Kansas City Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
If you searched for the Kansas City animal shelter, this page covers Kansas City, Missouri and the Kansas City Campus for Animal Care at 7077 Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64132. KC Pet Project manages the City’s municipal shelter, while the City of Kansas City now handles Animal Control through its Animal Services Division.
That distinction matters. If you want to adopt, reclaim a lost pet, surrender an owned pet or get shelter support, KC Pet Project is usually the right route. If you need an officer for a loose dog, bite, dangerous animal, cruelty or another field-service complaint, start with 311.
First Check: Kansas City, Missouri or Kansas City, Kansas?
“Kansas City animal shelter” is an easy search to misunderstand because the metro crosses a state line. This guide is specifically for Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO).
Kansas City, Missouri
Municipal shelter: Kansas City Campus for Animal Care, 7077 Elmwood Ave.
KC Pet Project manages shelter operations. City Animal Services handles field Animal Control.
Kansas City, Kansas
Kansas City, Kansas uses a separate municipal Animal Services system. Do not use KCMO’s 311 animal-services route simply because the other city is nearby.
For lost/found or Animal Control work, always use the agency serving the place where the animal was found or the incident occurred.
Kansas City Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
The main campus has different public windows for adoption and for Admissions/Lost & Found. The entrances are also on different sides of the building.
| Need | Current hours | Where / practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption |
Monday–Sunday 12:00 PM–6:00 PM |
Use the south adoption entrance. No standard appointment is required to meet shelter pets. |
| Admissions & Lost / Found |
Monday–Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM |
Use the north entrance / Pet Support Center side. |
| Pet Helpline |
Monday–Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM |
Call KC Pet Project at 816-683-1383 and ask for a Pet Support specialist. |
| Animal Services field response |
Daily 7:00 AM–10:00 PM |
Start through 311 / 816-513-1313 or the myKCMO service system. |
How to Adopt From KC Pet Project
KC Pet Project does not require you to complete adoption paperwork before you arrive. Start with the live pet listings, then make the shelter visit around the animal’s actual location.
Search the live adoption listings
Open the official KC Pet Project adoptable-pets page . Current listings show dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals.
KC Pet Project says availability and pet location are updated in real time. Click the animal’s profile to see whether the pet is at the main campus, another adoption center or a foster home.
Check the animal’s location before driving
A pet shown online may be at the Swope Park shelter, Zona Rosa, another adoption site or in foster. Do not assume every listed animal is physically at 7077 Elmwood.
Visit during adoption hours
For a shelter pet, go to the south adoption entrance during 12 PM–6 PM daily. KC Pet Project says you normally do not need an appointment to meet available pets.
Meet pets with an adoption team member
Once staff is available, an adoption team member can help you look at animals and discuss temperament, medical history, energy level and household fit.
KC Pet Project does not currently facilitate shelter meet-and-greets between a potential new pet and a resident pet. Ask staff for safe at-home introduction guidance instead.
Complete paperwork after finding the right match
Adoption paperwork is completed after you decide a pet is a good fit. An adoption counselor then reviews the adoption with you. Allow about an hour under normal conditions and extra time during busy adoption events.
Prepare safe transportation before checkout
Dog adopters need an appropriate leash and collar. Cat adopters need a secure carrier. KC Pet Project sells supplies, but arriving prepared keeps checkout simpler.
Buy the KCMO license if you live in Kansas City, Missouri
Dogs, cats and ferrets residing in KCMO must be licensed. KC Pet Project’s adoption information currently tells KCMO adopters to expect a $12 city-license charge at adoption.
KC Pet Project Adoption Fees 2026
These are the standard fees currently published in KC Pet Project’s adoption information. Temporary promotions can reduce or waive fees, so check the live adoption page before assuming the standard amount applies to a specific pet today.
| Pet | Current standard fee | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Adult dog | $85 | Specials or fee-waived lists may change the fee for an individual dog. |
| Small-breed dog / puppy | $250 | Higher-demand categories can move quickly. |
| Senior dog — age 7+ | Fee waived | Ask about age-specific medical or mobility needs. |
| Adult cat | $75 | Carrier required for safe transport home. |
| Kitten | $150 | Ask about remaining age-appropriate vaccine schedule. |
| Senior cat — age 10+ | Fee waived | Discuss ongoing veterinary needs before adoption. |
| Rabbit / guinea pig | $30 | Prepare species-appropriate housing and supplies. |
| Chicken | $25 | Check local housing/animal rules before adoption. |
What Is Included With a KC Pet Project Adoption?
Spay / neuter
KC Pet Project says adoptable pets are spayed or neutered before going home.
Microchip
Adopted pets receive a microchip. Keep your registration and contact details current after adoption.
Age-appropriate vaccines
Adoptable animals receive age-appropriate vaccinations and intestinal deworming.
Heartworm testing
Current adoption information says dogs receive heartworm testing as part of the shelter’s adoption preparation.
FeLV testing
Current adoption FAQ information lists FeLV testing for cats.
Continue routine veterinary care
Shelter care prepares the pet for adoption; it does not replace long-term wellness, dental, booster, parasite-prevention or illness care with your own veterinarian.
Early Bird Hold for a Pet Still on Stray Hold
Small dogs, puppies and specialty breeds can move quickly. KC Pet Project offers an Early Bird option for some animals that are still completing their stray hold.
How the Early Bird amount works
The Early Bird hold is currently $50. Of that amount, $25 is a non-refundable donation and $25 is applied toward the adoption fee if you ultimately adopt the pet.
A hold does not override reclaim
The stray animal’s legal owner still has the opportunity to reclaim the pet during the mandatory hold. An Early Bird hold gives a potential adopter first adoption opportunity only if the animal later becomes available.
Lost Pet in Kansas City, Missouri: Reclaim Quickly
Waiting can cost valuable time. KC Pet Project says stray animals without an identified owner are held for a mandatory five-day period before other placement options can begin.
Check the live found-pet listings
Start with the official KC Pet Project lost-pet page and follow its found-pet search links.
Visit 7077 Elmwood as soon as you can
KC Pet Project says the owner is the best person to identify their own animal and recommends visiting the shelter at the earliest available opportunity.
Lost & Found / Admissions hours are currently 10 AM–6 PM daily.
Bring proof that the pet is yours
Bring useful ownership evidence such as photos, veterinary records, microchip information, rabies records and city-license information when available.
Ask about Reclaim Fee Forgiveness
KC Pet Project currently waives normal reclaim intake fees when a pet is reclaimed within the first three days of impoundment.
| Possible reclaim cost | Current published amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Reclaim intake fee | Waived within first 3 days | Through KC Pet Project’s current Reclaim Fee Forgiveness program. |
| Rabies vaccination | $15 | If current rabies-vaccination proof cannot be provided. |
| KCMO pet license | $12 through KC Pet Project | Current KCMO license is still required. |
| Discounted microchip | $10 | Optional discounted microchip through the reclaim program. |
Found a Stray Pet in Kansas City?
A friendly loose pet may belong only a few houses away. KC Pet Project’s found-pet guidance starts with identification and neighborhood reunification before assuming shelter intake is the only answer.
Check tags
Look safely for a collar, engraved number, city license or other visible identification.
Scan for a microchip
A veterinarian or animal shelter can scan for a microchip. The chip is identification, not GPS.
Report the found pet
Use KC Pet Project’s official found-pet guidance and include the exact location/cross streets where the pet was found.
Emergency & Important Kansas City Animal Contacts
Kansas City’s shelter phone and Animal Services number are not interchangeable. Use the purpose labels below.
| Contact | Number | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| KC Pet Project / Main Shelter | 816-683-1383 | Shelter questions, Pet Support, adoption information, lost/found shelter support and surrender guidance. |
| Kansas City Animal Services / 311 |
311 816-513-1313 |
Loose or dangerous animals, stray pickup requests, animal bites, cruelty/neglect, nuisance complaints, animal permits and other Animal Control field-service concerns. |
| After-hours Animal Services emergency routing | 816-513-1313 | City Animal Services says to call 311 / this number after hours. If the call center message says closed, stay on the line for the Animal Services prompt. |
| Emergency | 911 | Immediate threat to human life, active serious attack, or another emergency requiring police, fire or EMS. |
| KCPD Non-Emergency | 816-234-5111 | A non-emergency police matter when police—not routine Animal Services—is the appropriate agency. |
| Kansas City Health Department | 816-513-6152 | Communicable-disease / animal-bite reporting questions during normal Health Department business hours. Animal-bite field reporting still starts with Animal Services. |
Animal Bite or Possible Rabies Exposure in Kansas City
Report the bite to Animal Services
Call 311 or 816-513-1313. Be ready to describe the animal, owner if known, bite location, date/time and the animal’s last known location.
Preserve identifying information
If the animal belongs to someone, provide the owner name/address if known. If stray, report where it was last seen and the direction it traveled.
Expect a rabies-quarantine process
Kansas City Animal Services states that biting animals must undergo rabies quarantine and lists a 10-day quarantine period from the date and time of the bite.
Owner Surrender at KC Pet Project
Surrender is not a same-day walk-in shortcut. KC Pet Project currently requires an appointment and says surrender appointments may be booked approximately 4–6 weeks out depending on capacity.
| Surrender category | Current fee | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Single animal | $20 | Appointment required. |
| Single animal — outside-jurisdiction return | $50 | Confirm jurisdiction and eligibility before traveling. |
| Litter — 3+ from same litter | $75 | Submit the appropriate surrender request first. |
| Mother + litter | $95 | Capacity and appointment availability still control timing. |
Try retention or rehoming support first
Review KC Pet Project’s official pet-surrender and support page . Its Pet Support team may be able to help with resources or safe rehoming alternatives.
Submit one surrender questionnaire for each pet
Use the correct dog, cat, small-pet or litter request. Same-day owner surrender is generally not available.
Prepare proof of Kansas City residency
Bring current valid photo ID or other proof of residence requested for the appointment.
Send complete veterinary records
Medical history, medications and treatment information help the shelter understand the animal’s needs and plan safer placement.
Use safe restraint when arriving
Dogs should be securely leashed. Cats must arrive in a sturdy carrier. Surrender appointments use the north parking area near Admissions / Pet Support.
Kansas City, Missouri Pet License Fees
Kansas City requires resident dogs, cats and ferrets to have a current rabies vaccination and City license.
| License | Current City fee | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year license | $10 | Current rabies-vaccination proof. KC Pet Project currently lists an additional $2 administrative fee when the license is purchased through its locations, making the usual KCPP total $12. |
| 3-year license | $27 | Pet must qualify with a current 3-year rabies vaccination under the City’s current licensing rule. |
Get the rabies certificate ready
Licensing requires proof of current rabies vaccination from a veterinarian.
Choose the application route
Use the official Kansas City Animal Licenses page to review City requirements. Licenses are also available through KC Pet Project locations and authorized veterinary offices.
Keep the license associated with the pet
A current City license can help Animal Services identify the owner if a pet is found or impounded.
Public Microchips and Veterinary-Service Reality Check
Public microchipping
KC Pet Project currently offers public microchips for dogs and cats for $25.
No appointment is required during normal business hours at KC Pet Project locations.
Low-cost veterinary support exists
KC Pet Project’s Healthy Pets KC program supports access to low-cost vaccinations, spay/neuter and other veterinary services for community pets and families facing barriers to care.
No universal public exam price published
The current official pages reviewed for this article do not publish one comprehensive public walk-in exam schedule and universal exam fee for all owned pets.
For that reason this page does not invent a veterinary appointment price or pretend the shelter clinic works like a full-service public veterinary hospital.
KC Pet Project Veterinary Leadership
Dr. Heather Kennedy, D.V.M.
KC Pet Project’s current leadership page lists Dr. Heather Kennedy, D.V.M. as Chief Veterinary Officer.
This is an organizational medical-leadership role. It does not mean Dr. Kennedy is personally scheduled for every adopter, surrender, microchip visit or community veterinary request.
Veterinary staff care for shelter animals
KC Pet Project states that it employs shelter veterinarians and veterinary technicians who provide medical care for animals entering the shelter.
Current public pages do not publish an individual doctor-by-doctor appointment timetable for owned pets, so none is fabricated here.
Kansas City Rules That Can Affect Pet Owners
Dogs, cats and ferrets
Kansas City, Missouri requires resident dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed with the City.
Up to four domestic animals
City Animal Services currently states that a household may keep up to four domestic animals in the covered combination of dogs, cats, Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs or ferrets.
Check Chapter 14 or Animal Services if your household situation involves permits or exceptions.
Get a 311 case number
When reporting an animal issue through 311 or myKCMO, keep the case/activity number so you can check status later.
If the Animal Is Outside Kansas City, Missouri
The nearest shelter is not always the correct jurisdiction. Start with the location where the animal was lost, found or involved in an incident.
Independence, Missouri
East of Kansas City, use the separate Independence Animal Shelter & Control guide for that City’s Regional Animal Shelter and field-services system.
Olathe, Kansas
On the Kansas side, the Olathe Animal Shelter & Control guide covers Olathe’s separate shelter, Animal Control and licensing routes.
St. Joseph, Missouri
For a pet or Animal Services issue farther north, use the St. Joseph Animal Shelter & Control guide rather than Kansas City contacts.
Unsure which shelter serves the location?
Use the Animal Shelter Near Me finder guide to work out the correct city/county jurisdiction before transporting a stray or calling the wrong Animal Control office.
Map: Kansas City Campus for Animal Care
Main municipal shelter: 7077 Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64132, in Swope Park.
Adoptions entrance
Adoption visitors use the south side of the campus. Current adoption hours are daily from noon to 6 PM.
Admissions / Pet Support
Lost & Found, Admissions and owner-surrender appointments use the north-side Pet Support / Admissions area.
Official Kansas City Animal Help Links
The page above summarizes the current process so you do not have to piece it together yourself. Use the official links below for live animal availability, forms, current specials and same-day changes.
Kansas City Animal Shelter FAQ: Top 10 Questions
1. Where is the Kansas City, Missouri animal shelter?
The City’s main municipal shelter is the Kansas City Campus for Animal Care at 7077 Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64132. KC Pet Project manages shelter operations there.
2. What are Kansas City animal shelter adoption hours?
Current main-campus adoption hours are Monday through Sunday, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Admissions and Lost & Found are open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
3. Do I need an appointment to adopt from KC Pet Project?
No standard appointment is required to visit available shelter pets. Check the animal’s live profile first because some animals are at other KC Pet Project locations or in foster homes.
4. How much does it cost to adopt a dog or cat from KC Pet Project?
Current standard fees are $85 for adult dogs, $250 for small-breed dogs and puppies, $75 for adult cats and $150 for kittens. Senior dogs age 7+ and senior cats age 10+ currently have waived standard adoption fees. Specials can temporarily change these amounts.
5. What is included with a KC Pet Project adoption?
Current adoption information says pets are spayed or neutered, microchipped, receive age-appropriate vaccines and deworming, and receive species-appropriate testing such as heartworm testing for dogs or FeLV testing for cats.
6. Who do I call for Kansas City Animal Control?
Kansas City, Missouri Animal Services handles field Animal Control. Call 311 or 816-513-1313 for loose or dangerous animals, bites, cruelty/neglect, nuisance complaints and other animal-control concerns. KC Pet Project no longer operates the City’s Animal Control field division.
7. What should I do if my pet is lost in Kansas City?
Check KC Pet Project’s found-pet listings immediately and visit 7077 Elmwood during Admissions/Lost & Found hours. Strays are held for five days. Current Reclaim Fee Forgiveness waives normal intake fees when a pet is reclaimed within the first three days, although license or rabies costs may still apply.
8. Can I surrender my pet to KC Pet Project today?
Usually not as a same-day walk-in. Owner surrender requires an appointment, and the current surrender page says appointments may be booked roughly 4–6 weeks out depending on capacity. Submit the correct surrender request first.
9. How much is a Kansas City, Missouri pet license?
The City currently lists a one-year license at $10 and a qualifying three-year license at $27. KC Pet Project lists a $2 administrative fee on one-year licenses purchased through its locations, making that route $12. Dogs, cats and ferrets must have current rabies vaccination and a City license.
10. Does KC Pet Project offer veterinary care or microchips?
KC Pet Project currently offers public dog and cat microchipping for $25 without an appointment during normal business hours. It also operates shelter-medicine and community veterinary-support programs. Dr. Heather Kennedy, D.V.M. is listed as Chief Veterinary Officer. Current public pages do not publish one universal owned-pet examination fee or doctor-by-doctor public appointment schedule, so this guide does not invent one.
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.