before You Leave Home
Petfinder screenshot, photo ID, payment, carrier/leash, household approval, spay/neuter timing question.
Photo ID, pet photos, vet records, microchip/tag/license details, rabies record and exact lost location.
Photo, found location, contact info, flyer plan and owner-proof questions.
Proof of city residence, pet details, altered status, microchip status, cash/card/payment method.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I’m interested in [pet name/ID] from Petfinder. Is this animal still available, and is spay/neuter already complete or still pending?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [location]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. Has a matching stray come in during the 3-business-day hold?Found animal
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location]. I can/cannot hold it safely. What should I do, and what information do you need from me?License
Hi, I need to license my [dog/cat] in Pocatello. My pet is [altered/unaltered] and [microchipped/not microchipped]. What fee and documents should I bring?Map: Pocatello Animal Services, Upper Ross Park
Use this map for route planning. For a specific animal, reclaim, surrender, license or after-hours issue, call first.
Official Pocatello Animal Links
Use these official pages for live pet listings, current fees, city rules, hours and final verification.
Pocatello Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the official Pocatello animal shelter?
The official shelter is Pocatello Animal Services, located at 3100 Avenue of the Chiefs in Upper Ross Park, Pocatello, ID 83204.
What is the Pocatello Animal Shelter phone number?
The main phone number for Pocatello Animal Services is 208-234-6156.
What are Pocatello Animal Shelter adoption hours?
The facility is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 12:30pm and 1pm to 5pm, and Saturday from 11am to 12:30pm and 1pm to 5pm. It is closed Sunday and holidays.
What number should I call for an after-hours animal emergency in Pocatello?
For emergencies during hours of non-operation, the City says to call the Pocatello Police Department at 208-234-6100.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from Pocatello Animal Services?
The City lists dog adoptions as $130 plus tax.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat or kitten in Pocatello?
The City lists adult cat adoptions as $35 plus tax and kitten adoptions as $50 plus tax.
What comes with a Pocatello dog adoption?
The City lists dog adoption services including 1-2 parvo/distemper vaccinations, deworming, Bordetella, rabies vaccination, city license if applicable, collar and leash, spay/neuter, microchip and sample dog food.
How long are stray animals held at Pocatello Animal Shelter?
Stray animals are held for 3 business days, excluding Sundays and major holidays, to give owners time to reclaim them.
What do I need to reclaim a lost pet in Pocatello?
The City says identification and proof of ownership are required. Bring photo ID, pet photos, vet records, microchip or license details and any other ownership proof.
Are cats and dogs required to be licensed in Pocatello?
Yes. City information says pet owners living within Pocatello city limits are required to license both cats and dogs.
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.