Rochester Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
The public shelter behind most searches for “Rochester Animal Shelter” is Rochester Animal Services (RAS), a City of Rochester division at 184 Verona Street, Rochester, NY 14608. It handles adoptions, lost and found pets, field Animal Control, pet-owner support, foster care and community animal services.
If you are hoping to adopt, pay attention to the adoption hours rather than only the building hours. The City’s current dedicated adoption page lists pet adoption access daily from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Standard facility hours extend later on weekdays.
Verified September 19, 2026
Address, adoption hours, shelter hours, current adoption fees, Animal Control routing, lost-pet contacts, rabies reporting, dog licensing and 2026 adoption-event updates were checked against current City of Rochester and Monroe County sources.
This is a city agency
Rochester Animal Services is a division of the City of Rochester Department of Recreation and Human Services. It is not the same organization as Lollypop Farm or Verona Street Animal Society.
Independent guide
Animal-Shelter.org is not Rochester Animal Services, the City of Rochester, Monroe County Health, police, 311 or an emergency dispatcher.
Rochester Animal Services Adoption Hours vs. Facility Hours
This is the hour distinction most likely to save you a wasted trip. The current City adoption page has a narrower adoption window than the current general facility schedule.
| Service | Current published hours | What that means |
|---|---|---|
| Pet adoption |
Monday–Sunday 12:00 PM–3:30 PM |
Use this window if your goal is to meet and adopt an animal at the shelter. |
| General facility — weekdays |
Monday–Friday 12:00 PM–6:00 PM |
Current location and adoption-process pages list later general facility access on weekdays. |
| General facility — weekend |
Saturday–Sunday 12:00 PM–4:00 PM |
Weekend facility hours end at 4 PM. |
| Selected holidays / training | Check before visit | Other current City pages still note selected holiday closures and a third-Tuesday staff/volunteer training closure. |
How to Adopt From Rochester Animal Services
Rochester uses an open, conversational adoption approach. Shelter animals and foster animals follow slightly different first steps, and every adoption remains first-come, first-served.
Check the current animal listing
Start with the official Rochester Animal Services adoptable-pet pages. Save the animal’s name or ID, but remember that an online listing does not reserve the pet.
Shelter pet? Go in person
For an animal physically at the shelter, the City directs adopters to come to 184 Verona Street for counseling and an in-person meeting.
Foster pet? Apply online first
For animals in foster care, submit the online adoption application. An approved applicant is contacted to arrange counseling and a meet-and-greet.
Bring proof of identity and address
Rochester asks adopters to bring proof of identity showing a current address.
Complete counseling and paperwork
Expect an adopter profile, visitation waiver, counseling about the animal and an adoption agreement.
Pay the applicable fee
Standard fees vary by animal type. City dog licensing can also apply to dogs living within Rochester.
Rochester Animal Services Adoption Fees
| Animal | Standard listed fee | Useful note |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | $50 | Standard dog adoption package includes extensive veterinary and identification services. |
| Cat | $35 | Includes sterilization, vaccines, screening, microchip and other listed care. |
| Rabbit | $30 | Confirm the specific rabbit’s medical and care records. |
| Pocket pet | $3 | Availability changes and these animals are less commonly listed. |
| Chicken | $5 | City animal/poultry rules may apply depending on where the animal will live. |
What the Dog and Cat Adoption Fee Includes
Spay / neuter
Dogs and cats are sterilized before adoption.
Vaccinations & deworming
The standard adoption package includes vaccinations, deworming and an initial flea-control treatment.
Disease screening
Dogs receive heartworm screening; cats receive FeLV/FIV screening.
Microchip & ID
Dog and cat adoptions include microchip identification, an ID tag and a free health-exam voucher.
Rochester Fee-Waived Adoption Opportunities: Fall 2026
Rochester Animal Services is operating with reduced kennel capacity during ongoing shelter renovations, and the City is using special adoption events to help pets move into homes and foster care.
September 26
Fee-waived adoption event at Rochester Animal Services, scheduled 12 PM–4 PM for eligible pets.
October 11
Rochester’s Rescue Effect schedule includes an off-site adoption event at the East Rochester Farmers’ Market, with shelter adoption activity also scheduled at Verona Street.
October 31
RAS Halloween Adoption Event scheduled at 184 Verona Street from 12 PM–4 PM.
Rochester Animal Emergency & Important Contacts
Rochester has a clear 311-versus-911 split for animal calls. Use the route the City actually publishes rather than assuming the shelter’s front desk is emergency dispatch.
| Need | Verified contact | Official purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Rochester Animal Services | 585-428-7274 | Adoption, shelter questions, found-pet support, owner services and general Rochester Animal Services contact. |
| Lost pet / surrender prevention | 585-428-6722 | Pet Reunification Specialist and current Pet Surrender Prevention contact. |
| City animal-control service request | 311 | Lost dogs, barking dogs, trapped animals, animals in distress, many bites/scratches and deceased-animal removal. |
| Vicious animal / immediate danger / sick or injured animal | 911 | Rochester’s Animal Control page directs vicious animals, animals chasing people and sick/injured animals through 911. |
| Non-emergency animal cruelty / neglect | 585-223-6500 | Greater Humane Society of Rochester and Monroe County route published by the City for non-emergency neglect/cruelty concerns. |
| Monroe County rabies / animal exposure | 585-753-5171 | Monroe County Rabies Program for bites, scratches, possible rabies exposure and related consultation. |
| Pet-owner support | 585-428-7008 | City pet-owner support for limited food/supplies, guidance and selected wellness resources. |
Rochester Animal Control: Call 311 or 911?
City says call 911 for
- Vicious animals.
- Animals actively chasing people.
- Sick or injured animals requiring the City’s field-response route.
- Intentional physical animal abuse or cruelty in progress.
City says use 311 for
- Lost dogs and found-pet guidance.
- Barking-dog complaints.
- Trapped animals.
- Animals in distress.
- Bites and scratches that break skin, except bat exposures.
- Deceased-animal removal.
Animal Cruelty: Rochester Animal Services vs. Lollypop Farm
Rochester Animal Services handles City animal-control and community-support work, but the City publishes a different route for non-emergency cruelty concerns.
Non-emergency neglect or cruelty
The City directs these concerns to the Greater Humane Society of Rochester and Monroe County at 585-223-6500.
Abuse happening now
For intentional physical abuse in progress—such as animal fighting or another immediate emergency—the City’s guidance includes the 911 route.
Lost or Found a Pet in Rochester?
Losing a pet is frightening, and waiting for one website to update can waste valuable time. Rochester Animal Services uses reports, shelter searches, neighborhood outreach and its Friendly Finder approach to get animals home sooner.
If your pet is missing
- Search the immediate neighborhood and knock on doors.
- Search Rochester Animal Services animals through its current lost/found tools.
- File a Lost Pet Report.
- Call the Pet Reunification Specialist at 585-428-6722.
- Visit 184 Verona Street and bring photos and vaccination records.
- Continue checking every couple of days if your pet is not immediately found.
If you found a friendly pet
- Check tags and safely look for identification.
- Knock on nearby doors before assuming the pet was abandoned.
- Submit a Found Pet Report.
- If you can safely hold the animal temporarily, Rochester may support a short Friendly Finder period.
- Call 585-428-7274 if you cannot safely hold the animal or need shelter guidance.
Rochester Stray Holding Periods
Do not wait several days before checking the shelter. Once a legal holding period ends, an unclaimed animal may become available for adoption or transfer.
Unidentified companion animals
Current City guidance describes a minimum three-day required holding period for unidentified companion animals.
Licensed dogs
Licensed dogs receive a longer seven-day holding period under the current City guidance.
Identified cats
Rochester says it extends the same seven-day period to identified cats.
Thinking About Surrendering a Pet?
If the problem is food, housing, behavior or another temporary barrier, Rochester asks owners to reach out before assuming surrender is the only option. Sometimes a little practical support can keep a pet with the family it already knows.
Call surrender prevention first
Contact the Pet Surrender Prevention Specialist at 585-428-6722.
Ask about support
Depending on resources, Rochester may be able to help with pet food, supplies, crate guidance, vaccinations, behavior support or locating pet-friendly housing.
Consider direct rehoming
If keeping the animal is no longer possible, City guidance provides self-rehoming options that may avoid the stress of a shelter stay.
Call before shelter intake
Contact Rochester Animal Services at 585-428-7274 for current intake guidance. Leaving an animal outside without staff admitting the pet may be considered abandonment.
Rochester Pet-Owner Support
Pet Food Pantry
City residents can use the current pet-food distribution program on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. Visits are limited and proof of current City address is required.
Vaccine clinics
Rochester Animal Services runs community vaccine and pet-identification opportunities during the year. Clinic dates are not permanent; check current City social/program notices.
Spay / neuter support
Rochester describes a public spay/neuter program and, where available, voucher assistance through partner clinics. Availability can depend on funding.
Rochester Dog License Fees
New York requires dogs four months and older to be licensed. For most privately owned Rochester dogs, licensing is handled through the City Clerk rather than the shelter.
| License | Current City fee | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Spayed / neutered dog | $10 | Current rabies certificate plus sterilization documentation. |
| Unaltered dog | $30 | Current rabies certificate required. |
| Purebred dog | $35 | Contact the City Clerk for current purebred-license details. |
| Lost replacement tag | $3 | Replacement of an existing City dog-license tag. |
Animal Bites, Scratches & Rabies in Rochester
Bite or scratch that breaks skin
Rochester’s Animal Control page routes many bites and scratches through 311. Seek appropriate medical care based on the injury.
Bat or possible rabies exposure
Monroe County directs bites, scratches and potential rabies exposures to the Rabies Program at 585-753-5171.
Is Rochester Animal Services a Public Veterinary Hospital?
Rochester Animal Services does provide shelter medicine and selected community pet-health programs, but it should not be represented as an ordinary walk-in veterinary hospital with a stable public doctor roster and fixed appointment fees.
Shelter veterinary care
Adoptable animals receive examination, necessary medical treatment, vaccination and sterilization before adoption.
Community programs
City programs include vaccination opportunities, spay/neuter support, microchip/ID services and incremental pet care.
No invented veterinarian
Rochester’s current public pages do not provide a stable named veterinarian schedule for public appointments. This guide therefore does not invent a doctor name, exam fee or clinic timetable.
Rochester Animal Services Leadership
Anastasia “Staci” Papadoplos
The current City leadership directory identifies Anastasia “Staci” Papadoplos as Director of Animal Services, responsible for the shelter’s operations, animal care and Animal Control unit.
Department structure
Rochester Animal Services operates within the City of Rochester Department of Recreation and Human Services, rather than as an independent private shelter.
Foster With Rochester Animal Services
Fostering is especially important in 2026 because construction has temporarily reduced kennel capacity while the Verona Street facility is being renovated.
Foster contact
Rochester Animal Services lists 585-428-8675 as the foster-program contact.
Shelter provides supplies
Rochester’s current foster page says the program supplies food, treats, toys and enrichment for animals in foster care.
Renovation context
The City’s 2026 renovation project temporarily reduces kennel space, making foster homes especially valuable while work continues.
Rochester Animal Services Map & Location
Rochester Animal Services is at 184 Verona Street, Rochester, NY 14608. The City’s FAQ describes the facility as across from Brown Square Park.
Official Rochester Animal Services Resources
Use these City and County pages for live pet availability, same-day instructions, forms and current program details.
Rochester Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the official Rochester animal shelter?
Rochester Animal Services is the City of Rochester municipal animal-services shelter at 184 Verona Street, Rochester, NY 14608.
What is the Rochester Animal Services phone number?
The main Rochester Animal Services number is 585-428-7274.
What are Rochester Animal Services adoption hours?
The City’s dedicated Pet Adoption page currently lists adoption hours Monday through Sunday from 12 PM to 3:30 PM.
What are the general Rochester Animal Services facility hours?
Current City location and adoption-process pages list Monday–Friday from 12 PM to 6 PM and Saturday–Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog in Rochester?
Rochester Animal Services currently lists the standard dog adoption fee as $50. Special events may temporarily reduce or waive it.
How much is a cat adoption?
The standard current cat adoption fee is $35.
Does Rochester Animal Services hold pets for adopters?
No. Rochester says adoptions are first-come, first-served and animals are not held for any reason.
What should I call for Animal Control in Rochester?
Rochester routes many routine animal-control service requests through 311. The official Animal Control page directs vicious animals, animals chasing people and sick or injured animals through 911.
What number should I call for a lost pet?
Rochester Animal Services lists its Pet Reunification Specialist at 585-428-6722. You can also visit the shelter at 184 Verona Street during current facility hours.
Who handles animal cruelty in Rochester?
The City directs non-emergency animal neglect or cruelty concerns to the Greater Humane Society of Rochester and Monroe County at 585-223-6500. Use 911 for intentional physical abuse or another emergency in progress.
Who handles rabies or animal-exposure questions?
Monroe County’s Rabies Program can be reached at 585-753-5171 for bites, scratches and possible rabies exposures.
How much is a Rochester dog license?
Current City fees list $10 for spayed/neutered dogs, $30 for unaltered dogs, $35 for purebred licenses and $3 for a replacement tag.
Is Rochester Animal Services a public veterinary hospital?
No. It is a municipal animal-services shelter. Rochester does offer shelter medicine and selected community vaccination, spay/neuter and pet-support programs, but its public pages do not present the facility as a standard walk-in veterinary hospital with a permanent public doctor schedule.
Who is the Director of Rochester Animal Services?
The current City leadership directory identifies Anastasia “Staci” Papadoplos as Director of Animal Services.
Is Animal-Shelter.org the official Rochester Animal Services website?
No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide. The official shelter information is published by the City of Rochester.
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.