Aurora Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this guide before visiting Aurora Animal Shelter for adoption hours, fees, dogs, cats, lost pets, found pets, owner reclaim, surrender rules, field services, pet licensing, foster help, volunteering, vaccinations, map directions and animal-control dispatch.
Aurora Animal Shelter in Colorado is the city’s open-admission shelter at 15750 E. 32nd Ave., helping residents with adoptable pets, lost and found animals, owner reclaim, surrenders, pet licenses, foster care, volunteering, donations, vaccinations and animal field-service routing. This 2026 guide puts the practical details in one place so you can check the right hours, understand adoption fees, bring the correct proof, avoid scam calls, call the right number for animal control, and know when the official Aurora page is needed for the final live action.
Aurora Animal Shelter Quick Details
Aurora Animal Shelter is a City of Aurora Animal Services facility. It handles adoptions, lost/found pets, reclaim, surrenders for eligible Aurora residents, pet licensing help, foster support, volunteer programs, donations, vaccinations and animal-services education.
What Aurora Animal Shelter Handles
Aurora Animal Shelter is useful for planned adoption visits, checking dogs and cats, reclaiming an impounded pet, reporting lost/found animals, surrendering a pet when eligible, applying for foster care, volunteering, donating supplies, checking pet licenses and understanding city animal-service rules.
Animal field services are separate from the adoption counter. Use dispatch when the issue is a loose animal, ordinance concern, barking dog, wildlife issue, animal welfare concern or field-service question.
Aurora Animal Shelter Hours 2026
The official hours page lists Aurora Animal Shelter hours as Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Tuesday and Sunday. The shelter also posts closure notices for certain dates, so verify the official page before a long drive.
Adoption visits end an hour before closing, or earlier depending on weather and light conditions. If you want to adopt, do not arrive close to closing and expect a full pet meeting and paperwork process.
| Day / service | Official listed timing | Visitor action |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. | Good weekday option for adoption, reclaim or shelter questions. |
| Tuesday | Closed | Do not plan a shelter visit; use official pages and phone routes instead. |
| Wednesday | 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. | Arrive before the final hour if adoption is the goal. |
| Thursday | 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. | Check pet availability the same day before driving. |
| Friday | 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. | Good for adoption, lost-pet search and donation drop-off questions. |
| Saturday | 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. | Weekend hours are shorter; arrive early. |
| Sunday | Closed | Use after-hours routes only for qualifying urgent lost/found injured or ill pet situations. |
| Animal Field Services | Monday–Saturday 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Sunday on-call until further notice | Call dispatch at 303-326-8288 option 6 for field-service issues. |
How Adoption Works at Aurora Animal Shelter
Aurora Animal Shelter invites interested adopters to stop by and view the Adoption Wall. If you see an animal you are interested in, shelter staff discuss the animal with you and may explain home restrictions or placement needs before bringing the animal out to meet you.
Check adoptable pets before leaving home
Start with Aurora’s adoption page and available-pet links. Save the animal name, ID, photo, age and any notes. Pet availability can change quickly, especially for puppies, kittens and popular dogs.
Arrive early enough for a real visit
Adoption visits end an hour before closing, so a late arrival can waste your trip. Give yourself time to speak with staff, meet the animal and complete paperwork if approved.
Bring the right household members
Aurora’s adoption FAQ says adopters should plan on bringing household members such as spouse, children and potentially resident dog or dogs to meet the animal when appropriate.
Prepare ID and payment
If the match goes well, adopters need valid photo ID and cash, check or card to pay the adoption fee. The paperwork process generally takes about 30 minutes.
Ask practical first-week questions
Ask about vaccines, spay/neuter status, behavior notes, known history, other pets, children, leash skills, litter habits, decompression, medical needs and what support is available after adoption.
Aurora Animal Shelter Adoption Fees 2026
Aurora’s adoption fees are non-refundable and may be affected by discounts or special promotions. The official adoption page lists regular fees by age group for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and small mammals.
| Animal category | Official listed fee | What to ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs under 6 months | $211 | Ask about expected size, training, vaccine schedule, chewing, house training and first-week routine. |
| Dogs 6 months to 6 years | $181 | Ask about energy level, leash manners, dog-to-dog notes, children and apartment fit. |
| Senior dogs 6 years and older | $163 | Ask about senior care, dental needs, medication, mobility and calm-home fit. |
| Cats under 6 months | $150 | Ask about carrier needs, kitten-proofing, vaccines and whether a second kitten is a good match. |
| Cats 6 months to 6 years | $120 | Ask about litter habits, hiding, social level, other cats, children and adjustment space. |
| Senior cats 6 years and older | $78 | Ask about senior health, feeding, medication, quiet-home needs and transition tips. |
| Rabbits, birds and small mammals | $21 | Ask about cage size, species needs, diet, handling, lifespan and local pet rules. |
Aurora also lists a 50% senior discount for residents age 65 and older and a 50% military discount for active and retired military with proof. The city also lists a kitten special: two kittens under 6 months for $200. Always verify current fees and specials before payment.
Aurora Shelter Visit Planner
Use this helper before driving to the shelter. It does not check live inventory, but it helps you choose the right next step for adoption, reclaim, lost pets, surrender, foster, volunteer or field-service issues.
Build Your Aurora Animal Shelter Plan
What to Bring Before Visiting Aurora Animal Shelter
The right paperwork depends on your reason for visiting. Adoption and reclaim are not the same process. Surrender and field-service issues need different proof.
Lost, Found and Reclaim Pets in Aurora
Lost and found animals are housed at Aurora Animal Shelter. If your pet appears at the shelter, come during business hours to reclaim it. The official lost/found page says owners must be at least 18, bring valid photo ID, bring proof of ownership, and pay impoundment and boarding fees at pickup.
The city warns about scam calls from people falsely claiming to be shelter employees and demanding money to save found pets. Aurora says the shelter never contacts patrons to request money over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, do not share payment or personal information.
| Reclaim item | Official listed rule/fee | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Owner age | At least 18 years old | Bring your own valid ID; do not send a minor to reclaim a pet. |
| Proof of ownership | Photos, adoption paperwork or vet records; microchip registration can help | Bring more proof than you think you need. |
| Dog/cat impoundment | $69 | Fee can increase with boarding or other required charges. |
| Other pets | $22 | Ask about handling, cage/carrier and species needs. |
| Daily boarding | $22 per day, excluding holidays, Tuesdays and Sundays when shelter is closed | Act quickly so boarding does not add up. |
Aurora Animal Control and Field Services
Aurora Animal Field Services dispatch is listed as 303-326-8288, option 6. Field Services hours are Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with staff available on an on-call basis on Sundays until further notice.
After-hours emergencies should be called to 303-627-3100, where an on-call officer can return the call to assess the situation. If the situation is life-threatening, call 911 immediately.
Pet Surrender at Aurora Animal Shelter
Aurora’s surrender page says pets must be brought to the Aurora Animal Shelter, the legal owner must be present, the owner must be at least 18, valid photo ID is required, a surrender form must be completed, the surrender fee must be paid, and medical records should be provided if possible.
The official page also says Aurora is only accepting City of Aurora resident surrenders due to limited kennel capacity. If you do not live in the City of Aurora, reach out to your local animal shelter first.
Foster, Volunteer, Donate and Support Aurora Animals
Aurora Animal Shelter uses fosters and volunteers in several ways. Foster parents help animals who need comfort, socialization, age-appropriate care or a safer place outside the shelter. Volunteer roles may include socializing dogs or cats, brain games, adoption events and administrative support.
Official foster requirements include being at least 18, passing a background check, owning a home or having landlord approval, participating in training when applicable, passing an annual home inspection and having an isolated room. Volunteer rules also require adults 18+ and a regular weekly or biweekly commitment rather than one-day volunteering.
Vaccinations, Pet Licenses and Other Aurora Services
Aurora Animal Services includes pet licenses, vaccinations, end-of-life services, behavioral tips, education and transfer partner information. These services can have separate timing and event rules from normal adoption visits, so check the official page before going.
The city calendar currently shows vaccination clinic events at the shelter, but event schedules can change. Always verify date, time, fees, documents, leash/carrier rules and eligibility before attending a vaccine clinic.
Common Aurora Shelter Mistakes to Avoid
Official Aurora Animal Shelter Links
Use these official City of Aurora pages for live details, closures, pet availability, fees, lost/found reports, surrender rules, foster/volunteer applications and field-services routing.
Map to Aurora Animal Shelter
Use this map for directions to 15750 E. 32nd Ave., Aurora, CO 80011. Confirm current hours, closure notices, pet availability and service status on the official City of Aurora website before traveling.
Map is for directions only. It is not proof of live hours, pet availability, reclaim status, closure notices or adoption approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Aurora Animal Shelter located?
Aurora Animal Shelter is located at 15750 E. 32nd Ave., Aurora, CO 80011.
What is the phone number for Aurora Animal Shelter?
The main shelter phone number is 303-326-8280. Animal Field Services dispatch is 303-326-8288, option 6.
What are Aurora Animal Shelter hours?
The shelter is listed as open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Tuesday and Sunday.
When do adoption visits end?
Aurora says adoption visits end an hour before close, or earlier depending on weather or light conditions.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog at Aurora Animal Shelter?
The official fee page lists dogs under 6 months at $211, dogs 6 months to 6 years at $181, and senior dogs 6 years and older at $163. Verify current fees before payment.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat at Aurora Animal Shelter?
The official fee page lists cats under 6 months at $150, cats 6 months to 6 years at $120, and senior cats 6 years and older at $78. Verify current fees before payment.
What do I need to adopt from Aurora Animal Shelter?
Bring valid photo ID and cash, check or card for the adoption fee. If the match goes well, staff complete paperwork with you before the pet goes home.
What do I need to reclaim a lost pet?
You must be at least 18, bring valid photo ID, bring proof of ownership such as photos, adoption paperwork or vet records, and pay impoundment or boarding fees if due.
Does Aurora Animal Shelter call people asking for money to save found pets?
No. The city warns that the shelter never contacts patrons to request money over the phone for found pets. Do not share payment information with scam callers.
Can I surrender a pet to Aurora Animal Shelter?
Aurora says it is only accepting City of Aurora resident surrenders due to limited kennel capacity. Legal owner, photo ID, surrender form, fee and records may be required.
Final Takeaway
Aurora Animal Shelter in Colorado is located at 15750 E. 32nd Ave. and is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m., and closed Tuesday/Sunday. For adoption, arrive more than an hour before closing, bring ID and payment, and be ready for household/resident-dog fit questions. For lost pets, act fast, bring proof of ownership, and beware of scam callers. For animal-control issues, use Animal Field Services dispatch at 303-326-8288 option 6.
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.