Forsyth Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
This guide is for Forsyth County Animal Shelter in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Use it to adopt a pet, check current adoption fees, report a lost or found animal, call Animal Services, understand stray pet steps, and prepare before visiting.
Important: Forsyth County Animal Shelter and FCSO Animal Services work together, but they are not the same call route. Shelter questions go to 336-703-2480. Animal-service response issues go to the 24/7 non-emergency number.
Forsyth Animal Help Menu
- Clickable action cards
- Hours, phone and address
- Who to call first
- Adoption fees
- Adoption micro-steps
- Rabies and post-adoption contract
- Lost and found pets
- Found stray dog or cat
- Found kittens
- Animal Services / control route
- Leash law and ordinances
- Pet help, donations and pantry
- Before you go
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Forsyth Animal Help Cards
Pick the action that matches your situation. This keeps the page useful for both adoption searchers and animal-control searchers.
Hours, Phone, Address and Email
Forsyth County is currently showing temporary shelter hours. Call before driving if you need a same-day adoption, reclaim, intake or appointment-based service.
| Need | Official detail | Practical action |
|---|---|---|
| Shelter address | 5570 Sturmer Park Circle, Winston-Salem, NC 27105 | Use for adoption visits, lost/found checks and shelter business during public hours. |
| Shelter phone | 336-703-2480 | Call for adoption, shelter animals, reclaim, lost/found, fees and appointment questions. |
| shelter@forsyth.cc | Email for non-urgent shelter questions and current adoption fee specials. | |
| Temporary public hours | Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-4pm | Arrive early. The window is short, especially if you need paperwork or staff help. |
| Closed days | Sunday and Monday closed | Use online animal listings and call on the next open day unless an Animal Services response is needed. |
| Animal Services response | 336-727-2112, 24/7 non-emergency | Use when a deputy may need to respond to an animal issue. |
| Citation / ordinance questions | 336-917-7750 | Use for citation questions or county animal ordinance information. |
Who to Call First
Use the right phone route first. Email and voicemail should not be used to report concerns that need a response.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a pet | Available animals or 336-703-2480 | “Is [animal name/ID] still available and what application is needed?” | Complete dog, cat or other-animal application. |
| Lost pet | 336-703-2480 | “My pet is missing near [cross streets]. Has a matching animal come in?” | Check shelter custody photos and visit if possible. |
| Found friendly healthy dog | Shelter / microchip scan route | “I found a friendly dog near [location] and can/cannot safely hold it.” | File report, scan microchip, post flyers/social media. |
| Sick or injured stray | 336-727-2112 | “A sick/injured animal is at [exact address].” | Do not handle if unsafe. |
| Cruelty, neglect, rabies or ordinance issue | Response: 336-727-2112 | “This is an animal welfare/rabies/ordinance concern at [location].” | Use phone, not email, for complaints needing response. |
| Citation question | 336-917-7750 | “I have a citation/ordinance question.” | Have citation number, date, address and animal details ready. |
Adoption Fees and Current Promo
Forsyth County’s available-animal page says standard adoption rates are $125 or less for dogs and cats and $10 for small animals, but dog and cat adoption fees are currently listed as $5.
| Animal type | Official fee note | What to verify before visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Standard adoption rates are $125 or less; current dog adoption fee is listed as $5. | Ask if the $5 promo is still active and whether the animal has holds, medical notes or special instructions. |
| Cats | Standard adoption rates are $125 or less; current cat adoption fee is listed as $5. | Ask if the $5 promo is still active and whether carrier, rabies contract or pickup timing applies. |
| Small animals | $10 for non-canine/feline animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. | Ask about species-specific housing, diet and care needs before adopting. |
| Owned-pet euthanasia service | FAQ lists $50 per animal for Forsyth County citizens by appointment only, limited availability. | Call shelter during normal business hours; owner cannot be present during the procedure. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Forsyth County’s adoption process is simple, but you should still follow the correct order.
Pre-select an animal online
Start at the official Animals Available for Adoption page. Save the animal name, ID or listing link.
Complete the correct application
Use the dog, cat or other-animal adoption application. If you completed an application in the past 6 months, the county page says you do not need to submit another.
Visit during normal hours
Come Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-4pm. Tell staff if you already have an application on file so they can review it.
Bring take-home supplies
The county adoption steps say to visit with what you need to take your pet home, such as a kennel or leash.
Pay the current fee
Dogs and cats are currently listed as $5, small animals as $10. Confirm active specials before driving.
Sign the rabies contract if needed
Forsyth County says adopters complete a contract agreeing to vaccinate the pet for rabies as needed.
Rabies, ID and Post-Adoption Responsibilities
Rabies vaccination is not just a health tip. Forsyth County’s lost/found page says dogs and cats four months of age and older are required to be current on rabies vaccinations.
Rabies contract
When adopting, be ready to sign a contract agreeing to vaccinate your pet for rabies as needed.
Rabies tag helps
The rabies tag can help shelters, rescues and veterinarians locate owner information if a pet is found.
Microchip registration
Microchips help only when they are registered and updated with the microchip company.
Lost or Found Pet in Forsyth County
Use the official checklist, but also take practical action immediately. Most missing pets are found close to home.
If your pet is lost
- Search your home and yard first: garages, sheds, closets, furniture, porches and crawl spaces.
- Call your pet’s name calmly and use favorite food or treats.
- Check photos of animals currently in shelter custody.
- Call 336-703-2480 if you see a possible match.
- Check neighboring county shelters because a finder may take the pet outside Forsyth County.
- Post your pet on Petco Love Lost and Facebook lost/found groups.
- Post signs within about two miles after getting permission where needed.
- Call local veterinarians and talk with neighbors, mail carriers and people often in the area.
If you found a pet
- File a report with Forsyth County Animal Shelter by calling 336-703-2480.
- Take a clear photo of the animal for the report.
- Bring the pet to a nearby veterinarian, rescue or FCAS during normal hours for a microchip scan if safe.
- Talk to neighbors near the found location.
- Post signs within about two miles, including well-traveled areas, grocery stores, libraries and veterinarian offices.
- Keep found pets separate from your pets until ownership and health status are clearer.
- For sick, injured or unsafe animals, call Animal Services response instead of handling.
Found a Stray Dog or Cat: What Forsyth County Says
The official FAQ separates sick/injured animals, friendly healthy stray dogs, and healthy stray cats.
Sick or injured animal
Contact FCSO Animal Services so an officer can be contacted. Use the response number when a deputy may need to respond.
Friendly healthy stray dog
If safely contained, try to locate the owner with flyers, social media, PawBoost and a microchip scan. After 7 days, the FAQ says you can keep or rehome through rescue/social media.
Healthy stray cat
The FAQ says do not feed it or bring it inside if it appears healthy. Many indoor/outdoor cats stay close to home and may return if not fed.
Found Kittens in Forsyth County
The instinct to scoop up kittens can make things worse. Forsyth County’s FAQ recommends observation first unless there is danger.
Leave and monitor if
- Kittens are quiet, content and not in immediate danger.
- They look clean, warm and fed.
- You can observe from a distance for 18-24 hours to see if the mother returns.
- You can leave food for the mother and check whether it disappears.
- If the mother is present, leave kittens alone and support TNR later.
Intervene or ask for rescue help if
- Kittens are dirty, constantly meowing, sick, underweight or dehydrated.
- The location puts them in immediate danger.
- The mother has not returned after observation.
- A local rescue can guide whether intervention is needed.
- As a last resort, the FAQ says kittens can be brought to FCAS.
Animal Services / Control Route
FCSO Animal Services deputies enforce North Carolina laws and Forsyth County ordinances related to animal welfare, cruelty, neglect and rabies enforcement.
| Issue | Use this route | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Deputy response needed | 336-727-2112 | Exact address, animal description, owner info if known and whether danger is immediate. |
| Cruelty / neglect | 24/7 non-emergency | Dates, times, location, photos/video only if safe and specific observations. |
| Rabies enforcement concern | Animal Services response | Species, exposure details, bite/scratch info and whether animal is contained. |
| Citation question | 336-917-7750 | Citation number, name, address, date and question. |
| County ordinance question | 336-917-7750 | Municipality matters because Winston-Salem and other towns may have additional ordinances. |
| Shelter animal/reclaim/adoption | 336-703-2480 | Animal ID, description, proof of ownership, application status or adoption question. |
Leash Law and Ordinance Basics
The official FAQ says Forsyth County Code 6-13 does not permit animals to run at large off the owner’s property. It also notes that Winston-Salem and other municipalities may have additional ordinances.
Location matters
A rule may differ if the animal issue is inside Winston-Salem, Kernersville or another municipality.
Ask ordinance line
For county ordinance questions or citation questions, use 336-917-7750.
Running at large
Have exact location, animal description and owner details if reporting an animal running loose.
Pet Help, Donations and Pantry Support
The county donation page lists ways residents can support the shelter and pet food pantry.
Pet food pantry
The wishlist includes food for the Pet Food Pantry: dry or wet dog, cat, puppy or kitten food.
Useful donations
Useful items include towels/blankets, kennels/crates, dog treats, xylitol-free peanut butter, bleach and paper towels.
Items they cannot use
The county says they are unable to use pillows of any type or large comforters.
Before You Leave Home
Animal ID, application status, kennel/leash/carrier, fee confirmation and rabies contract readiness.
Full-body photo, written description, microchip number, rabies tag, collar/tag info and best phone number.
Photo, exact found location, safe containment status, microchip scan route and report call to 336-703-2480.
Exact address, animal description, condition, public-safety risk and whether a deputy response is needed.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I’m interested in [animal name/ID]. Is this animal still available, do I need a new application, and is the current $5 adoption fee still active?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. Has a matching animal been brought to the shelter?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location]. The animal is [healthy/sick/injured/aggressive]. I can/cannot safely hold it. What should I do next?Animal Services response
Hi, I need to report [cruelty/neglect/rabies concern/running loose animal/sick injured stray] at [address]. The situation is [urgent/not urgent], and the animal is [description].Map: Forsyth County Animal Shelter
Use this map for shelter visits. For sick/injured animals, cruelty, rabies concerns or loose animals requiring response, call Animal Services first.
Official Forsyth Animal Links
The key official details are summarized above. Use these pages for live pets, current pricing, forms, lost/found guidance and final verification.
Forsyth Animal Shelter FAQ
Which Forsyth Animal Shelter is this page about?
This page is about Forsyth County Animal Shelter in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, located at 5570 Sturmer Park Circle, Winston-Salem, NC 27105.
What is the Forsyth County Animal Shelter phone number?
The shelter phone number is 336-703-2480.
What is the Forsyth County Animal Shelter email?
The shelter email listed on official pages is shelter@forsyth.cc.
What are Forsyth County Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Forsyth County currently lists temporary shelter hours as Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm to 4pm, with Sunday and Monday closed.
How much does adoption cost at Forsyth County Animal Shelter?
The official available-animal page says standard adoption rates are $125 or less for dogs and cats and $10 for small animals. It also says dog and cat adoption fees are currently $5. Confirm current specials before visiting.
How do I adopt from Forsyth County Animal Shelter?
Pre-select an animal online, complete the correct dog, cat or other-animal application, visit during normal hours with a kennel or leash, pay the current fee and complete the rabies vaccination contract as needed.
Who do I call for Forsyth County Animal Services response?
For issues where an Animal Services deputy may need to respond, call the 24/7 non-emergency number 336-727-2112.
Who do I call about an animal citation or county ordinance?
For citation questions or general Forsyth County animal ordinance questions, call 336-917-7750.
What should I do if I found a stray pet in Forsyth County?
If the animal is sick or injured, contact FCSO Animal Services. If you safely contain a friendly healthy dog, try to locate the owner with flyers, social media, PawBoost and a microchip scan. For a healthy stray cat, the FAQ says not to feed it or let it inside, so it has a chance to go home.
What should I do if I found kittens outdoors?
Observe from a distance for 18-24 hours to see if the mother returns unless the kittens are in danger. If they are dirty, constantly meowing, sick, underweight or dehydrated, contact a local rescue for guidance; as a last resort, the FAQ says kittens can be brought to FCAS.
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.