Boise Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
If you search for a Boise animal shelter, the organization most people need is the Idaho Humane Society (IHS). The part that causes confusion is that Boise animal services are split between two campuses: pets available for adoption and the public Veterinary Medical Center are on South Bird Street, while strays, lost-pet redemptions, owner surrenders and Animal Care & Control are handled on West Dorman Street.
That distinction can save a stressful second trip. If you want to adopt, go to Bird Street. If your dog was picked up by Animal Control, you found a stray, or you have a surrender appointment, start with Dorman Street.
Verified September 23, 2026
This rebuild checks Idaho Humane Society’s current location, adoption, Animal Control, lost-pet, surrender, licensing, veterinary and leadership pages, plus Ada County and Central District Health emergency guidance.
Boise uses two IHS campuses
The 2025 IHS financial statements confirm Bird Street houses adoption and the public veterinary medical facility, while Dorman Street handles Animal Control, intakes, redemptions and sheltering before adoption.
Independent visitor guide
Animal-Shelter.org is not Idaho Humane Society, the City of Boise, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Central District Health or an emergency dispatch agency.
First: Pick the Correct Boise Campus
This is the detail most likely to save you time. The two Idaho Humane Society campuses do different jobs.
Bird Street Campus
1300 S Bird Street, Boise, ID 83709
- Dog, cat and other pet adoptions
- See Spot Shop
- Veterinary Medical Center
- Humane education
- Adoption/general phone: 208-342-3508
Dorman Street Campus
4775 W Dorman Street, Boise, ID 83705
- Animal Care & Control
- Stray intake
- Lost-pet redemptions
- Owner surrender appointments
- Animal Control dispatch: 208-343-3166
Choose What You Need Today
Boise Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
Idaho Humane Society’s adoption center is on Bird Street. Do not use Dorman’s 8 a.m.–6 p.m. hours as adoption hours.
| Day | Adoption hours | Visitor note |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | Browse pets online and plan a Tuesday visit. |
| Tuesday | 11 a.m.–7 p.m. | Check in at least 15 minutes before closing. |
| Wednesday | 11 a.m.–7 p.m. | Allow time for pet interaction and paperwork. |
| Thursday | 11 a.m.–7 p.m. | Good weekday option if weekend traffic is inconvenient. |
| Friday | 11 a.m.–7 p.m. | Confirm a specific pet before making a long drive. |
| Saturday | 11 a.m.–7 p.m. | Weekend interest can be higher; arrive with time to spare. |
| Sunday | 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Shorter day; check in by 4:45 p.m. at the latest. |
How Adoption Works at Idaho Humane Society
A pet can look perfect in a photo and still not be the right fit for your household. IHS encourages adopters to take the decision seriously and meet animals in person.
Check current pets online
Save the animal name or listing so you can ask about the same pet when you arrive.
Visit the Bird Street Adoption Center
Check in at the front desk. IHS limits kennel visitors as needed so staff can provide one-on-one help and safer animal interactions.
Meet the animal and ask real-life questions
Ask about personality, activity level, behavior around children or other animals, medical history and what the first few weeks may look like.
Adopt now or use an eligible hold
Some older pets qualify for an in-person pre-adoption hold. Puppies and kittens do not.
Allow time for paperwork
IHS says adoption paperwork generally takes about 30 minutes to one hour.
Leave with a safe transport plan
Bring a secure carrier for cats/small animals or appropriate leash and vehicle restraint for a dog.
Idaho Humane Society Adoption Fees
These are current official IHS prices. Offsite adoption centers may use different pricing, and individual dog fees can vary.
| Animal | Current listed fee | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs | $25–$500 | Standard dog fee is listed as $350. High-demand dogs can be up to $500, while dogs staying two weeks or longer may receive reduced pricing. |
| Kittens — 8 to 16 weeks | $100 | Kitten hold is not available. |
| Cats — 17 weeks to 4 years | $50 | Cats 4 months and older may qualify for a paid hold. |
| Cats — 5 to 7 years | $25 | Senior/older cat pricing is reduced. |
| Cats — 7 years or older | $10 | Confirm exact age and health notes with the cattery team. |
| Rabbit | $25 | Bonded pair: $40. |
| Guinea pig | $10 | Bonded pair: $15. |
| Mice / rats / hamsters | $5 | Availability varies by intake. |
| Cockatiel | $50 | Confirm current bird availability before visiting. |
| Parakeet | $25 | Bird inventory can change quickly. |
| Finch | $20 | Ask about housing and companion requirements. |
Pre-Adoption Holds in Boise
Unlike shelters with a strict no-hold policy, IHS allows in-person holds on many older animals.
Higher-fee dogs
Dogs with an adoption fee of $150 or more can have a $50 hold. Puppies are not eligible.
Lower-fee dogs
Dogs priced at $149 or less can have a $25 hold.
Cats four months+
Cats four months or older can have a $25 hold. Kittens are not eligible.
Emergency & Important Boise Animal Contacts
Use the number that matches the situation. The normal shelter phone, Animal Control dispatch and 911 do not serve the same purpose.
| Contact | Phone | Verified purpose |
|---|---|---|
| IHS Adoption / General Information | 208-342-3508 | Adoption Center and general Idaho Humane Society questions. |
| Animal Care & Control Dispatch | 208-343-3166 | Routine Animal Control dispatch, daily 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Calls involving injured animals, animals in immediate danger or risk to a person receive higher priority. |
| After-Hours / Holiday Animal Control Emergency | 208-377-6790 | Ada County Sheriff’s Dispatch route published by IHS for after-hours or major-holiday Animal Control emergencies. |
| Emergency | 911 | Immediate emergency requiring police, fire or medical response, particularly when human life or serious public safety is at risk. |
| Lost & Found / Admissions | 208-475-0854 | Lost-pet and Dorman admissions support. |
| Central District Health — Rabies / Exposure | 208-327-8625 | Communicable Disease Control for possible rabies exposure and related zoonotic-disease guidance in Ada County. |
Lost Pet in Boise: Use the Dorman Campus
A missing pet is one of those situations where waiting can make things harder. IHS directs lost-pet owners to its online intake portal and the Dorman Street campus.
If your dog is missing
- Search the official IHS lost-pet portal immediately.
- File an online lost report if your dog is not listed.
- Check Dorman Street intake regularly.
- IHS lists a 5-day stray holding period for dogs.
- On the sixth day, an unclaimed dog becomes property of IHS.
- Update your microchip registration and phone number.
If your cat is missing
- Search the official intake portal frequently.
- IHS says there is no general holding period for unidentified cats.
- A cat arriving with identification or a microchip is held for 3 days while IHS attempts to contact the owner.
- File a lost report even if you are also posting on social media.
- Keep microchip information current.
If a pet might have crossed west into Canyon County, use the Canyon County / Caldwell animal shelter guide rather than assuming every Treasure Valley stray goes to Boise.
Found a Stray Animal in Boise
Idaho Humane Society’s Boise guidance is more specific than “keep the pet and post online.” Boise’s local ordinance route requires seized stray animals to be relinquished to a Humane Officer or delivered for impoundment.
- If the animal is injured, aggressive, in traffic or unsafe to handle, call Animal Care & Control rather than trying to transport it yourself.
- Give the exact street address or location when requesting officer dispatch.
- IHS says municipalities require a name with reports; reports cannot be made anonymously.
- Dorman Street is the Boise IHS campus for stray intake.
- Do not privately rehome a found animal without following the local legal/owner-redemption route.
Owner Surrender in Boise: Appointment Required
Do not simply arrive at Dorman Street expecting an immediate owner surrender. IHS requires owners to complete a pet personality profile and make an appointment.
| Surrender type | Current fee | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Cat | $30 | Complete the cat personality profile and schedule an appointment. |
| Litter of kittens | $40 | Appointment still required. |
| Dog | $65 | Complete the dog personality profile before scheduling. |
| Litter of puppies | $70 | Appointment and profile required. |
| Small animal | $5–$25 | Fee depends on species. IHS says it cannot rehome personally owned roosters. |
Boise Animal Control: What IHS Handles
Idaho Humane Society’s Humane Officers are deputized by the Ada County Sheriff’s Department to enforce animal-related laws.
Enforcement
Animal cruelty, neglect, dangerous animals, animals at large, barking complaints and animal-related laws.
Rescue and public safety
Injured or sick strays, animals in traffic, animals in hot cars, attacks and other high-priority welfare situations.
Bite response
IHS lists animal bites among Humane Officer duties and says bite reports must be taken in person or by phone.
IHS Animal Control service area
IHS currently provides Animal Care & Control service to Boise, Eagle, Kuna, Meridian and unincorporated Ada County.
IHS specifically says it does not provide Animal Control service inside Garden City or Star, or outside Ada County.
Animal Bite or Possible Rabies Exposure in Boise
An animal bite has both Animal Control and health considerations. Do not assume reporting the bite to only one organization covers everything needed for your situation.
Animal Control side
Idaho Humane Society says bite reports must be made in person or by phone. Animal Care & Control can be reached at 208-343-3166.
Public-health side
Central District Health says a person who may have been exposed to rabies should wash the wound thoroughly, contact a healthcare provider and contact the local health district.
CDH Communicable Disease Control: 208-327-8625.
Idaho Humane Society Veterinary Medical Center
The Bird Street campus also contains IHS’s nonprofit Veterinary Medical Center. It is a public veterinary hospital—not only a shelter-treatment room—and IHS says its medical and surgical services are available to pet owners regardless of income level.
Veterinary Medical Center — Bird Street
1300 S Bird Street, Boise, ID 83709
Public clinic: Monday–Friday and Sunday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday: closed.
Call: 208-342-3599 • Text: 208-361-1799
IHS says same-day appointments may sometimes be available, but owners should contact the hospital before coming in.
Wellness and comprehensive care
Wellness exams, comprehensive exams and rechecks are currently being booked.
Surgery
IHS publishes soft-tissue, orthopedic, mass-removal and spay/neuter services, subject to staffing and case suitability.
Dentistry
Dental examinations, dental radiographs, scaling/polishing and extractions are among listed services.
Veterinary Exam, Vaccine & Surgery Prices
These are current prices published by Idaho Humane Society. The hospital also warns that staffing and service availability can change, so confirm before treatment.
| Veterinary service | Current price | Important condition |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | $70 | Exam fee must be paid in advance. |
| Comprehensive exam | $70 | Appointment required. |
| Recheck | $50 | Confirm whether your case qualifies as a recheck. |
| Pre-surgical exam | $70 | Required for spay/neuter patients 8 years and older. |
| Pre-dental exam | $70 | Separate dental treatment costs can apply. |
| Dog rabies vaccine | $20 | Confirm appropriate vaccine timing for your dog. |
| Dog DA2PP | $20 | Vaccine schedule varies by age/history. |
| Dog leptospirosis | $20 | Discuss need and booster schedule with veterinary staff. |
| Bordetella | $20 | Often relevant to dogs with boarding/social exposure. |
| Cat rabies | $20 | Verify current vaccine status first. |
| Cat FVRCP | $20 | Booster timing depends on age/history. |
| Feline leukemia vaccine | $20 | Ask whether testing is recommended first. |
| Microchip | $35 | IHS lists microchip appointments Tuesday–Friday and Sunday; text 208-361-1799. |
| Simple nail trim | $25 | Add $15 if restraint or muzzle is required. |
Current Spay / Neuter Pricing
| Procedure | Current price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dog spay — up to 30 lb | $215 | Post-operative pain medication included. |
| Dog spay — 31–75 lb | $275 | In-heat or pregnant fees can increase total. |
| Dog spay — 76–94 lb | $330 | Pre-booking required. |
| Dog spay — 95 lb+ | $375 | Brachycephalic dogs may have an additional fee. |
| Dog neuter — up to 30 lb | $185 | Undescended testicle fees can apply. |
| Dog neuter — 31–75 lb | $220 | Appointment required. |
| Dog neuter — 76–94 lb | $235 | Appointment required. |
| Dog neuter — 95 lb+ | $275 | Additional medical fees can apply. |
| Cat spay | $95 | Pregnant cat surcharge listed separately. |
| Cat neuter | $85 | Cryptorchid surcharge may apply. |
Veterinarians and Medical Leadership
The current IHS leadership page identifies veterinary leaders, but it does not publish a reliable “doctor-on-duty” schedule for public Veterinary Medical Center appointments. This guide therefore names only verified leadership—not a guessed appointment roster.
Jeff Rosenthal, DVM
Current IHS Chief Executive Officer. IHS says he joined the organization as Veterinary Medical Center Medical Director in 2000 and became CEO in 2002.
Adrian Dannis, DVM
Current IHS Director of Shelter Medicine, according to the organization’s leadership page.
Boise Dog Licensing
IHS says all Ada County jurisdictions require dogs to have and wear a license. The fee depends on where you live, so these Boise city prices should not be copied to Meridian, Eagle, Kuna or unincorporated Ada County.
| Boise license | Current fee | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year spayed/neutered | $18 | Proof of sterilization required. |
| 1-year unaltered, under 1 year | $31 | Dog is 16 weeks to less than one year old. |
| 1-year unaltered, age 1+ | $39.50 | For unspayed/unneutered dogs one year and older. |
| Senior owner 65+ — altered dog | $7 | One-year Boise license. |
Foster and Keep-a-Pet Support
Surrender is not the only route. IHS also operates foster and owner-support programs when a household needs time, food, behavior help or veterinary assistance.
Foster
Foster services are based at the Dorman campus. Prospective foster parents complete an application and orientation.
Pet Food Pantry
IHS offers food assistance intended to help qualifying households keep pets in their homes.
Behavior / medical support
The pet-rehoming page points owners toward behavior resources, veterinary assistance and some supply help before surrender.
Boise Idaho Humane Society Maps
Use the campus that matches your task. The two addresses are only a few miles apart, but they serve very different purposes.
Bird Street — Adoption & Veterinary
1300 S Bird Street, Boise, ID 83709
Dorman Street — Animal Control & Strays
4775 W Dorman Street, Boise, ID 83705
If Your Search Extends Beyond Boise
If you are still identifying the correct jurisdiction, the Animal Shelter Near Me guide explains how to separate adoption, lost-pet, surrender and Animal Control routes.
For another Idaho-specific example, the Lewiston Animal Shelter & Control guide covers a different Idaho city where the shelter and city-control structure works differently.
You can also browse the Animal-Shelter.org U.S. shelter directory when the animal or incident is outside Ada County.
Official Boise Animal Shelter Resources
Use these official pages for live pet availability, final fees, service changes and same-day instructions.
Boise Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the main animal shelter in Boise?
The main organization serving Boise is Idaho Humane Society. Its Bird Street campus handles adoptions and public veterinary services, while Dorman Street handles Animal Care & Control, strays, redemptions and owner surrenders.
Where do I go to adopt a pet in Boise?
Go to the Idaho Humane Society Bird Street Adoption Center at 1300 S Bird Street, Boise, ID 83709.
What are Boise animal shelter adoption hours?
Idaho Humane Society lists adoption hours as Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday is closed.
What is the Boise Animal Control phone number?
Idaho Humane Society Animal Care & Control dispatch is 208-343-3166 and is listed as open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What is the after-hours animal-control number?
For after-hours or major-holiday Animal Control emergencies, IHS directs callers to Ada County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 208-377-6790.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from Idaho Humane Society?
Current IHS dog adoption fees range from $25 to $500. IHS lists $350 as the standard dog fee, with higher pricing possible for some high-demand dogs and reduced pricing for some dogs that have stayed longer.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat?
Current IHS fees are $100 for kittens 8–16 weeks, $50 for cats 17 weeks to 4 years, $25 for cats 5–7 years, and $10 for cats age 7 years or older.
Can I place a hold on a pet?
IHS allows paid holds on many dogs older than six months and cats four months or older. Puppies and kittens are not eligible.
Where do I reclaim a lost pet?
Stray intake and redemptions are handled at the Dorman Street campus, 4775 W Dorman Street, Boise, ID 83705.
How long does IHS hold a stray dog?
IHS currently states that stray dogs are held for five days. On the sixth day, an unclaimed dog becomes property of Idaho Humane Society.
Does IHS hold stray cats?
IHS says there is no general holding period for unidentified cats. When a cat arrives with identification or a microchip, IHS holds the cat for three days while trying to locate the owner.
Does Idaho Humane Society accept owner surrenders?
Yes, but owner surrenders require an appointment. Current listed fees include $30 for a cat, $65 for a dog, $40 for a litter of kittens and $70 for a litter of puppies.
Does Idaho Humane Society have a veterinary hospital?
Yes. The nonprofit Veterinary Medical Center is at 1300 S Bird Street. Current public clinic hours are Monday through Friday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Saturday closed.
What is the Veterinary Medical Center exam fee?
Current IHS pricing lists wellness and comprehensive exams at $70 and rechecks at $50. Exam fees must be paid in advance.
Who are the veterinary leaders at Idaho Humane Society?
The current leadership page lists Jeff Rosenthal, DVM as CEO and Adrian Dannis, DVM as Director of Shelter Medicine. IHS does not publish a doctor-on-duty schedule for each public veterinary appointment.
Who do I call about a possible rabies exposure in Boise?
Central District Health Communicable Disease Control lists 208-327-8625 for possible rabies exposure and related communicable-disease questions.
Is Animal-Shelter.org the official Idaho Humane Society website?
No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide. Use Idaho Humane Society, Ada County and Central District Health for final live instructions.
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.