Anchorage Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this Anchorage animal-help dashboard to adopt a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, reptile or small pet, check shelter hours, file lost/found steps, reclaim an animal, contact dispatch, or understand city dog-license and fee rules.
Best first move: check live pets online, call before driving, and bring proof documents. AACC receives surrendered pets and strays, and also provides animal-control services across the Municipality of Anchorage.
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Anchorage Animal Shelter Adoption Hours
AACC public hours are listed consistently on AACC/Petfinder sources. Arrive early enough for viewing, questions, and paperwork.
| Day | Listed public hours | Best use | Before you go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Adoption visit, lost-pet walkthrough, customer-service question. | Call 907-343-8122 if the pet listing matters. |
| Tuesday | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Adoption, reclaim, license or shelter question. | Bring proof documents and payment. |
| Wednesday | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Midweek adoption or lost/found check. | Check PetHarbor/Petfinder first. |
| Thursday | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Good day for paperwork or adoption questions. | Do not arrive near closing with complex reclaim issues. |
| Friday | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Act before weekend crowds. | Confirm availability by phone. |
| Saturday | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Weekend adoption visit or lost-pet walkthrough. | Arrive early. |
| Sunday | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Weekend adoption visit or shelter check. | Confirm holiday closure first. |
How to Adopt from AACC: Micro-Steps
AACC houses dogs, cats, hamsters, reptiles, birds, rabbits, ferrets and other pets. Use the live listing first because availability changes fast.
Open the live pet list
Start with AACC/PetHarbor or the AACC Petfinder profile. Screenshot the pet name, ID, species, and listing notes.
Call before driving
Call 907-343-8122 to confirm the pet is still available, can be viewed, and does not have a pending hold, medical delay, or stray/owner issue.
Bring decision-makers
Bring household decision-makers when possible. Ask staff about kids, dogs, cats, energy level, medical notes, and behavior notes.
Bring ID and payment
Anchorage code says adopters must be at least 18. Be ready to pay applicable adoption, rabies, license, microchip, vaccination, and spay/neuter-related fees.
Ask the first-week questions
Ask about food, crate/litter habits, vaccines, microchip, spay/neuter status, medical treatment, and what to do if the pet struggles at home.
Plan safe transport
Bring a leash/harness for dogs and a secure carrier for cats, rabbits, reptiles, ferrets, birds, or small pets.
Dog and Cat Adoption Fee Rules
A clean current dog/cat price table was not publicly shown in the sources I could verify. Use this official rule-based table instead of guessing.
| Fee item | Official rule | What it means for adopters | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Separate adoption fee | Anchorage code says the separate adoption fee is set by the Chief Animal Control Officer and shall not exceed $150. | The exact dog/cat total can vary by animal and applicable add-ons. | Ask Customer Service for the current total before visiting. |
| Rabies / vaccination | Adopters pay applicable rabies vaccination, vaccination, and other fees. | Young animals or animals needing updates may have additional required items. | Ask what is already completed. |
| Microchip | Adopters pay applicable microchip fees. | Confirm microchip registration and update your phone/email immediately. | Verify paperwork before leaving. |
| Dog license | Municipal dog license fees may apply. | Dog license cost depends on sterilized/unsterilized status and term. | See the license-fee table below. |
| Spay/neuter | Dogs/cats over four months adopted from AACC must be spayed/neutered unless a vet determines medical delay is required. | If not completed before adoption, you may need to sign an agreement with a deadline. | Ask for the written plan. |
Official Adoption Fees for Other Pets
AACC has an official fee PDF for animals other than dogs and cats. These are useful because AACC sometimes has birds, rabbits, reptiles, ferrets, livestock and small pets.
| Animal type | Adoption fee | Rabies note | Before adopting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cockatiel / Lovebird | $10 | N/A | Ask about cage size, diet, noise and handling. |
| Parrot / African Gray / Cockatoo / Macaw | $50 | N/A | Ask about long-term care and bird experience. |
| Parakeet / Finch / Dove | $5 | N/A | Bring safe transport cage. |
| Canary | $10 | N/A | Ask about diet and cage setup. |
| Hedgehog / Chinchilla | $20 | N/A | Ask about heat, bedding, diet and exotic-vet access. |
| Hamster / Gerbil / Guinea Pig / Mouse | $5 | N/A | Bring secure small-pet carrier. |
| Rabbit | $15 | N/A | Ask about litter habits, housing, diet and chewing safety. |
| Ferret | $25 | $15 | Ask about rabies vaccination and ferret-proofing. |
| Goat / Pig / Sheep | $25 | N/A | Confirm zoning, transport and housing. |
| Goose / Turkey / Chicken / Duck / Pheasant | $5 | N/A | Confirm local rules and safe enclosure. |
| Reptiles: snakes, lizards, turtles | $10 | N/A | Ask about heat, UVB, enclosure, feeding and handling. |
| Llama | $50 | N/A | Confirm land, fencing and transport. |
| Horse | $100 | N/A | Confirm trailer, boarding, feed, farrier and vet care. |
Lost or Found Pet in Anchorage
AACC’s lost-pet brochure says calling is not enough. Go in person and search repeatedly because descriptions can be wrong or incomplete.
If your pet is lost
- Search home first: yard, garage, shed, basement, crawl space, vehicles, shrubs and porches.
- Post signs with photo, description, breed/type, age, name, color, markings, date/place lost and a reliable phone number.
- Talk to neighbors and check sheds/garages where a frightened pet may be trapped.
- Leave fresh food/water and an unwashed clothing item outside in a sheltered area.
- Tell local vet clinics, 24-hour pet hospitals, groomers, dog parks and pet-supply stores.
- Visit AACC in person at least every other day and check public animal areas.
- Fill out a lost animal report and check the lost, found and DOA binders.
If you found an animal
- If safe, keep the animal away from traffic, children and your own pets.
- Take clear photos before moving the animal.
- Call Animal Control Dispatch at 907-343-8119.
- Ask about a microchip scan and whether an owner has filed a lost report.
- Post found details online and watch for matching lost-pet posts.
- If the animal is injured, aggressive, in traffic, or there is a bite concern, call dispatch instead of handling.
- Never demand reward money before the owner sees at least a clear photo.
Reclaiming an Impounded Pet: Fees and Proof
Bring more proof than you think you need. AACC’s lost-pet brochure recommends vet records and photos to prove ID, shot history and spay/neuter status.
Bring owner proof
Use photos, vet records, rabies/licensing paperwork, microchip details and timeline photos.
Bring license/rabies proof
Impound and redemption may require licensing, rabies vaccination, board, medical and outstanding fees before release.
Walk through in person
AACC recommends physically checking the shelter because only you can positively identify your pet.
| Fee type | Official fee | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Redeemed sterilized dog/cat | $50 impound fee | Other required fees may also apply before redemption. |
| Redeemed unsterilized dog/cat | $85 impound fee | $25 refund may be available upon proof of sterilization within 30 days from release. |
| Dog boarding | $14 per day | Boarding can add up quickly. Act fast. |
| Cat boarding | $12 per day | Act quickly and bring proof. |
| Animals without required rabies proof | Cost rounded to nearest dollar plus 10% | Rabies-related cost can apply where required. |
| Other animal boarding | Schedule set by AACC, not over $100/day | Ask staff for current cost for species other than dog/cat. |
Owner Surrender, Cremation and Live Trap Fees
Call first. Fees and eligibility can depend on the animal, situation and current shelter capacity.
| Need | Official fee | What to prepare | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner surrender: dog/cat over 12 weeks | $25 each | Ownership details, medical history, behavior notes, reason for surrender. | Call Customer Service first. |
| Owner surrender: puppies/kittens under 12 weeks | $1 each, not over $20 per litter | Age estimate, mother status, health concerns and count. | Ask if appointment/process changed. |
| Dog live trap rental | $100 with $75 refund upon return | Ask about trap size, rental period and placement rules. | Call before visiting. |
| Cat live trap rental | $75 with $50 refund upon return | Use for safe cat capture when appropriate. | Ask staff for current availability. |
| Cremation: dog/cat over 12 weeks from owner | $15 each | Call before bringing a deceased animal. | Confirm current process. |
| Cremation: puppies/kittens under 12 weeks from owner | $1 each, not over $15 per litter | Confirm by phone. | Call first. |
Anchorage Animal Control: What They Handle
AACC provides domestic animal control services for the Municipality. Its officers respond to cruelty, bites, loose animals, barking dogs, injured animals and other service requests.
Loose animals
Call dispatch for loose or roaming domestic animals, especially if traffic or public safety is involved.
Injured animals
Use dispatch for injured animals instead of attempting unsafe handling.
Animal bites
Report bites through the appropriate animal-control route and seek medical guidance when needed.
Barking dogs
Municipal guidance routes barking-dog concerns to Anchorage Animal Care & Control.
Cruelty or neglect
Call dispatch if an animal appears neglected, abandoned, unsafe, or without necessary care.
After-hours public-safety issue
For noisy neighbors or non-animal after-hours issues, municipal guidance points to APD non-emergency. For immediate danger, call 911.
Anchorage Dog License Fees
Municipal dog license fees depend on whether the dog is sterilized and the license term.
| Dog status | Up to 1 year | Up to 2 years | Up to 3 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterilized dog | $15 | $27 | $39 |
| Unsterilized dog | $23 | $43 | $63 |
| Replacement tag | $5 | — | — |
Before You Leave Home
Pet screenshot, photo ID, payment, leash/carrier, household approval.
Recent photos, vet records, microchip, tags, rabies/license papers.
Proof of ownership, ID, payment, vaccination/license proof, patience for walkthrough.
Exact location, animal description, danger level, photos if safe, callback number.
Anchorage Local Tips
Cold weather changes urgency
Loose pets in winter can get into trouble quickly. Act fast and give dispatch the exact location.
Search cats at night
Use a flashlight under decks, sheds, vehicles and crawl spaces when streets are quieter.
Visit, do not only call
AACC’s lost-pet guidance says physical shelter visits matter because descriptions may not match your pet.
Proof speeds reclaim
Bring vet records, photos, license/rabies proof and microchip details.
Use many channels
Use signs, neighbors, vet clinics, online lost/found posts, and repeated shelter checks.
Ask total cost first
Adoption, reclaim, board, license, rabies and medical costs can stack. Ask for the full total before paperwork.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I am interested in [pet name/ID]. Is this pet still available, what is the total adoption cost, and what should I bring today?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat/other pet] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. I want to file a lost report and ask how to check newly arrived animals.Found animal
Hi, I found a [animal type] near [exact location]. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive/in traffic]. Can dispatch advise whether I should hold, transport, or wait for an officer?Reclaim
Hi, I believe my pet may be at AACC. I can bring photos, vet records, microchip information and license/rabies proof. What fees and documents are required for redemption?Map: Anchorage Animal Care and Control
Use this map for adoption, lost-pet walkthroughs and shelter customer-service visits. For animal-control field response, call dispatch first.
Official Anchorage Animal Links
The important details are summarized above. Use these official/professional pages for live pets, current contact details, rules and final verification.
Anchorage Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Anchorage Animal Care and Control located?
Anchorage Animal Care and Control is located at 4711 Elmore Road, Anchorage, AK 99507.
What is the Anchorage Animal Care and Control phone number?
Customer Service is 907-343-8122, and Animal Control Dispatch is 907-343-8119.
What are Anchorage Animal Care and Control adoption hours?
AACC hours are listed as Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., with closures on major holidays.
Where can I see adoptable pets from Anchorage Animal Care and Control?
You can start with the AACC PetHarbor listing at petharbor.com/anchorage or the Anchorage Animal Care and Control Petfinder profile.
How much are dog and cat adoption fees at AACC?
The current public sources did not show one clean dog/cat price table. Anchorage code says the separate adoption fee is set by the Chief Animal Control Officer and shall not exceed $150, and adopters also pay applicable rabies, license, microchip, vaccination and other fees.
Can a person under 18 adopt from Anchorage Animal Care and Control?
No. Anchorage municipal code says no person under eighteen years of age shall adopt an animal from the animal care and control center.
What should I do if I lost a pet in Anchorage?
Search close to home, post signs, contact neighbors and vets, visit AACC in person at least every other day, file a lost animal report, and check the lost, found and DOA binders.
What should I bring to reclaim a pet from AACC?
Bring proof of ownership such as photos, vet records, license or rabies records, microchip details, ID and payment for applicable impound, board, license, rabies, medical and other required fees.
How much is an Anchorage dog license?
Anchorage municipal code lists sterilized dog licenses as $15 for up to one year, $27 for up to two years and $39 for up to three years. Unsterilized dog licenses are $23, $43 and $63 for the same terms.
How do I contact Anchorage Animal Control for a loose, injured or barking animal?
Call Animal Control Dispatch at 907-343-8119 for loose animals, injured animals, barking dogs, cruelty concerns, animal bites and other domestic animal-control service requests.
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.