Broward County Animal Shelter, Adoption & Pets: Hours, Fees, Lost Pets and Contact Guide 2026
Broward County Animal Care in Fort Lauderdale is the main county resource many residents use for pet adoption, lost and found pets, admissions, pet services, animal issues, foster care, and public animal care guidance. This guide is built for real visitors who need clear steps before calling, driving, adopting, reporting a found pet, or checking current shelter services.
Broward County Animal Shelter Quick Details
These are the details most visitors need first: where the Broward County shelter is located, when the adoption and admissions lobbies are open, how to contact Animal Care, and what to check before driving to Fort Lauderdale.
Official Name
Broward County Animal Care Division, commonly searched as Broward County Animal Shelter or Broward County Animal Care and Adoption.
Address
2400 SW 42nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.
Phone
Adoption Hours
Adoptions Lobby: 7 days a week, 11 AM to 6 PM. Last customers are taken at 5:30 PM.
What Broward County Animal Care Does
Broward County Animal Care is a public animal services resource for residents and visitors in Broward County, Florida. Many people use it when they want to adopt a dog or cat, look for a missing pet, report a found animal, ask about shelter admissions, understand pet registration, use clinic-related resources, or report certain animal issues.
The facility is near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport area, so planning your route matters. Do not treat this as a casual “drop in anytime” visit if your goal is adoption, admissions, lost-pet reclaim, or animal services. Use the official pages first, save the shelter phone number, and arrive with enough time before the last-customer cutoff.
Adoptions
Visitors can adopt pets through Broward County Animal Care during published adoption lobby hours. The county notes that adoption fees are waived, with registration fees required.
Lost and Found
Broward County provides official lost-and-found pet guidance, including steps for pets with tags, tattoos, microchips, or no visible identification.
Public Animal Services
The county provides animal care resources, pet care clinic information, foster resources, reporting guidance, and public education around pets and animal issues.
Broward County Animal Shelter Adoption and Admissions Hours 2026
Broward County lists separate hours for adoptions, admissions, and the Pet Care Clinic. This matters because adopting a pet, bringing in an animal, and using clinic services are not the same visitor task.
| Department / Visitor Need | Published Hours | What Visitors Should Know |
|---|---|---|
| Adoptions Lobby | Open 7 days a week, 11 AM to 6 PM. Last customers taken at 5:30 PM. | Arrive earlier if you want enough time to view pets, ask questions, complete paperwork, and plan transport home. |
| Admissions Lobby | Open 7 days a week, 11 AM to 5 PM. Last customers taken at 4:30 PM. | Use this timing for admission-related questions, but call first if your situation is urgent or unusual. |
| Pet Care Clinic | By appointment only. | Do not arrive expecting walk-in clinic service unless the official county page or appointment confirmation says otherwise. |
| Animal issue reporting | Use 311 or official Animal Care instructions depending on the issue and timing. | For after-hours, weekends, or holidays, Broward County says to call Animal Care at 954-359-1313, press option 2, and leave a message for certain issues. |
How to Adopt from Broward County Animal Care
Adoption works best when you treat it like a real household decision, not a quick checkout. A good match depends on your housing, schedule, budget, family members, other pets, activity level, and ability to manage the first few weeks after adoption.
Start with the official adoption page
Open the official Broward County Animal Care Adoptions page before you go. Use it to confirm current adoption instructions, pet availability tools, and any current notices.
Call if you are coming for a specific pet
If you saw a specific animal online or in a shared post, call 954-359-1313 before driving. Ask whether the pet is still available, whether any hold or medical status applies, and whether you should arrive by a certain time.
Bring ID, transport supplies, and household approval
Bring government-issued photo ID, a payment method for any required registration fee or supplies, a leash or carrier, and rental or HOA approval if your housing has pet restrictions.
Ask fit-based questions before saying yes
Ask about age estimate, size, behavior observations, medical notes, vaccination and microchip status, energy level, recommended home type, and whether the pet has known restrictions or special care needs.
Plan the first week at home
Keep the first week calm. Set up a quiet decompression area, schedule a vet relationship, avoid overwhelming introductions, update identification, and introduce children or other pets slowly.
Broward County Animal Shelter Adoption Fees and What Is Included
Broward County’s Animal Care page states that adoption fees are waived. It also says pets receive vaccinations and microchips, and that a $25 pet registration fee is required. Always confirm the current fee details before visiting because policies, events, and pet-specific requirements can change.
| Adoption Cost Topic | Published Broward County Information | Visitor Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption fee | Adoption fees are waived. | Confirm whether the specific pet, date, or event has any special requirements before visiting. |
| Pet registration fee | Broward County notes a $25 pet registration fee is required. | Bring a payment method and ask whether any other registration or licensing detail applies to your situation. |
| Vaccinations | The county notes adopted pets receive vaccinations. | Ask for available vaccination paperwork before leaving the shelter. |
| Microchip | The county notes pets receive microchips. | Confirm how to register or update the microchip to your contact information. |
| Future costs | Adoption does not remove normal pet ownership expenses. | Budget for food, supplies, vet care, flea/tick prevention, training, bedding, litter, and emergency care. |
Lost and Found Pets in Broward County
If your pet is missing or you found someone else’s pet, speed and documentation matter. Broward County’s lost-and-found guidance recommends checking identification, scanning for a microchip, and contacting Broward County Animal Care when a tag, tattoo, or microchip is involved.
If Your Pet Is Missing
- Call 954-359-1313 and ask about recent animals matching your pet.
- Check the official Broward County Lost and Found Pets page.
- Bring or send clear photos, microchip number, tag number, vet records, and proof of ownership.
- Search your neighborhood, local vets, community groups, and nearby shelters.
- Keep checking because shelter intake and owner searches can change daily.
If You Found a Pet
- Check for a visible ID tag and contact the listed owner when safe.
- Have the pet scanned for a microchip at a veterinary clinic or animal care resource.
- Contact Broward County Animal Care at 954-359-1313.
- Email ACADFoundPets@broward.org when the pet has a Broward County Registration Tag, tattoo, or microchip.
- Do not put yourself at risk with an aggressive, injured, or frightened animal.
Reporting Animal Issues, Cruelty Concerns and Safety Problems
Broward County provides specific guidance for reporting animal issues. The county says to call the Broward County Animal Cruelty Hotline at 311. If it is after 5 PM, on a weekend, or on a holiday, Broward County says to call Animal Care at 954-359-1313, press option 2, and leave a message.
Cruelty Hotline
Use 311 for Broward County animal cruelty reporting during the proper reporting window.
After Hours
After 5 PM, weekends, or holidays, call 954-359-1313, press option 2, and leave a message.
Dogs and Cats
Broward County notes that Animal Care and Adoption can respond to issues regarding dogs and cats.
Admissions, Pet Surrender Planning and Before You Bring an Animal In
Broward County lists the Admissions Lobby as open seven days a week from 11 AM to 5 PM, with last customers taken at 4:30 PM. Admissions can involve more than simply walking through the door, so call ahead if you have a time-sensitive animal situation, a found pet, a pet you can no longer keep, or questions about whether Broward County Animal Care is the correct agency.
Confirm the correct process before arriving
Call 954-359-1313 or review the official Broward County Animal Care website before bringing an animal to admissions.
Bring clear information about the animal
Be ready with where the animal was found, whether it has a collar or tag, any known medical or behavior concerns, and whether you have already checked for a microchip.
Ask about alternatives if surrendering your own pet
If you are surrendering because of housing, food costs, behavior, transportation, or temporary hardship, explain your situation clearly and ask whether any pet retention or community resource may help.
Never abandon an animal
Do not leave a pet outside the shelter or in a parking area after hours. Follow the official admissions process and speak with Animal Care about the safest next step.
What to Bring When Visiting Broward County Animal Care
Whether you are adopting, reclaiming a lost pet, reporting a found animal, or asking about admissions, preparation saves time and reduces stress.
For Adoption
- Government-issued photo ID.
- Payment method for the required pet registration fee or supplies.
- Leash, collar, or secure pet carrier.
- Rental, landlord, or HOA approval if needed.
- Questions about medical notes, temperament, and first-week care.
For Lost Pet Reclaim
- Recent pet photos.
- Microchip number or registration record.
- County tag, tattoo, or license information if available.
- Veterinary records and proof of ownership.
- Proof of identity and current contact information.
For Found Pet or Admissions Help
- Exact found location and time.
- Photos only if safely taken.
- Any collar, tag, or microchip information.
- Notes about injury, behavior, or urgency.
- Call first when the situation is time-sensitive.
Foster Care, Pet Care Clinics and Community Help
Broward County Animal Care also provides community programs and resources beyond standard adoption. The county website includes foster resources, clinic-related information, events, and pet care services. These programs can be especially useful for people who cannot adopt permanently but still want to help shelter pets.
Foster Support
Fostering can help animals that need a quieter space, medical recovery time, age-related care, or temporary support outside the shelter.
Pet Care Clinic
Broward County lists the Pet Care Clinic as appointment only, so check the official page before planning a clinic visit.
Ways to Help
Residents may be able to support shelter pets through fostering, donations, adoption events, community sharing, and official volunteer-style opportunities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using outdated listings
Always confirm address, hours, adoption rules, fees, and services through official Broward County Animal Care pages.
Arriving after the cutoff
Adoptions have a listed 5:30 PM last-customer time, and admissions have a listed 4:30 PM last-customer time.
Forgetting documents
ID, proof of ownership, microchip records, and photos can matter when adopting or reclaiming a lost pet.
Choosing too quickly
Good adoptions are based on lifestyle fit, household rules, budget, energy level, and long-term care ability.
Dropping off animals after hours
Never leave an animal outside the facility. Use the official admissions process and call for guidance.
Calling the wrong agency
Broward County says Animal Care handles dog and cat issues, while wildlife, livestock, and farm animal issues may require local law enforcement.
Broward County Animal Shelter Map and Directions
Broward County Animal Care is located at 2400 SW 42nd Street in Fort Lauderdale, near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport area. Use the map below for directions, then confirm the correct lobby, hours, and process before leaving home.
Official Broward County Animal Care Resources
Use these official county links when you need current information. Shelter hours, adoption policies, clinic availability, events, pet listings, and service details can change.
Nearby Florida Shelter Guides and Related Animal Resources
If you are comparing public shelter options across Florida, you may also want to review the Cape Coral Animal Shelter guide and the Escambia County Animal Shelter guide. Each Florida shelter system can have different adoption hours, admission rules, lost-pet steps, registration fees, and public-service responsibilities.
Broward County Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the official Broward County Animal Shelter?
The official county shelter resource is Broward County Animal Care Division in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Where is Broward County Animal Care located?
Broward County Animal Care is located at 2400 SW 42nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.
What is the phone number for Broward County Animal Care?
The main phone number is 954-359-1313.
What are Broward County Animal Shelter adoption hours?
The Adoptions Lobby is listed as open 7 days a week from 11 AM to 6 PM, with last customers taken at 5:30 PM.
What are Broward County Animal Care admissions hours?
The Admissions Lobby is listed as open 7 days a week from 11 AM to 5 PM, with last customers taken at 4:30 PM.
Are Broward County Animal Care adoption fees free?
Broward County states that adoption fees are waived. Pets receive vaccinations and microchips, and a $25 pet registration fee is required.
What should I do if I found a lost pet in Broward County?
Check for an ID tag, have the pet scanned for a microchip at a veterinary clinic, and contact Broward County Animal Care at 954-359-1313. If the pet has a Broward County Registration Tag, tattoo, or microchip, the county lists ACADFoundPets@broward.org as a contact email.
Who do I call to report animal cruelty in Broward County?
Broward County says to call the Animal Cruelty Hotline at 311. After 5 PM, on weekends, or on holidays, call Animal Care at 954-359-1313, press option 2, and leave a message.
Does Broward County Animal Care handle wildlife?
Broward County notes that Animal Care and Adoption can respond to issues regarding dogs and cats. For cruelty involving livestock, farm animals, or wildlife such as birds, ducks, and raccoons, the county says to call local law enforcement.
Is the Broward County Pet Care Clinic walk-in?
Broward County lists the Pet Care Clinic as appointment only. Check the official county page before planning a clinic visit.
Final Takeaway
Broward County Animal Care is the main public animal shelter and animal care resource for people searching for adoption, lost pets, found pets, admissions, clinic information, and animal issue reporting in Broward County. The most important details are the Fort Lauderdale address, the 954-359-1313 phone number, the 11 AM to 6 PM adoption lobby schedule, and the 11 AM to 5 PM admissions lobby schedule.
Before you visit, check the official Broward County Animal Care pages, call if you are coming for a specific pet or urgent issue, bring the right documents, and leave enough time before the last-customer cutoff. A few minutes of preparation can save a wasted trip and help make the process safer for you, shelter staff, and the 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.