Philadelphia Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this Philadelphia animal-help dashboard to adopt a pet, reclaim a lost dog or cat, report an animal-control emergency, license a dog, surrender a pet responsibly, or find the right ACCT Philly contact.
Verified rule: ACCT Philly is open to the public 10am-6pm daily, while animal-control emergency services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Official source checked
Last verified: August 12, 2026. Details use ACCT Philly and City of Philadelphia official pages for hours, address, animal-control routing, adoption, lost/found, surrender, fees and dog licensing.
Go fast for lost pets
ACCT says stray dogs without a microchip are only required to be held for 48 hours. If your dog is missing, visit the shelter in person as soon as possible.
No fake details
No fake ratings, no fake reviews, no unverified staff names, no fake opening hours, and no BreadcrumbList schema inside this Custom HTML.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Who to call first
- Adoption hours
- Adoption fees
- Adoption micro-steps
- Lost/found pet steps
- Reclaim documents and fees
- Found animal guidance
- Outdoor cats and community cats
- Surrender and rehome
- Animal control and bites
- Dog license rules
- Before you leave home
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Philadelphia Animal Help Cards
Tap the matching action. Each card gives the official route or safest next step.
Who to Call First in Philadelphia
Use this before driving, posting online, or bringing a found animal to the shelter.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog or cat | 267-385-3800 or available pet pages | “I want to adopt [animal name/ID]. Is this pet at the shelter or in foster?” | Bring photo ID, needed household members, leash/collar or carrier. |
| Lost dog | Lost Your Pet | “My dog is missing near [cross streets]. I am coming in person to check.” | Visit ACCT quickly because stray dog hold time can be short. |
| Lost cat | Lost Your Pet | “My cat is missing and microchipped/tagged. What found-cat checks should I do today?” | Check found cats, neighborhood pages and microchip registry. |
| Found pet | Found a Pet | “I found a pet at [location]. It has/does not have tags.” | Scan for chip, check tags, post with proof-of-ownership requirement. |
| Animal-control emergency | 267-385-3800 ext. 1 | “This is an animal-control emergency at [address].” | Call 24/7 for urgent animal-control emergencies. |
| Non-emergency violation | fieldservices@acctphilly.org | “I want to report a non-emergency animal-care complaint.” | Use online complaint form, email or phone route. |
| Animal bite / exposure | 267-385-3800 | “There was a bite/scratch/exposure involving [animal] at [location].” | Seek medical advice and follow Health Department reporting rules. |
ACCT Philly Adoption Hours
ACCT Philly lists public hours as 10am-6pm daily, with holiday closures or modified hours on some holidays. Check the official page before visiting on a holiday.
| Day | Public hours | Best use | Call-ahead note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10am-6pm | Adoption, lost/found, dog license, reclaim questions. | Call if visiting for a specific animal. |
| Tuesday | 10am-6pm | Adoption and lost-pet in-person check. | For dog adoption, sign up near arrival. |
| Wednesday | 10am-6pm | Mid-week shelter visit. | Bring required items. |
| Thursday | 10am-6pm | Adoption or reclaim preparation. | Ask about fees before arriving. |
| Friday | 10am-6pm | Good before weekend crowds. | Holiday weekends may differ. |
| Saturday | 10am-6pm | Adoption and lost/found visit. | Expect busier wait times. |
| Sunday | 10am-6pm | Adoption and urgent lost-pet visit. | Check holiday status first. |
Philadelphia Adoption Fees and What They Include
ACCT Philly’s available-dog and available-cat pages list current core adoption fees and included services.
| Adoption type | Official fee | Included / verified | Ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy under 6 months | $300 | Microchip, flea preventative/deworming, age-appropriate vaccines, spay/neuter. | Vaccines, training, energy level, resident-pet introduction. |
| Adult dog over 6 months | $100 | Microchip, flea preventative/deworming, age-appropriate vaccines, spay/neuter. | Behavior notes, kids/dogs/cats, leash walking and foster notes. |
| Kitten under 6 months | $125 | Microchip, flea preventative/deworming, age-appropriate vaccines, spay/neuter. | Carrier, kitten-proofing, boosters, litter and food. |
| Adult cat over 6 months | $60 | Microchip, flea preventative/deworming, age-appropriate vaccines, spay/neuter. | Personality, other pets, indoor setup and medical notes. |
| Philadelphia dog license | $16 if spayed/neutered; $40 if not spayed/neutered | Applies for dogs living in Philadelphia. | Ask if license fee must be paid during adoption or reclaim. |
| Cardboard cat carrier | $5 if needed | ACCT says all cats must leave in a suitable carrier. | Bring your own secure carrier if possible. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order so the page feels practical, not like a generic directory listing.
Open the correct pet list
Use Available Dogs, Available Cats, urgent/timestamped lists, foster care listings or offsite listings.
Check location and waitlist
Most dogs are at 111 W Hunting Park Ave, but some are in foster or offsite. ACCT recommends signing up on the waitlist when you are less than 30 minutes from the shelter.
Fill application if helpful
ACCT says dog adopters can fill out an adoption application before coming, but it does not place a hold and does not guarantee adoption.
Bring the right people and items
For dogs, bring photo ID, resident dogs and children when required, plus leash/collar or harness/leash. For cats, bring photo ID and a carrier.
Ask the practical questions
Ask about medical notes, vaccines, deworming, flea preventative, spay/neuter, microchip, temperament, foster notes and first-week setup.
Confirm Philadelphia license
If adopting a dog and living in Philadelphia, ask about the city license fee and proof requirements before checkout.
Lost or Found Pet in Philadelphia
ACCT’s lost-pet guidance is urgent: file reports, visit in person, update microchip and check online matches daily.
If your pet is lost
- File a lost report through Petco Love Lost from ACCT’s lost-pet page.
- Use a clear photo, microchip number if available, collar/harness details and distinctive markings.
- Visit ACCT in person as soon as possible; phone descriptions are not enough for staff to identify your pet.
- Bring photo ID and proof of ownership such as photos, vet records, adoption paperwork or city license.
- Check ACCT found dogs and found cats online daily.
- Update the microchip registry and report the pet missing to the registry.
- Post on ACCT lost/found Facebook, neighborhood Facebook groups, Nextdoor and PawBoost.
If you found a pet
- Check tags first. A Philly dog license can be traced by emailing info@acctphilly.org.
- Contact the vet or shelter shown on a rabies tag and provide the tag number.
- Post photos, found location, date, collar/tag details and identifying marks.
- Ask anyone claiming the pet for proof of ownership, such as photos or vet paperwork.
- Use ACCT’s found-pet guidance and Petco Love Lost map/reporting tools.
- Bring the animal to ACCT only as a last resort if you cannot locate the owner.
- If the animal is dangerous, injured or unsafe to handle, call animal control instead of handling it yourself.
Reclaiming a Pet from ACCT Philly
Bring documents and be ready for fees. ACCT says all dogs and cats are microchipped and vaccinated on intake unless behavior prevents it.
Photo ID required
Bring current government-issued identification with your name and address. ACCT marks this as required.
Ownership proof
Bring photos, vaccination records, adoption paperwork, bill of sale, city license or microchip details.
Vaccination records
Bring current vaccination records if you have them. Intake vaccines may create additional reclaim fees.
Payment methods
ACCT says it accepts cash, credit cards, money orders or personal checks for reclaim-related fees.
Dog license
Dog license fees may apply: $16 for spayed/neutered dogs or $40 for non-spayed/non-neutered dogs.
Act quickly
Dogs have short hold windows and cats have no legally mandated hold period, so do not wait to visit.
| Reclaim-related fee | ACCT listed amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Vaccines | $15 each | May apply when vaccines are provided on intake. |
| Microchip | $20 each | ACCT lists microchip fee in reclaim and field-services fees. |
| Reclaim fee | $20/day | Additional fees can apply in some situations. |
| Dog license | $16 or $40 | $16 spayed/neutered; $40 non-spayed/non-neutered. |
Found Animal: Shelter vs Home-Hold Decision
ACCT’s found-pet guidance says bringing the animal to the shelter should be the last resort if you cannot locate the owner.
Try owner-reunion first
- Scan for a microchip at a vet, shelter or rescue if safe.
- Use license/rabies tags to contact ACCT, vet or shelter.
- Post clear photos and location, but keep one identifying detail private.
- Ask claimants for proof: photos, vet records, adoption papers or license.
- Use Petco Love Lost and neighborhood lost/found groups.
Bring to ACCT if needed
- Use this route if you cannot locate the owner or cannot safely hold the animal.
- Tell staff if you are interested in adopting after stray hold.
- Understand there is no guarantee you can adopt after surrendering the found animal.
- Do not assume neglect based only on condition; escaped pets may become dirty, matted or injured quickly.
- Use animal control for dangerous, injured or unsafe animals.
Outdoor Cats and Community Cats in Philadelphia
Philadelphia cat guidance needs nuance because ACCT says cats are allowed outdoors in the city and bringing cats to the shelter is often not the best reunion route.
Outdoor cats exist
ACCT says cats are allowed outdoors in Philadelphia, so a healthy outdoor cat may not be lost in the same way as a roaming dog.
Home territory matters
Healthy free-roaming cats brought to ACCT may be spayed/neutered, vaccinated and returned to their home territory through the Community Cats Program.
Intervene when needed
Intervene if the cat appears sick, injured, in danger, trapped, clearly owned and lost, or too young to safely remain outside.
Surrender, Rehome and Owner Support
ACCT says the shelter is full and asks owners to seek assistance and rehome options first when possible.
| Need | Official route | Prepare | Fee / note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner surrender | Request for Assistance form | Pet photo, age, medical/behavior notes, urgency and contact details. | ACCT lists owner surrender fee: $40. |
| Surrender appointment | Email helpdesk@acctphilly.org | Ask for appointment if possible. | Same-day surrender may be accepted, but appointments help manage shelter crowding. |
| Private rehome | Adopt a Pet Rehome, Get Your Pet, Home to Home, Rescue Me | Photos, honest behavior/medical notes, screening questions. | Helps avoid shelter intake when safe and appropriate. |
| Rescue connection | CNKP Connect with a Rescue form | Pet details, photos and deadlines. | Independent rescues may help depending on capacity. |
| Low-cost vet care | PAWS, PSPCA and other clinics listed by ACCT | Medical issue, budget, location, urgency. | ACCT says it does not offer public veterinary services. |
| Humane euthanasia | Come to the shelter; no appointment needed | Call if you need details before traveling. | For being present, ACCT points to Emeka’s Fund or a local veterinarian. |
Philadelphia Animal Control, Complaints and Bites
The City of Philadelphia directs animal-control questions and emergency/non-emergency reports through ACCT Philly.
Emergency animal issue
Call 267-385-3800 24 hours a day. ACCT’s hours page lists animal-control emergency services as available 24/7/365 with ext. 1.
Non-emergency complaint
Use ACCT’s online violation report, email fieldservices@acctphilly.org, or call 267-385-3800.
Animal bite / exposure
Call ACCT Philly at 267-385-3800. Medical professionals must report animal bites to the Department of Public Health.
Philadelphia Dog License Rules
The City says dogs four months or older must be vaccinated for rabies and licensed. You have 30 days from getting a dog or moving to Philadelphia to get a license from ACCT Philly.
| Rule / fee | Verified detail | Practical action |
|---|---|---|
| Age rule | Dogs four months or older must be vaccinated for rabies and licensed. | Do not wait if your dog is already four months or older. |
| New dog / new resident | You have 30 days from getting a dog or moving to Philadelphia to get a license. | Apply through ACCT Philly. |
| Spayed/neutered fee | ACCT lists $16. | Use proof if requested. |
| Not spayed/neutered fee | ACCT lists $40. | Higher fee applies. |
| Questions | City says contact ACCT Philly at 267-385-3800 or info@acctphilly.org. | Ask before paying if your situation is unclear. |
Before You Leave Home
Pet screenshot, photo ID, leash/collar for dog, carrier for cat, resident dog/children if required.
Photo ID, proof of ownership, microchip number, vaccination records, cross streets.
Government ID, proof of ownership, vaccination records, payment method, license info.
Request form, helpdesk contact, honest behavior/medical notes, owner surrender fee if applicable.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I’m interested in adopting [pet name/ID]. Is this animal at the main shelter, in foster, or offsite, and what should I bring today?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets]. I can come in person. What found-pet list or desk should I check first?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat/other] near [exact location]. It has/does not have tags. I can/cannot hold it safely. What is the best next step?Animal-control complaint
Hi, I need to report a [dangerous animal/neglect/extreme-weather/stray] issue at [address]. This is [emergency/non-emergency].Map: ACCT Philly
Use this map for the main ACCT Philly shelter at 111 W. Hunting Park Avenue. If you are responding to an animal-control emergency, call first.
Official Philadelphia Animal Links
The important details are summarized above. Use these links for live pets, forms, current routing and final verification.
Philadelphia Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the main animal shelter in Philadelphia?
The main animal care and control shelter covered here is ACCT Philly, the Animal Care & Control Team of Philadelphia, at 111 W. Hunting Park Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19140.
What is ACCT Philly’s phone number?
ACCT Philly lists 267-385-3800 as its main phone number.
What are ACCT Philly adoption hours?
ACCT Philly lists public hours as 10am-6pm daily, except major holidays or modified holiday schedules. Check the official page before visiting on a holiday.
How do I contact animal control in Philadelphia?
For an animal-control emergency, call 267-385-3800 24 hours a day. For non-emergency animal care violations or complaints, use ACCT’s online report route, email fieldservices@acctphilly.org, or call 267-385-3800.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from ACCT Philly?
ACCT Philly lists dog adoption fees as $300 for puppies under 6 months and $100 for adult dogs over 6 months. A $16 dog license fee applies if the adopter lives in Philadelphia.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from ACCT Philly?
ACCT Philly lists cat adoption fees as $125 for kittens under 6 months and $60 for adult cats over 6 months. Cats must leave in a suitable carrier, and ACCT lists cardboard carriers for $5 if needed.
What should I do if my dog is lost in Philadelphia?
File a lost report, update the microchip registry, check ACCT’s found-pet listings daily, and visit the shelter in person as soon as possible. ACCT says stray dogs without a microchip are only required to be held for 48 hours.
What do I need to reclaim my pet from ACCT Philly?
Bring current government-issued identification with your name and address, proof of ownership such as photos or vet records, vaccination records if available, and payment for applicable reclaim, vaccine, microchip or dog-license fees.
Can I surrender a pet to ACCT Philly?
ACCT asks owners to fill out the Request for Assistance form and make an appointment if possible. ACCT lists an owner surrender fee of $40 and encourages private rehome and support resources first because the shelter is full.
Does Philadelphia require dog licenses?
Yes. The City says dogs four months or older must be vaccinated for rabies and licensed. You have 30 days from getting a dog or moving to Philadelphia to get a license from ACCT Philly.
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.