Kern County on Fruitvale Animal Shelter & Adoption Guide 2026
Looking for the animal shelter on Fruitvale Avenue in Bakersfield? You’re looking for Kern County Animal Services (KCAS), located at 3951 Fruitvale Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93308.
Whether you’re hoping to bring home a dog or cat, searching for a missing pet, or trying to find the correct animal-control authority, this guide explains the hours, current fees, requirements, local service boundaries and practical next steps.
Is the Fruitvale Shelter the Same as the City of Bakersfield Shelter?
No. This distinction matters, especially if you’ve found a stray animal or need animal-control assistance.
Kern County Animal Services
3951 Fruitvale Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Phone: 661-868-7100
Provides shelter and adoption services, with specified field, licensing and intake services for unincorporated Kern County and participating contracted communities.
City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center
201 South Mt. Vernon Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93307
Shelter phone: 661-832-7387
The County’s jurisdiction guide identifies this as the separate animal-care center serving residents within Bakersfield city limits.
Kern County Fruitvale Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
The County publishes different public hours for adoption/intake and for licensing or spay/neuter vouchers. Use the correct schedule for your reason for visiting.
| Day | Adoption / Redemption / Intake | Licensing / Spay-Neuter Vouchers |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10 AM–4 PM | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–4 PM | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 2 PM–7 PM | 12 PM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–4 PM | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–4 PM | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–4 PM | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
How to Adopt a Dog or Cat at the Fruitvale Shelter
Choosing a pet is exciting, but the best match is not always the first animal you notice online. A short conversation about your household, schedule and the animal’s needs can make the transition easier for everyone.
Search the official adoptable animal listings
Open the Kern County adoptable animals page . Choose dogs, cats, foster animals or the complete listing. Record the animal’s name and ID number.
Check the animal’s current status
If you are interested in a particular animal but cannot visit immediately, KCAS asks you to note its name and ID and email animalservices@kerncounty.com as soon as possible. An inquiry does not guarantee the animal will remain available.
Choose a suitable visit time
Visit during the published adoption hours. If you are unsure whether you need an appointment for your specific situation, use the official appointment guidance . General adoption visits are not listed among the services that require appointments.
Bring identification and prepare questions
Bring a government-issued ID and a way to pay any applicable fee. Confirm current requirements with shelter staff. Ask about the pet’s known medical history, temperament, energy level and experience with people or other animals.
Meet the animal and discuss household compatibility
Explain whether you live in a house or apartment, have children or other animals, and how much time you can dedicate to exercise, training and adjustment.
Review the adoption fee and included services
Confirm the current fee and ask whether a reduced-fee promotion applies. Standard adoption fees include sterilization, initial vaccinations and microchipping.
Prepare for the first week at home
Arrange safe transportation, pet food, sleeping space, a secure leash or carrier and a quiet place to settle. Newly adopted animals often need patience and a predictable routine as they adjust.
Kern County Animal Shelter Adoption Fees 2026
KCAS publishes standard fees but also runs reduced-fee adoption promotions. The amount charged on a particular day may be lower than the standard rate.
| Animal | Published Standard Fee | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Adult dog | $85 | Standard dog adoption rate. |
| Puppy | $75–$85 | The official adoption listing and general fee page use slightly different age cutoffs for puppy pricing. Confirm the specific animal’s fee with staff. |
| Male kitten or cat | $40 | Standard rate before eligible promotions. |
| Female kitten or cat | $50 | Standard rate before eligible promotions. |
| Senior citizen dog adoption rate | $75 | Published fee-page rate for adopters age 62 or older. Confirm applicable conditions. |
Find Available Dogs and Cats at the Kern County Shelter
KCAS maintains separate views for adoptable dogs, cats, animals in foster homes and animals considered at greater risk. The online listing is useful for narrowing your choices, but adoption availability can change.
Adoptable dogs
Browse dogs of different ages and sizes, then ask staff which animals might fit your living situation.
Adoptable cats
Browse current cats and kittens and ask about temperament, medical care and introductions to other household pets.
Animals in foster care
Some adoptable pets live temporarily in foster homes. Their meeting arrangements may differ from those of animals housed at Fruitvale.
Lost Your Dog or Cat in Bakersfield or Kern County?
Losing a pet can be frightening. Don’t wait for someone to telephone you or assume that the first online search contains every animal currently in shelter care.
Start with the official lost-pet resources
Use KCAS lost-pet instructions and the linked Petco Love Lost search. Search using your pet’s photo and location details.
Check shelters beyond Fruitvale
A pet may be in a different municipal shelter. Check relevant Bakersfield, Kern Valley and other nearby agencies according to where the pet may have traveled.
Visit in person for a possible match
KCAS specifically recommends personally checking kennels because some animals may not be listed immediately or may have inaccurate photographs/descriptions.
Contact the shelter promptly
If you think your pet is in KCAS care, email animalservices@kerncounty.com as soon as possible. Bring identification, photos, veterinary records, license or microchip details.
Found a Stray Animal? Fruitvale Intake Rules Matter
Before taking a stray dog to the Fruitvale shelter, confirm whether KCAS is the right agency for your home address. The County’s rules are more specific than simply saying that anyone in Bakersfield may drop off an animal.
Stray dog intake
Eligible unincorporated Kern County residents may bring stray or abandoned animals to a KCAS shelter, subject to capacity and intake policy.
KCAS recommends calling first to confirm that space is available and provides an official intake appointment route.
Dogs must be on a leash or in a suitable cage/carrier. Aggressive dogs must be muzzled.
Stray or feral cats
KCAS currently states that it does not accept stray, lost or feral cats through its standard stray intake process.
Use the County’s found-cat and feral-cat guidance rather than arriving with a cat and assuming it can be admitted.
Read the official Kern County intake policy and find the intake appointment link
Owner Surrender at Kern County Animal Services
Rehoming a pet can be a difficult decision. If financial problems, housing, behavior or a temporary change in circumstances are making it hard to keep your animal, explore available rehoming resources before arranging a surrender.
| Requirement | Current County Policy |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Eligible residents of unincorporated Kern County and covered contracted communities. |
| Animal type | KCAS currently states that owner surrender intake is limited to dogs, not cats. |
| Appointment | Required for owner surrender. Each animal needs its own appointment. |
| Fee | $20 per surrendered animal. |
| Minimum age | At least eight weeks old. |
| Vaccinations | Documented Bordetella and Parvo/Distemper vaccinations at least 72 hours before the appointment. |
| Documentation | Proof of ownership is required. |
Review all official surrender requirements and start the appointment process
Emergency & Important Contacts
The contacts below serve different purposes. An ordinary shelter phone number should never be treated as 911, and a County Animal Control number should not be used automatically for incidents inside another city’s jurisdiction.
| Contact | Verified Number | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Kern County Animal Services | 661-868-7100 | General Fruitvale shelter contact for adoption, redemption, office questions and animal services. |
| KCAS Animal Control Dispatch |
661-868-7100
Option 2 |
County Animal Control dispatch. The official dispatch schedule is Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM, excluding County holidays. |
| KCAS After-Hours / Weekend Animal Emergency |
661-868-7100
Option 2 |
Official KCAS after-hours and weekend emergency animal-control routing. |
| Immediate Emergency | 911 | Immediate danger to human life or a situation requiring emergency police, fire or medical response. |
| City of Bakersfield Animal Control | 661-326-3436 | Animal Control route identified by KCAS for incorporated Bakersfield city jurisdictions. |
| Bakersfield Police — After-Hours Animal-Control Routing | 661-327-7111 | After-hours Bakersfield Police contact listed in the County’s animal intake guidance for Bakersfield City. Not the County shelter’s routine adoption number. |
Animal Bite, Rabies Concern or Animal Cruelty Reporting
Animal bites
KCAS provides an official bite-reporting form for its jurisdiction, including unincorporated Kern County and applicable contracted areas.
The County states that bite investigations take place Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM, excluding County holidays. Animals may be quarantined or impounded for a ten-day rabies observation period.
Animal cruelty or neglect
KCAS accepts reports concerning animal cruelty, neglect, barking complaints, loose animals, injured animals and other animal-control issues.
Report the exact location, what you observed, the date/time and any useful supporting details. Do not put yourself in danger to obtain evidence.
Use Kern County’s official animal-control reports and complaints page
Kern County Dog Licensing Fees and Renewal
Kern County dog-license requirements apply according to the County’s licensing jurisdiction. Do not assume they replace separate incorporated-city licensing programs.
| Dog License | 1 Year | 3 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Spayed / Neutered | $15 | $30 |
| Unaltered Dog | $60 | $120 |
| Senior Rate — Altered Dog | $5 | $15 |
| Qualified Service Dog | No fee | No fee |
Senior discount: age 62 or older, for up to three qualifying altered dogs. Other penalties or fees may apply to late or noncompliant licenses. Cats are not required to be licensed by Kern County.
Check your licensing jurisdiction
Confirm that Kern County rather than a separate city licensing department handles your address.
Prepare your dog’s information
Have identifying details, current rabies records and proof of sterilization if claiming an altered-dog rate.
Use the official licensing process
Open the Kern County licensing page and follow the DocuPet online or applicable office process.
Veterinary Services, Vaccines & Microchipping at Fruitvale
Kern County Animal Services offers vaccination and microchipping resources. These should not be confused with a full-service public veterinary hospital or emergency animal clinic.
Microchipping
Microchips are available through KCAS vaccine clinics and the Fruitvale shelter front office during its published microchipping hours.
Unincorporated Kern County residents: Free.
Other residents: $15.
Low-cost vaccine clinics
Licensed veterinarians provide vaccinations at scheduled Kern County clinics. These are offered at designated dates/locations rather than as continuous daily walk-in vaccination service.
Dogs must be leashed and cats must be carried in secure carriers.
Shelter and foster medical care
KCAS has a medical team supporting animals in its care and its foster programs.
The official information reviewed does not establish a general walk-in veterinary hospital with individually published doctor appointments and examination fees.
Check the official Kern County vaccination and microchipping schedule
Low-Cost Spay & Neuter Assistance in Kern County
KCAS publishes voucher programs and scheduled low-cost spay/neuter services. Eligibility can depend on residence, the program and the animal’s circumstances.
Check program eligibility
The County’s low-income voucher programs require qualifying unincorporated Kern County residency.
Find a participating veterinarian
Use the participating-veterinarian list provided on the official County program page.
Confirm the appointment and extra costs
Ask whether vaccinations, examinations or additional office charges are required beyond the voucher.
Obtain the voucher at Fruitvale
Once you have the qualifying veterinary appointment, follow County instructions for obtaining the voucher from the shelter front office within the specified 30-day appointment window.
Check Kern County spay/neuter programs, voucher requirements and clinic appointment options
Want to Help Without Adopting? Foster or Volunteer
If you cannot commit to permanent adoption, you may still be able to make a meaningful difference. KCAS offers foster opportunities for animals that need temporary care, recovery time or a break from shelter life.
Dog fostering
Foster opportunities can range from short outings and weekend stays to longer-term placement.
Official dog foster contact:
dogfoster@kerncounty.com
661-868-7130
Cat and kitten fostering
Foster homes help care for young kittens, recovering cats and other animals needing temporary home placement.
Official cat foster contact:
catfoster@kerncounty.com
661-868-7131
See the official Kern County foster program and application guidance
Fruitvale Shelter Service Area: Which Communities Are Covered?
Some Kern County Animal Services programs are restricted to unincorporated communities and contracted cities. The County specifically identifies communities such as Oildale, Lamont, Mojave, Rosamond and Frazier Park in its unincorporated service-area guidance, along with contractual service arrangements involving Arvin and Tehachapi.
However, shelter services, field response, licensing and stray intake do not necessarily have identical boundaries. Confirm the particular service before contacting the shelter.
Use the County’s official jurisdiction list to find the correct local animal-service authority
Before You Drive to 3951 Fruitvale Avenue
Adoption visit checklist
- Confirm today’s adoption hours.
- Check the current adoptable animal listing.
- Record your preferred pet’s name and ID.
- Bring identification and suitable payment.
- Prepare safe transport for the pet.
- Allow time to ask behavior and care questions.
Lost pet or intake checklist
- Confirm that KCAS serves your address.
- Call ahead for intake capacity if bringing an animal.
- Use a leash, secure carrier or proper restraint.
- Bring relevant animal identification information.
- For reclaim, bring ownership records and photos.
- Check the correct intake or redemption hours.
Map and Directions: Kern County Animal Shelter on Fruitvale
Kern County Animal Services – Bakersfield
3951 Fruitvale Avenue
Bakersfield, California 93308
Use the Fruitvale Avenue address when navigating. It is distinct from the City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center on South Mt. Vernon Avenue.
For accessibility assistance or specific arrival requirements, contact the shelter before visiting.
Official Kern County Animal Services Resources
These links lead to County-managed pages relevant to the procedures described in this guide.
Kern County Fruitvale Animal Shelter: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Kern County animal shelter on Fruitvale?
Kern County Animal Services is located at 3951 Fruitvale Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93308. The official shelter phone is 661-868-7100.
2. What are the Fruitvale animal shelter adoption hours?
Adoption, redemption and intake hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and Wednesday from 2 PM to 7 PM. County holidays are excluded.
3. Is the Fruitvale shelter open on Sunday?
Sunday is not listed as a regular public adoption day. Confirm any exceptional holiday or special-event schedule through the official KCAS website.
4. How much does adopting a dog from Kern County cost?
The published standard adult dog adoption fee is $85. Puppies have published rates of $75 or $85 depending on the applicable category. Reduced-fee promotions may apply.
5. How much does adopting a cat cost?
Standard Kern County adoption fees are $40 for a male kitten or cat and $50 for a female kitten or cat, before eligible promotions.
6. Can I take a found animal to the Fruitvale shelter?
Eligible residents of unincorporated Kern County may use KCAS intake services subject to policy and available capacity. The County says the person’s residence address determines eligibility. KCAS does not accept stray, lost or feral cats through its standard intake policy.
7. What number do I call for Kern County Animal Control?
Call 661-868-7100 and choose option 2 for County Animal Control dispatch. The same number and option are officially listed for after-hours and weekend animal emergencies.
8. How do I find my lost dog or cat in Bakersfield?
Start with the KCAS lost-pet resources and Petco Love Lost, check relevant local shelters, and visit in person when possible. If your pet may be at KCAS, email animalservices@kerncounty.com promptly.
9. Does Kern County Animal Services provide vaccines and microchips?
Yes. KCAS offers scheduled low-cost vaccination clinics and microchipping. Microchips are free for unincorporated Kern County residents and $15 for other residents under the published program.
10. Is the Fruitvale animal shelter the same as Bakersfield Animal Care Center?
No. Fruitvale is Kern County Animal Services at 3951 Fruitvale Avenue. The separate City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center is at 201 South Mt. Vernon Avenue. Jurisdiction determines which agency handles many animal-control and intake matters.
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.