Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
If you searched for Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter, the current official shelter entity is Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter in Gainesville, Texas, located at 2501 N Weaver St., Gainesville, TX 76240.
Noah’s Ark is a nonprofit shelter that works with the City of Gainesville to care for impounded animals, but it is not the City Animal Control enforcement office. This guide separates adoption, shelter help, animal-control calls, bite reporting, lost pets and surrender alternatives so users do not waste time calling the wrong place.
Verified Shelter Identity
Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Gainesville, Texas. Official shelter materials say it serves Gainesville and Cooke County and works in cooperation with the City of Gainesville to care for impounded animals.
Not Animal Control
Noah’s Ark cares for shelter animals. The City of Gainesville Animal Control office enforces City animal-control ordinances and has its own official phone and staff directory.
Independent Guide
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide. It is not Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter, the City of Gainesville, Gainesville Animal Control, Cooke County Sheriff’s Office or Texas DSHS.
Which Noah’s Ark / Gainesville Animal Help Route Do You Need?
Local animal help in Gainesville has more than one route. The shelter, City Animal Control and Cooke County Sheriff’s Office do different jobs. Matching your situation to the right office saves time, especially when a bite, loose dog, reclaim or found animal is involved.
| Need | Start here | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog or cat |
Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter 940-665-9800 |
Visit the shelter or use the official adoption/application pages before planning for a specific animal. |
| Animal-control issue inside Gainesville city limits |
Gainesville Animal Control 940-668-7777 |
City Animal Control enforces Gainesville animal-control ordinances. |
| Animal issue outside Gainesville city limits in Cooke County |
Cooke County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency 940-665-3471 |
Noah’s Ark bite guidance directs outside-city reports to the Cooke County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency route. |
| Immediate danger or serious injury |
Emergency services 911 |
Use 911 only for emergencies, not for routine adoption, hours, surrender or general shelter questions. |
Emergency & Important Contacts
These numbers are not interchangeable. A normal shelter question should go to the shelter. A City ordinance issue should go to Gainesville Animal Control. A serious bite, active attack or immediate danger needs emergency routing.
| Contact | Number / route | Use this for |
|---|---|---|
| Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter | 940-665-9800 | Adoption questions, shelter hours, current pets, owner-surrender alternatives, volunteering, donations and shelter-care questions. |
| City of Gainesville Animal Control | 940-668-7777 | Animal-control matters inside Gainesville city limits, including ordinance enforcement, bite reporting route, aggressive/nuisance dogs and other City animal-control issues. |
| Gainesville Police / non-emergency dispatch | 940-668-7777 | Non-emergency police or after-hours routing when a City animal issue cannot wait for the next Animal Control work period. |
| Cooke County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency | 940-665-3471 | Non-emergency law-enforcement routing for Cooke County areas outside Gainesville city limits. |
| Emergency — 911 | 911 | Immediate human danger, serious injury, active attack, dangerous animal emergency, severe bite injury or other urgent public-safety emergency. |
| Texas rabies / public-health context | Local rabies control authority / animal control / law enforcement | Texas DSHS guidance says animal bites and possible rabies exposures should be reported to the local health officer and animal-control agency. In Gainesville, start with City Animal Control; outside city limits, start with the county route. |
Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
Noah’s Ark lists the same public shelter hours across its current official pages. Because adoption availability can change quickly, check the dog/cat listings or call before driving for one specific animal.
| Day | Current listed hours | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Public shelter/adoption visit window. |
| Tuesday | 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Good weekday option for adoption or questions. |
| Wednesday | 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Arrive early enough to meet animals calmly. |
| Thursday | Closed | Do not plan a normal public visit. |
| Friday | 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Check availability before weekend traffic. |
| Saturday | 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Likely convenient for families; call first for one pet. |
| Sunday | Closed | Use online listings and prepare for Monday. |
Adoption Fees and Included Care
Noah’s Ark currently says adoption fees vary based on the pet’s age, medical care and transport needs. This page does not invent a flat fee. Ask the shelter for the exact fee for the animal you want to adopt.
Medical basics included
Current shelter materials say adoptable animals receive spay/neuter, core vaccinations, deworming, microchip and current flea, tick and heartworm prevention.
Dog-specific care
The shelter states that adoptable dogs receive heartworm testing. Ask staff what a dog’s test result means for care after adoption.
Cat-specific care
The shelter states that adoptable cats receive FIV testing. Noah’s Ark also says it sometimes adopts out FIV-positive cats and can educate adopters about what that means.
How to Adopt From Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter
A photo can make you fall in love quickly, but a good adoption still needs the practical questions: health, temperament, transport, other pets, landlord rules and long-term costs.
Check current dogs or cats
Start with the official dog and cat adoption pages. Save the pet’s name or listing details, but understand that availability can change.
Call or visit during shelter hours
Visit during the listed 11 a.m.–5 p.m. public shelter window on open days, or call 940-665-9800 before driving for one specific pet.
Submit the adoption application
Noah’s Ark provides an online application route. Complete the application carefully and answer household questions honestly.
Ask about medical and behavior notes
Ask about vaccines, microchip, spay/neuter status, testing, prevention, temperament, other animals and the first week at home.
Confirm the exact fee
Adoption fees vary, so confirm the animal-specific cost, payment method and any transport fee before finalizing.
Prepare safe transport
Bring a carrier for cats, a leash/collar setup for dogs and a calm plan for the ride home.
Lost or Found Pet in Gainesville / Cooke County
Noah’s Ark says reunification comes first. If a pet is brought in by Animal Control or a member of the public, the shelter checks for identification, calls tag contacts and scans for a microchip.
If your pet is missing
- Call Noah’s Ark at 940-665-9800.
- Visit in person if a possible match appears in shelter listings.
- Bring clear photos, microchip number, rabies records and proof of ownership.
- Update your microchip registry contact information immediately.
- Check with Gainesville Animal Control if the pet disappeared inside city limits.
- Check Cooke County routing if the pet disappeared outside the city.
If you found an animal
- Check safely for tags, collars or owner identification.
- Have the animal scanned for a microchip if safe.
- Report the found animal to the correct local authority for the found location.
- Do not move the pet far away from the found area unless instructed.
- For city-limit animal-control issues, call 940-668-7777.
- For immediate danger, use 911 rather than trying to capture the animal yourself.
Stray Hold and Owner Reclaim
A stray animal may not be immediately available for adoption. Noah’s Ark explains that incoming pets go through identification checks and a legal hold process so owners have a fair chance to reclaim them.
ID check first
The shelter checks collars and tags and contacts owners when usable identification is present.
Microchip scan
Incoming pets are scanned for a microchip. If a chip is found, the shelter contacts the microchip company and attempts to reach the registered owner.
Hold period
Noah’s Ark lost-and-found page references City of Gainesville ordinance hold requirements. Ask the shelter how the current hold applies to the specific animal.
Gainesville Animal Control — Who to Call
City of Gainesville Animal Control is responsible for enforcement of the City’s animal-control ordinance. Noah’s Ark is responsible for the care and custody of impounded animals, but it does not enforce ordinances or investigate bite incidents.
| Situation | Contact | Use this route |
|---|---|---|
| Animal-control issue inside Gainesville |
Gainesville Animal Control 940-668-7777 |
Loose animals, ordinance issues, dangerous/aggressive dogs, nuisance reports and animal-control enforcement questions. |
| City bite report |
Gainesville Animal Control 940-668-7777 |
Noah’s Ark bite page directs inside-city bite reports to Gainesville Animal Control. |
| Outside Gainesville city limits |
Cooke County Sheriff non-emergency 940-665-3471 |
Use the county non-emergency route for outside-city animal incidents unless there is an immediate emergency. |
| Immediate emergency | 911 | Active attack, serious injury, immediate public danger or another urgent emergency. |
Animal Bites and Rabies Reporting
Animal bites and scratches can be public-health issues. Noah’s Ark’s official bite page says the shelter does not enforce ordinances or investigate animal-bite incidents. Report bites to the correct local authority and seek medical care when needed.
Inside Gainesville
Report animal bites inside the City of Gainesville to Gainesville Animal Control at 940-668-7777.
Outside city limits
For Cooke County areas outside Gainesville city limits, Noah’s Ark directs bite reporting to the Cooke County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 940-665-3471.
Texas rabies rule context
Texas DSHS guidance says possible rabies exposures should be reported to local animal control or law enforcement and discussed with medical or public-health professionals.
Surrender Alternatives and Owner Help
Surrender can be heartbreaking. Noah’s Ark asks owners to consider alternatives first because space is limited and the shelter must prioritize Animal Control intakes.
Reach out early
Contact the shelter before the situation becomes urgent. Planning ahead gives more time to explore safe rehoming, support or temporary solutions.
Food assistance may help
Noah’s Ark says limited pet food assistance may be available when resources allow for Gainesville and Cooke County pet owners.
No guessed surrender fee
A single current surrender fee was not clearly published in the official pages checked. This guide does not invent one. Call the shelter for case-specific instructions.
Veterinary-Care Reality Check
Noah’s Ark provides medical care to adoptable shelter animals, but the official pages checked for this article do not present the shelter as a public walk-in veterinary hospital. That is why this page does not add fake VeterinaryCare, Hospital, MedicalClinic or Physician schema for Noah’s Ark.
Adoptable-animal care
Shelter materials describe spay/neuter, core vaccines, testing, deworming, microchip, prevention and behavior evaluation for adoptable animals.
No invented doctor names
No current public veterinarian appointment schedule or named current shelter doctor listing was verified for this page, so none is added.
Emergency pet illness
If your owned pet has a life-threatening medical issue, contact a licensed emergency veterinarian or emergency route appropriate to the situation.
Feral Cats and Trap-Neuter-Return
Gainesville has official TNR-related materials. The City says TNR allows feral cats to be trapped, neutered, vaccinated, ear-tipped and returned under program requirements.
City TNR policy
Gainesville’s official Animal Control page says City Council approved an ordinance change allowing feral cat TNR to be practiced legally in Gainesville.
Community cats
Feral cats are not the same as socialized house cats. If the cat is healthy and outdoor, contact the local TNR route before assuming it should enter the shelter.
Unsafe situations
If a cat bites, appears rabid, is badly injured or creates immediate safety risk, use the bite or animal-control reporting route.
Pet Food Pantry, Transport and Adoption Support
Noah’s Ark’s work is not only a front-counter adoption process. The shelter also publishes information about pet food assistance, adoption transport and event-based adoption support.
Pet Food Pantry
The shelter describes a pet food pantry intended to help Gainesville and Cooke County neighbors during temporary hardship when resources allow.
Pet transport hubs
Noah’s Ark lists transport hubs outside Texas for some adoptions. Transport availability and fees should be confirmed before applying.
Reduced-fee events
Noah’s Ark says it partners with Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters events when funding is available.
Volunteer Help
Volunteers help with the everyday care that makes shelter life less stressful for animals waiting for homes.
Complete a profile
The shelter’s volunteer page tells new volunteers to complete a profile and then get in touch with the team.
Volunteer roles
Volunteer work may include walking dogs, socializing cats and helping with daily shelter operations.
Volunteer email
The official volunteer page lists volunteerNAAS@yahoo.com for volunteer questions.
Before You Visit 2501 N Weaver St.
Adoption checklist
- Call before driving for one specific pet.
- Bring photo ID and a payment method.
- Ask the exact adoption fee for that animal.
- Bring a secure carrier for cats or leash/collar setup for dogs.
- Ask about included medical care, testing, microchip and prevention.
- Budget for food, supplies, routine vet care and first-month adjustment.
Lost / reclaim checklist
- Bring recent photos and proof that the pet belongs to you.
- Bring microchip, rabies and veterinary records if available.
- Check whether the pet was found inside Gainesville city limits or elsewhere in Cooke County.
- Ask whether any reclaim, boarding, vaccination or citation issue applies.
- Keep checking because intake records and photos may update later.
Simple Call Scripts
When you are worried about a pet, it is easy to forget important details. These short scripts keep the conversation clear.
Adoption
Hi, I am interested in [pet name or ID] at Noah’s Ark. Is the pet
still available, what is the current adoption fee, and what medical
care is already completed?
Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing from [street/neighborhood]. The pet is
[description] and [microchipped/not microchipped]. Has a matching
animal been brought in?
Found animal
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] at [exact location]. The animal is
[safe/injured/aggressive]. Is this inside Gainesville city limits,
and should I contact Animal Control or bring the pet to the shelter?
Bite / dangerous animal
Hi, I need to report [animal bite/dangerous animal] at [location].
The animal is [owned/stray/wild/unknown]. Is this a City Animal
Control issue or a Cooke County Sheriff route?
Map: Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter
Use this map for travel planning to 2501 N Weaver St., Gainesville, TX 76240. Confirm shelter hours and the animal’s availability before leaving.
Official Noah’s Ark / Gainesville Resources
Use these sources for current shelter hours, forms, local rules, animal-control routing and bite/rabies guidance.
Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter located?
Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter is located at 2501 N Weaver St., Gainesville, TX 76240.
What is Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter’s phone number?
The main shelter phone number is 940-665-9800.
What are Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Current public shelter hours are listed as Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shelter is listed as closed Thursday and Sunday.
Is Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter the same as Gainesville Animal Control?
No. Noah’s Ark cares for shelter animals and works with the City of Gainesville, but the City Animal Control office enforces animal-control ordinances.
What number should I call for Gainesville Animal Control?
Call Gainesville Animal Control at 940-668-7777 for City animal-control matters.
Who do I call outside Gainesville city limits?
For non-emergency Cooke County issues outside Gainesville city limits, start with the Cooke County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number: 940-665-3471.
What should I do after an animal bite in Gainesville?
Seek medical attention if needed. Inside Gainesville, report the bite to Gainesville Animal Control at 940-668-7777. For emergencies, call 911.
What should I do after an animal bite outside Gainesville city limits?
Noah’s Ark bite guidance directs outside-city reports to the Cooke County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency route at 940-665-3471, unless there is an immediate emergency.
How much are adoption fees at Noah’s Ark?
Current shelter guidance says adoption fees vary based on the pet’s age, medical care and transport needs. Ask the shelter for the exact fee for the specific animal.
What medical care is included with adoption?
Noah’s Ark says adoptable animals receive spay/neuter, core vaccines, deworming, microchip and current flea, tick and heartworm prevention. Dogs receive heartworm testing and cats receive FIV testing.
Does Noah’s Ark have a public veterinary clinic?
The official pages checked for this guide do not present Noah’s Ark as a public walk-in veterinary hospital. This page does not invent public veterinary clinic hours, doctor schedules or appointment fees.
What should I do if my pet is missing?
Call Noah’s Ark, check shelter listings, visit in person if there is a possible match, bring photos and ownership proof, and contact the correct city or county authority for the location where the pet was lost.
Does Noah’s Ark accept owner surrenders?
Noah’s Ark says owner-relinquished pets may be accepted when space allows, but the shelter asks owners to explore alternatives and contact the shelter early.
Does Gainesville allow feral cat TNR?
Gainesville’s official Animal Control page says City Council approved an ordinance change allowing feral cat Trap-Neuter-Return to be practiced legally under program requirements.
How do I volunteer at Noah’s Ark?
The volunteer page asks interested volunteers to complete a profile, get in touch and visit the shelter. Volunteer questions are listed through volunteerNAAS@yahoo.com.
Is Animal-Shelter.org the official Noah’s Ark website?
No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide. Use the official Noah’s Ark, City of Gainesville, Cooke County and Texas DSHS sources for live instructions.
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.