Alaqua Animal Shelter Florida & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this guide before visiting Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, Florida. It covers adoption hours, address, phone numbers, dog and cat adoption steps, fees, lost-pet help, rehoming support, spay/neuter resources, map directions and official links.
Important: Alaqua is a private nonprofit animal refuge and adoption organization, not the same as Walton County Animal Control. If you need a public animal-control officer for a stray, abandoned, dangerous or urgent animal situation, use the Walton County route explained below.
Alaqua Animal Shelter Florida Quick Details
Most visitors need the same basic details before they call, apply, plan a family visit, check an animal listing, or decide whether they should contact Alaqua or Walton County Animal Services.
Address
155 Dugas Way, Freeport, FL 32439.
Use the embedded map below for directions before you leave.
Main phone
850-880-6399.
For adoption-specific questions, Alaqua also lists adoption phone numbers on its contact page.
Public hours
Tuesday through Sunday: 11 AM–4 PM.
Monday is closed. Major holidays and weather can affect visits.
Organization type
Alaqua is a nonprofit animal refuge, adoption center and sanctuary.
It is not the same as a county animal-control dispatch service.
Alaqua Animal Refuge Adoption Hours 2026
Alaqua’s public visiting hours are simple, but you should still confirm before a long drive because weather, lightning, holidays, events, rescue work or animal-care needs can affect access.
Current listed visitor window
Alaqua lists public visiting hours Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM. Monday is closed. Its visit page also notes the refuge is mostly outside, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
| Day | Listed Hours | Visitor Planning Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | Use Monday to review animals online, prepare questions and submit adoption interest. |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–4 PM | Good weekday visit window if you already checked current pet profiles. |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–4 PM | Call first if you are driving for one specific animal. |
| Thursday | 11 AM–4 PM | Good for adoption questions, tours and planning a follow-up visit. |
| Friday | 11 AM–4 PM | Confirm availability before weekend plans. |
| Saturday | 11 AM–4 PM | Expect more families and visitors; arrive early enough to ask questions. |
| Sunday | 11 AM–4 PM | Good weekend option, but confirm before visiting during holidays or storms. |
Alaqua Animal Refuge vs Animal Control
The title “Alaqua Animal Shelter & Control” can confuse visitors. Alaqua is a refuge and adoption organization. Public animal-control calls in Walton County are handled through Walton County Animal Services.
Adoption, visiting, rescue support and resources
- Viewing adoptable dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, birds, farm animals and small animals.
- Submitting adoption applications.
- Asking about adoption fees and animal match questions.
- Learning about rehoming resources and community pet support.
- Volunteering, fostering, donating or visiting the refuge.
Stray, abandoned or public-safety animal calls
- Loose or abandoned animals in Walton County.
- Lost animals taken to the public county shelter.
- Animal-control officer response requests.
- After-hours assistance through the official county route.
- Dangerous-animal or urgent public-safety situations.
How Adoption Works at Alaqua Animal Refuge
Alaqua’s adoption process is built around matching animals with lifelong homes. The application does not guarantee adoption or hold an animal, so plan carefully and confirm availability.
Start on the official Find a Pet page
Review the official animal listings first. Alaqua has categories for dogs, cats, horses, farm animals, rabbits, birds, small animals and tortoises.
Click the animal and submit an application
For many listings, you can click the animal profile and submit an application. You may list more than one animal if the form allows it.
Prepare adoption requirements
Alaqua’s guidelines say adopters should be at least 18, bring ID, provide a veterinary reference for current or recent pets, and confirm pet permission with a landlord if renting.
Visit the refuge to meet the animal
Alaqua says it does not restrict the area where it adopts, but you need to visit the refuge to meet the animal before adopting.
Ask match and transport questions
Ask about behavior, medical history, other animals, children, energy level, grooming, housing, special needs and safe transport after adoption.
Alaqua Animal Refuge Adoption Fees
Alaqua publishes adoption fee categories on its adoption guidelines page. Confirm current fees before adopting because fees, sponsorships and special programs can change.
Dogs
$150 is the listed dog adoption fee for dogs six months and older.
The guidelines say dog fees include preventative care, vaccinations, spay/neuter and microchip.
Puppies
$200 is the listed puppy adoption fee for puppies under six months.
Ask when the puppy can go home and what follow-up care is needed.
Cats
Cats are listed at $25 for cats over 8 years and $50 for cats 9 months to 8 years.
Listed cat fees include testing, vaccinations, spay/neuter and microchip.
Kittens
$125 is the listed kitten fee for kittens up to 9 months.
Alaqua notes a sponsored fee on the second kitten if two are adopted.
Other animals
Other animal fees vary by animal.
Ask staff about species-specific housing, diet, transport and care needs.
Microchip note
Alaqua’s guidelines say all animals will be microchipped.
Ask how the microchip registration is completed before you leave.
Animals You May See at Alaqua
Alaqua is not only a dog-and-cat shelter. Its official adoption menu includes many animal categories, and the visit page describes a large refuge setting with sanctuary animals as well as adoptable animals.
Dogs and puppies
Use the official dog page, read the profile, and call before driving for one specific dog.
Cats and kittens
Use the official cat page and bring a secure carrier if adoption may happen.
Horses
Alaqua lists horses as an adoption category, so ask about experience, fencing, transport and care needs.
Farm animals
Farm animals may require special property, shelter, feeding and local-rule checks.
Rabbits
Ask about enclosure size, indoor care, diet, litter setup and handling needs.
Birds
Ask about noise, cage size, diet, social needs and previous handling.
Small animals
Small pets still need proper enclosures, diet, enrichment and safe handling.
Tortoises
Ask about lifespan, habitat, temperature, diet and legal care requirements.
What to Bring Before You Visit Alaqua Animal Refuge
A smoother visit starts before you leave home. Bring the items that help staff confirm your information and help you safely transport an animal if an adoption moves forward.
Photo ID
Alaqua says it may ask for a copy of your driver’s license or picture ID at the time of adoption.
Veterinary reference
Prepare a veterinary reference if you have current pets or had pets in the past year.
Renter permission
If you rent, confirm with your landlord that pets are allowed before applying.
Comfortable shoes
Alaqua’s visit page says the facility is mostly outside, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Transport supplies
Bring a cat carrier, dog leash setup, or species-specific transport plan if adoption is likely.
Question list
Write down questions about food, behavior, medical notes, activity level, training and first-week care.
Lost Pet Help Near Alaqua Animal Refuge
Alaqua has a lost-pet resource form, but public stray intake and county animal-control routing may involve Walton County Animal Services. Act quickly and use more than one channel.
If your pet is missing
- Use Alaqua’s official lost-pet resource form if it applies to your situation.
- Contact Walton County Animal Services and check the county lost-pets route.
- Update your microchip information immediately.
- Post clear photos with location, date, time and contact information.
- Physically search nearby roads, neighborhoods, wooded areas and shelter locations.
If you found an animal
- Do not put yourself at risk with an injured, frightened or aggressive animal.
- Note the exact location where the animal was found.
- Ask the county shelter or a vet about microchip scanning.
- Contact the correct animal-control route before transporting the animal.
- Do not permanently rehome a found pet without following local requirements.
Rehome or Surrender Help at Alaqua
Alaqua’s rehoming page says it receives many requests and is often at capacity. Owner surrender may be space-available and for special circumstances, so do not assume same-day intake is possible.
Before asking Alaqua to take a pet
- Ask about rehoming options first.
- Prepare honest behavior and medical information.
- Include a good photo if using a courtesy listing route.
- Ask family, friends, trainers, rescues and pet-resource programs for help.
- Do not wait until the situation becomes an emergency.
What Alaqua’s courtesy listing can help with
- Pet owners can submit details for Alaqua’s Community Pets in Need page.
- Alaqua notes that people interested in the pet contact the owner directly.
- Alaqua says it does not facilitate those courtesy-listing adoptions.
- Owners should interview potential adopters carefully.
- Listings may stay online for a limited time unless removed sooner.
Spay, Neuter and Community Pet Support
Alaqua’s spay/neuter resource page explains why sterilization is important for pets and the community. The page also notes that animals adopted from Alaqua have already been spayed or neutered.
Adopted animals
Alaqua states that all animals adopted from the refuge have already been spayed or neutered.
Pets at home
If you already have an unaltered dog or cat, use Alaqua’s spay/neuter education page and ask local clinics about current options.
Ask before adoption
Before leaving with a pet, ask staff what medical records, microchip information and follow-up instructions you will receive.
Alaqua Animal Refuge Map, Directions & Visit Tips
Use the map for directions to 155 Dugas Way in Freeport. Before driving, confirm public hours, weather status, adoption availability and whether your visit needs a scheduled appointment.
Arrive early
Do not wait until close to 4 PM if you want time to meet animals and ask questions.
Plan for outdoors
Because the refuge is mostly outside, bring comfortable shoes and check the weather.
Call before long drives
Call first if you are traveling for one specific animal or during uncertain weather.
Official Alaqua and Animal-Control Links
Use official pages for final decisions. This guide is independent and should not replace current Alaqua or Walton County instructions.
Alaqua Animal Shelter Florida FAQ
What is the official name of Alaqua Animal Shelter Florida?
The official organization name is Alaqua Animal Refuge. Many people search for it as Alaqua Animal Shelter Florida, but Alaqua describes itself as a nonprofit animal refuge and sanctuary.
Where is Alaqua Animal Refuge located?
Alaqua Animal Refuge is located at 155 Dugas Way, Freeport, FL 32439.
What is Alaqua Animal Refuge’s phone number?
The main phone number is 850-880-6399. Alaqua also lists separate adoption, veterinary clinic, volunteer and foster contact information on its official contact page.
What are Alaqua Animal Refuge adoption hours?
Alaqua lists public hours Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM. Monday is closed. Weather, holidays and events can affect visits, so confirm before driving.
Is Alaqua the same as Walton County Animal Control?
No. Alaqua is a nonprofit refuge and adoption organization. Walton County Animal Services handles public animal-control functions and operates Walton County Animal Shelter.
How much are adoption fees at Alaqua Animal Refuge?
Alaqua’s adoption guidelines list dogs at $150, puppies at $200, cats over 8 years at $25, cats 9 months to 8 years at $50, kittens up to 9 months at $125, and other animals as varying by animal.
What do I need to adopt from Alaqua?
Alaqua’s guidelines say adopters should be at least 18, bring ID, provide a veterinary reference for current or recent pets, confirm landlord permission if renting, and visit the refuge to meet the animal before adopting.
What kinds of animals does Alaqua list for adoption?
Alaqua’s adoption menu includes dogs, cats, horses, farm animals, rabbits, birds, small animals and tortoises, though actual availability changes.
Does Alaqua help with lost pets?
Alaqua has a lost-pet resource form, but public stray intake and animal-control matters may need Walton County Animal Services. Use both routes when appropriate.
Can I surrender a pet to Alaqua?
Alaqua says it receives many requests and accepts owner surrenders on a space-available basis and for special circumstances. Use the official rehoming resources first and call before assuming intake is available.
Does Alaqua close for bad weather?
Alaqua’s visit page says the refuge may close during rain or lightning for safety. Because the facility is mostly outside, always check before visiting during stormy weather.
Final Take: Use Alaqua for Adoption, Walton County for Animal Control
Alaqua Animal Refuge is one of the best-known animal welfare organizations in Florida’s Panhandle, especially for visitors looking to adopt, support, volunteer, foster or learn about animals at the Freeport refuge. For adoption planning, check the official animal listings, review fees and requirements, bring ID, prepare questions and call before driving for one specific pet.
For public animal-control matters, use the Walton County Animal Services route instead of assuming Alaqua dispatches officers. That difference matters when dealing with stray animals, lost pets, abandoned animals, public-safety concerns or after-hours help.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Alaqua Animal Refuge, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Walton County Animal Services, Walton County Animal Shelter, Shelterluv or any official animal-control agency. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, surrendering, reporting or transporting an animal.
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.