Durham Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours, Fees, Lost Pets & Contact Guide 2026
This guide covers the Animal Protection Society of Durham, the organization that manages the Durham County Animal Shelter, plus the separate Durham County Sheriff’s Animal Services contact path for animal control concerns. Use it to check adoption hours, fees, lost and found pet steps, surrender appointments, rabies or emergency contacts, directions, and official resources before calling or visiting.
Durham Animal Shelter Quick Details
Use these details before visiting for adoption, calling about a missing pet, asking about surrender, or trying to contact the correct animal control office.
Shelter Address
2117 E. Club Blvd., Durham, NC 27704.
Main Shelter Phone
Call 919-560-0640 for APS of Durham and shelter questions.
Adoptions
Call 919-560-0640 ext. 4 or email adopt@apsofdurham.org.
Lost / Found / Surrender
Call 919-560-0640 ext. 5 for lost, found, or surrendered animal questions.
What the Durham Animal Shelter Does
The Animal Protection Society of Durham is Durham’s community animal shelter and has managed the Durham County Animal Shelter for many years. For most local residents, APS is the first place to check for adoptable dogs, cats, and small animals, as well as questions about lost pets, found animals, surrendered animals, and shelter visits.
Animal control issues are not always the same as shelter adoption questions. If your concern is an animal in crisis, a rabies risk, a bite, a dangerous animal, or an after-hours emergency, use the Durham County Sheriff’s Animal Services contact path rather than only calling the adoption desk.
Adoptable Pets
APS lists adoptable dogs, cats, and other animals online and welcomes visitors during posted adoption hours.
Surrender by Appointment
APS says surrendering an animal requires an appointment. Call the shelter before bringing an animal in.
Animal Services
Durham County Sheriff’s Animal Services handles animal control questions, routine calls, and emergency animal issues.
Durham Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
APS of Durham posts public hours on its official site. Animal visits must be completed within 30 minutes of closing, so do not arrive at the last minute if you want to meet a pet.
| Day | Posted APS Hours | Visitor Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10:30 AM–5 PM | Good for a weekday visit if you already checked pets online. |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM–5 PM | Call ahead if you are visiting for one specific animal. |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM–6 PM | Later closing can help working visitors, but animal visits still need to finish before closing. |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM–5 PM | Bring ID, payment method, and household questions if adopting. |
| Friday | 10:30 AM–5 PM | Check listings before weekend demand changes availability. |
| Saturday | 10 AM–2 PM | Shorter hours mean you should arrive early. |
| Sunday | Closed | Use Sunday to review adoptable animals and prepare questions. |
How to Adopt from APS of Durham
A good adoption visit starts before you arrive. Review current pets, understand fees, bring the right information, and ask practical questions about the pet’s health, personality, behavior, and home fit.
Check adoptable animals online first
Start with the official APS adoption information page and pet listings. You can review adoptable dogs, adoptable cats, and other available animals before visiting.
Visit during posted business hours
APS says it is open to the public for adoptions and animal visitations. Visit during posted hours and remember that animal visits end 30 minutes before closing.
Ask about the specific animal
Ask staff or volunteers about age estimate, medical notes, spay/neuter status, vaccination information, behavior observations, energy level, other-pet compatibility, and first-week transition tips.
Confirm payment and adoption fee
APS accepts cash, credit cards, and Apple Pay for adoption, redemption, or other payments. Checks are not accepted, so bring a valid payment method.
Prepare the first week at home
Set up a quiet space, schedule a veterinary checkup, update ID and microchip records if applicable, and introduce other pets slowly. A calm transition helps reduce stress for everyone.
Durham Animal Shelter Adoption Fees and Payment Notes
APS publishes adoption fee guidance on its adoption procedures page. Fees help offset the cost of evaluation, housing, feeding, and medical care for animals in shelter care.
| Animal / Payment Topic | Official APS Guidance | What Visitors Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Cats and kittens | Cats and kittens are listed at $95. | Ask about the current fee and whether any special promotion applies. |
| Second cat adoption | APS says the adoption fee for a second cat is $50 when adopting two together. | Consider whether adopting a pair fits your home, budget, and long-term plan. |
| Dogs and puppies | Dogs and puppies are listed as ranging from $125 to $175. | Confirm the exact fee for the specific dog before finalizing adoption. |
| Other animals | Fees for other animals vary. | Ask about species-specific care, housing, supplies, and veterinary needs. |
| Payment methods | APS accepts cash, credit cards, and Apple Pay. Checks are not accepted. | Bring a payment method that matches the official policy. |
Lost, Found and Surrendered Animals in Durham
Lost, found, and surrendered animal questions should be handled quickly and through the correct APS contact. If your pet is missing, check listings, call the shelter, and prepare proof of ownership before visiting.
If your pet is missing
- Call APS at 919-560-0640 ext. 5 for lost and found animal questions.
- Check current online pet listings and shelter updates.
- Bring recent photos, vet records, microchip information, and proof of identity.
- Look at photos carefully because breed labels or descriptions may not match what you expect.
- Keep checking daily because intake and status can change.
If you found a pet
- Call APS before assuming the next step.
- Ask a nearby vet or shelter resource about microchip scanning when safe.
- Talk to neighbors because many found pets are close to home.
- Do not handle an aggressive, injured, or frightened animal yourself.
- Use Durham County Animal Services for animal control concerns.
Durham Animal Control and Animal Services Contacts
Durham County Sheriff’s Animal Services is the correct contact path for many animal control concerns. The Animal Services office is listed at 3005 Glenn Road and is open 8:30 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday for information purposes at 919-560-0630. Routine field-service calls are handled Monday through Friday, while weekends and holidays are for emergency calls only.
Animal Services Information
Call 919-560-0630 for Durham County Animal Services information and rabies vaccine information.
Animal Emergency
Call 919-560-0900 for emergency animal concerns listed by Durham County.
Rabies Concern
If attacked by an animal or if you see an animal showing signs of rabies, Durham County says to call Animal Control at 919-560-0900.
What to Bring When Visiting Durham Animal Shelter
Bring the right information the first time. It helps staff answer questions faster and helps you avoid a second trip.
For Adoption
- Government-issued photo ID.
- Payment method: cash, credit card, or Apple Pay.
- Rental, landlord, or HOA pet approval if needed.
- Safe ride-home plan, carrier, leash, or collar.
- Questions about medical and behavior notes.
For Lost Pet Reclaim
- Recent photos of your pet.
- Microchip number or registration information.
- Veterinary records or vaccination paperwork.
- License or tag information if available.
- Proof of identity and address.
For Found Animal Questions
- Clear photo of the animal if safe.
- Exact found location and time.
- Description of collar, tag, condition, and behavior.
- Whether the animal is safely contained.
- Any microchip scan result if already checked.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Arriving too close to closing
Animal visits must finish within 30 minutes of closing, so arrive early enough to meet pets and ask questions.
Calling the wrong office
Adoption and shelter questions go to APS. Animal control and rabies/emergency concerns go through Durham County Animal Services.
Bringing checks
APS says checks are not accepted for adoption, redemption, or other payments.
Surrendering without appointment
APS says surrendered animals require an appointment, so call before bringing an animal in.
Choosing too fast
Adopt based on household fit, not only appearance. Ask about behavior, medical notes, and transition needs.
Handling unsafe animals
Do not try to manage dangerous or injured animals yourself. Use the correct animal services contact.
Durham Animal Shelter Map and Directions
Use the map below for directions to Animal Protection Society of Durham at 2117 E. Club Blvd., Durham, NC 27704. If you are visiting for a specific pet, call first because availability can change.
Official Durham Animal Shelter and Animal Control Resources
Use official links for the latest details. Shelter hours, pet availability, adoption fees, animal services rules, rabies contacts, and emergency instructions can change.
Nearby North Carolina Shelter Guides and Related Resources
If you are comparing Triangle-area shelter options, you may also want to review our Raleigh Animal Shelter guide. For broader county-shelter comparison, the Jackson County Animal Shelter guide can help readers understand how adoption fees, shelter hours, and lost-pet rules vary by location.
Durham Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is the Durham Animal Shelter located?
The Animal Protection Society of Durham is located at 2117 E. Club Blvd., Durham, NC 27704.
What is the phone number for Durham Animal Shelter?
The main APS of Durham phone number is 919-560-0640. For adoptions, use extension 4. For lost, found, or surrendered animals, use extension 5.
What are APS of Durham adoption hours?
APS lists hours as Monday and Tuesday 10:30 AM–5 PM, Wednesday 10:30 AM–6 PM, Thursday and Friday 10:30 AM–5 PM, Saturday 10 AM–2 PM, and Sunday closed.
When do animal visits end?
APS states that all animal visits must be completed within 30 minutes of closing.
How much are adoption fees at APS of Durham?
APS lists cats and kittens at $95, the second cat at $50 when adopting two together, dogs and puppies from $125 to $175, and fees for other animals as varying.
What payment methods does APS of Durham accept?
APS accepts cash, credit cards, and Apple Pay for adoption, redemption, and other payments. Checks are not accepted.
Do I need an appointment to surrender an animal?
Yes. APS says surrendering an animal requires an appointment. Call 919-560-0640 ext. 9 to schedule.
Who do I call for Durham animal control?
For Durham County Animal Services information, call 919-560-0630. For emergency animal concerns, Durham County lists 919-560-0900.
What should I do if I see an animal that may have rabies?
Durham County says to call Animal Control at 919-560-0900 if you are attacked by an animal or see an animal showing signs of rabies.
Is APS of Durham the same as Durham County Animal Services?
No. APS of Durham manages the Durham County Animal Shelter and handles shelter/adoption questions. Durham County Sheriff’s Animal Services handles animal control and emergency animal service concerns.
Final Takeaway
Durham Animal Shelter searches usually lead to APS of Durham, the community shelter at 2117 E. Club Blvd. The smartest first steps are to check adoptable animals online, confirm current hours, arrive early enough for animal visits, and call 919-560-0640 when you need shelter-specific help.
For animal control, rabies, or emergency animal concerns, use Durham County Sheriff’s Animal Services contacts instead of relying only on the adoption desk. Confirming the correct office before you act can save time and help protect both people and animals.
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.