Johnson County Animal Shelter, Adoption & Pets 2026
Use this Johnson County Animal Shelter guide for adoption fees, hours, phone numbers, animal-control routing, lost-pet safety, surrender planning, reclaim fees, donations, map directions and what to ask before visiting.
Location matched: this page is for Johnson County Animal Shelter in Franklin, Indiana. Other Johnson County shelters exist in other states, so verify the address before calling or driving.
Official source checked
Last verified: August 30, 2026. Built from Johnson County Animal Shelter, county department, Petfinder and Johnson County ordinance sources.
Indiana page only
Johnson County exists in several states. This page covers Franklin, Indiana, because that is the strongest official match for this keyword.
No fake details
No fake ratings, reviews, parking fees, veterinarian schedules, cat declaw promises, surrender guarantees or duplicate Yoast core schema are added.
Johnson County Animal Shelter Guide Menu
- Clickable action cards
- Which Johnson County?
- Shelter hours
- Who to call first
- Adoption and county fees
- Adoption micro-steps
- Adoption rules people miss
- Lost-pet safety
- Found pets and control
- Owner surrender fees
- Reclaim and impound rules
- Animal Control response list
- Vaccines and rabies note
- Donations
- Parking and arrival
- Call scripts
- Map
- Related guides
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Johnson County Animal Help Cards
Pick the route that matches your task. This avoids a weak directory-style page and helps the visitor act correctly.
Which Johnson County Animal Shelter Is This?
Searchers can mean Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas, Texas or other locations. This page is intentionally limited to the Indiana shelter so it does not mix facts from different counties.
Covered here
Johnson County Animal Shelter, 2160 N. Graham Road, Franklin, Indiana 46131.
Government-run shelter
The shelter describes itself as an all-admittance, government-run facility and the only shelter in Johnson County, Indiana.
Not a 501(c)(3)
The shelter says it is not a 501(c)(3). Donations may still be accepted through official shelter routes, but do not describe it as a private nonprofit rescue.
Johnson County Animal Shelter Hours
Use the official hours below, then call before driving near closing, during holidays or when trying to meet a specific animal.
| Day | Published shelter hours | Visitor note | Best action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | No public shelter hours listed | Use online pet search or call next open day. |
| Tuesday | 12:00 PM-4:30 PM | Public window is short | Call before driving for a specific animal. |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM-4:30 PM | Application and meet required | Do not arrive late for adoption. |
| Thursday | 12:00 PM-4:30 PM | Good mid-week adoption planning day | Bring ID and landlord permission if needed. |
| Friday | 12:00 PM-4:30 PM | Last weekday public window | Confirm before weekend. |
| Saturday | 12:00 PM-2:30 PM | Shorter weekend window | Arrive early and call first. |
| Sunday | Closed | No public shelter hours listed | Use online resources only. |
Who to Call First
Use the correct phone number before you drive, bring in a found animal, try to reclaim a pet or report an animal-control issue.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog or cat | 317-738-6090 | “I want to apply for [pet name/description]. Is the animal still available?” | Download/send the application, then plan a meet. |
| General shelter question | 317-736-3924 | “I need general shelter information about hours, pets or process.” | Ask whether reception or Animal Control is the better route. |
| Animal Control issue | 317-738-6092 | “I need Animal Control help for [bite/aggressive animal/RAL/neglect/found pet].” | Give exact location, animal description and safety status. |
| Found pet or chip reading | Animal Control | “I found a pet and it is [confined/not confined/aggressive].” | On-call hours require the animal to be confined unless aggressive. |
| Barking complaint | Your local police department | “I need to report a barking/noise issue at [address].” | The county page says Animal Control does not respond to barking complaints. |
| Wildlife issue | DNR: 812-526-4996 | “This is a wildlife issue involving [species/location].” | Animal Control handles wildlife case-by-case only. |
| Animal stuck in tree/attic/under home | Fire department or pest removal route | “Animal is stuck at [location] and needs removal.” | The county page says Animal Control does not handle these as standard calls. |
Adoption, Surrender, Impound and Reclaim Fees
This page includes the county fee details because real visitors need more than the basic adoption price.
| Fee type | Published amount | What it means | Ask before paying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog adoption | $200 | Includes spay/neuter, microchip with registration, age-appropriate vaccines including DAPPv, Bordetella and rabies when applicable. | “Is this dog ready to go home today?” |
| Cat adoption: 6 months and older | $100 | Includes spay/neuter, microchip with registration and age-appropriate vaccines including FVRCP and rabies when applicable. | “Any behavior or medical notes?” |
| Kitten adoption: under 6 months | $125 | Includes shelter-listed medical services as age-appropriate. | “What vaccines or boosters are still due?” |
| Impoundment fee | $25 first day + $10 each additional day | County ordinance fee schedule for impounded animals. | “What is the exact total today?” |
| Johnson County resident surrender | Dog $50, cat $40, livestock $50, other small animal $25 | County ordinance fee schedule for voluntary surrender by residents. | “Is space available and what documents do I need?” |
| Non-resident surrender | Up to $250 for owner surrender; up to $100 for stray dog/cat surrender | County ordinance says JCAC may turn away non-residents based on kennel space. | “Do you accept non-resident surrender today?” |
| Quarantine at JCAS | $250 for animals 30 lb and larger; $175 under 30 lb | County ordinance fee schedule for quarantine situations. | “Does quarantine apply to my case?” |
| Microchip before return | $10 when required by ordinance | County ordinance allows JCAS to microchip an impounded dog/cat before return if permanent ID is missing. | “Will a microchip be required before release?” |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order to avoid a wasted trip and to meet the shelter’s adoption rules.
Check current pets
Use Petfinder or the shelter’s Facebook route to find currently posted animals, then write down the name, species, age and any ID shown.
Send or bring the application
The shelter says you can drop the application at the facility, fax it to 317-738-3166 or email it. Include the pet you are interested in.
Confirm eligibility
Applicants must be over 18 with valid ID. Bully-breed adopters must be at least 21.
Confirm home permission
You must own your home or have landlord permission to own the animal. Renters should confirm breed, size, deposit and pet-rent rules before applying.
Meet the animal first
The shelter says animals are not adopted out until the applicant has spent time with them.
Plan without holds
The shelter says it does not place holds and does not adopt animals out as gifts.
Adoption Rules People Miss
These details reduce returned adoptions, rushed decisions and visitor frustration.
Valid photo ID
Driver’s license, state ID, military ID or passport examples are listed by the shelter.
No gift adoptions
The adopter must be part of the decision. Do not try to adopt as a surprise gift.
No holds
Be ready to proceed if approved. The shelter says it does not place animals on hold.
Meet required
You must meet the animal before adoption. Bring all decision-makers when possible.
Housing permission
Renters should have landlord approval before applying.
No declawing adopted cats
No cat adopted from the facility can be declawed for the life of the cat.
Lost Pet Safety Plan
Johnson County’s lost-pet page includes practical scam and safety advice. Use these steps before sending money or meeting a stranger.
If your pet is lost
- Call the shelter and check nearby shelters, not only the shelter in your county.
- Search the area where the animal was lost, not only your home area.
- Make flyers with a clear photo or accurate drawing.
- Use the word “Reward” if helpful, but do not list the amount.
- Do not include sensitive behavior details or exact collar information on public flyers.
- Update microchip and tag contact details quickly.
Protect yourself from scams
- Never send reward money before the pet is safely returned.
- Do not meet a finder alone; take another adult.
- Meet in a public place unless you personally know the finder well.
- Watch for “truck driver,” “airline ticket,” and pay-me-first stories.
- Ask for a current photo or proof before changing plans.
- Trust your instincts and end suspicious conversations.
Found Pets and Animal Control Routing
Found-pet calls are not all handled the same way. The county page says found-pet/chip-reading response during on-call hours requires the animal to be confined unless it is aggressive.
Record exact location
Write the road, cross street, neighborhood, business, direction of travel and time found.
Take safe photos
Photo the animal, collar, tags, and location only if safe. Do not approach an aggressive animal.
Call Animal Control
Use 317-738-6092 for found-pet and chip-reading questions.
Owner Surrender and Capacity Cautions
The shelter says it takes owner-surrendered animals throughout Johnson County, but surrender fees and capacity rules still matter.
Call before bringing a pet
Do not show up with an owned animal without confirming intake steps, fees, space and paperwork.
Resident surrender fees
County fee schedule lists $50 dog, $40 cat, $50 livestock and $25 other small animal for Johnson County residents.
Non-resident caution
County ordinance says non-resident surrender may cost more and may be turned away depending on kennel space.
Reclaim and Impound Rules
If your pet may be impounded, act quickly and bring proof. The county ordinance uses different timing for animals with and without microchips.
Claim quickly
Domestic animals without a microchip become shelter property after 3 calendar days if not claimed; animals with a microchip have a 5-calendar-day rule.
Budget reclaim costs
Impoundment fees are listed as $25 first day and $10 each additional day, plus any other applicable medical, microchip or ordinance fees.
Rabies proof
To resume possession, owners may need proof of rabies vaccination or arrangements for vaccination by a licensed veterinarian.
What Johnson County Animal Control Responds To
Use the county response list so you do not call the wrong office.
Animal Control response examples
- Bite reports.
- Animals unconfined and off property, also called running at large.
- Aggressive animals.
- Neglect complaints, including shelter and water concerns.
- Found pets and chip reading, with confinement note during on-call hours.
- Deceased animals mainly for chip reading or when creating a hazard.
Usually not Animal Control
- Barking complaints: call your local police department.
- Wildlife: handled case by case; DNR number listed as 812-526-4996.
- Animals stuck in trees, attics or under a residence: fire department or pest removal route.
- Non-hazard deceased animal on local street: local street department may be the route.
Vaccines, Rabies and Local Low-Cost Care
The shelter’s low-cost vaccination page is useful, but it also has an important limitation.
Rabies proof first
The shelter page says pets over 6 months must show proof of rabies before any vaccinations are given at the facility.
Rabies not offered there
The page says the facility does not offer rabies vaccinations because it does not have a licensed vet on staff for that service.
No fake veterinarian names
The shelter page points to low-cost options, but this article does not invent doctor names, clinic schedules or appointment availability.
Donations and Wishlist Help
Donation details are included because users often want to help a county shelter but need the official route.
Monetary donation
The shelter donation page lists in-person, online credit-card and phone donation routes.
Donation receipt
The shelter says to ask staff for a donation receipt when donating toys, food or treats for tax purposes.
Wishlist items
Items listed by the shelter include pig ears, canned pâté cat food, Purina Kitten Chow, Purina Cat Chow Complete, gas cards and dog/cat treats.
Parking, Arrival and Visit Planning
The official pages verify the address and map route, but they do not publish a parking fee, parking-space count or accessible-parking map. This section keeps that honest.
Use verified address
Navigate to 2160 N. Graham Road, Franklin, IN 46131. Use live navigation for road changes.
No fake parking claim
No official parking fee or lot-size information was verified. Follow on-site signs and staff instructions.
Do not arrive late
Public hours are short. Adoption requires application, eligibility checks and meeting the animal.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I want to adopt from Johnson County Animal Shelter. I’m interested in [pet name/description]. Is the pet still available, and should I email, fax or bring the application first?Reclaim
Hi, my [dog/cat] may be at the shelter. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. What proof and exact fees do I need to bring today?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat/other] near [exact location]. The animal is [confined/aggressive/injured/loose]. Can Animal Control help with chip reading or pickup?Surrender
Hi, I live in [city/county] and may need to surrender a [dog/cat/other]. Is space available, what fee applies, and what paperwork should I bring?Map: Johnson County Animal Shelter
Use this map after confirming hours and the correct service route by phone.
Related Animal-Shelter.org Guides
These live internal links help with broader shelter searches and nearby Indiana context. They are not substitutes for Johnson County’s official pages.
Official and Professional Links
The useful details are summarized above. Use these links for live pet availability, applications, fees, lost-pet help and final verification.
Johnson County Animal Shelter FAQ
Which Johnson County Animal Shelter is this guide about?
This guide is about Johnson County Animal Shelter in Franklin, Indiana, located at 2160 N. Graham Road.
What is the Johnson County Animal Shelter phone number?
The shelter lists main line 317-736-3924, receptionist 317-738-6090 and Animal Control 317-738-6092.
What are Johnson County Animal Shelter hours?
The shelter lists Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM. It is closed Sunday, Monday and government holidays.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
The dog adoption fee is listed as $200. It includes spay/neuter, microchip with registration and age-appropriate vaccines including DAPPv, Bordetella and rabies when applicable.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat or kitten?
Cats 6 months and older are listed at $100, and kittens under 6 months are listed at $125. Cat adoption includes spay/neuter, microchip with registration and age-appropriate vaccines including FVRCP and rabies when applicable.
Does Johnson County Animal Shelter place holds?
No. The shelter adoption page says it does not place holds on animals.
Can I adopt a pet as a gift?
No. The shelter adoption page says it does not adopt animals out as gifts.
What should I do if I found a pet in Johnson County?
Call Animal Control at 317-738-6092. Be ready with the exact location, animal description, safety status and whether the animal is confined.
What should I know before surrendering an animal?
Call before bringing an animal. County fee schedules list surrender fees, and non-resident surrender may cost more or be turned away depending on kennel space.
Does the shelter offer rabies vaccines?
The shelter vaccination page says it does not offer rabies vaccinations because rabies shots must be administered by a licensed veterinarian.
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.