Cabarrus County Animal Shelter, Adoption & Pets 2026
Use this page like a Cabarrus County animal-help dashboard. Pick adoption, lost pet, found pet, reclaim, surrender, Animal Control dispatch, fees, hours, or documents before you drive to the shelter.
Important planning note: Cabarrus official pages show more than one public-hours format. For adoption or reclaim, use the detailed Animal Services hours below and call 704-920-3288 before a time-sensitive visit.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Who to call first
- Adoption and shelter hours
- Adoption fees and included care
- Adoption micro-steps
- Lost and found pets
- Reclaim documents and fees
- Owner surrender rules
- Animal Control route
- Puppy and kitten vet notes
- Donate and volunteer
- Before you leave home
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Cabarrus County Animal Help Cards
Tap the action that matches your situation. Each card sends you to an official route or phone action.
Who to Call First
Use this before driving to Concord, bringing in a found animal, or trying to reclaim a pet.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog or cat | Adopt a Pet or 704-920-3288 | “I want to meet [pet name/ID]. Are appointments available?” | Appointments are preferred for meet-and-greets; walk-ins may wait longer. |
| Lost pet may be at shelter | Found Pets + 704-920-3288 | “My pet is missing near [location]. Is a matching pet in custody?” | Check often; the found-pets page says it updates every 15 minutes. |
| Reclaim a pet | Reclaim Your Pet | “I have ID and proof of ownership. What fees are due?” | Bring ID, proof, rabies proof if available, and payment. |
| Found a stray animal | 704-920-3000 or 704-920-3288 | “I found a [dog/cat] at [exact place]. Can I drop off or should dispatch respond?” | Use shelter guidance for safe intake; do not handle dangerous animals. |
| Animal Control issue | 704-920-3000 | “I need Animal Control for [bite/stray/danger/neglect] at [address].” | For emergencies, call 911 first. |
| Owner surrender | Surrendering an Animal | “I am a Cabarrus resident and need a surrender appointment.” | Prepare Cabarrus residency proof and appointment request. |
Cabarrus County Animal Shelter Hours
Use this as a practical planning table. Appointments are preferred for adoption meet-and-greets.
| Service | Official listed hours | Appointment? | What to do before visiting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adoptions | Monday-Friday 12:00 PM-4:30 PM; Thursdays extended to 6:30 PM; first Saturday of the month 12:00 PM-3:00 PM | Strongly preferred | Check available pet, submit/prepare application, call if time-sensitive. |
| Stray drop-off | Monday-Friday 12:00 PM-4:30 PM | No appointment listed for found-pet drop-off | Call first if the animal is injured, aggressive, or unsafe to transport. |
| Owner reclaim | Monday-Friday 12:00 PM-4:30 PM | No appointment listed for reclaim | Bring ID, proof of ownership, rabies proof, and payment. |
| Owner surrender | Monday-Tuesday 12:00 PM-4:30 PM | Required | Bring Cabarrus residency proof and required ID documents. |
| Rescue pickup/coordination | Monday-Friday 1:00 PM-5:00 PM | Use rescue route | Only registered rescue partners can take some medical/behavioral animals. |
| Weekend services | Saturday and Sunday closed for all services, except first-Saturday adoption window if offered | Verify first | County holiday closures can also apply. |
Adoption Fees and What They Include
Cabarrus Animal Services lists simple dog and cat adoption fees, but the included care details are what adopters actually need.
| Pet | Adoption fee | Included in adoption fee | Ask before taking home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | $100 | Vaccines, canine heartworm test for dogs 6 months and older, deworming, topical flea/tick prevention, first month heartworm prevention, microchip | Food, energy level, leash behavior, HW status, next vaccine/treatment due dates. |
| Cat | $90 | Vaccines, feline combo test for cats 6 months and older, deworming, topical flea/tick prevention, microchip | Litter habits, room setup, other-pet history, next vaccine/treatment due dates. |
| Puppy or kitten under 16 weeks | Same species fee unless official promotion says otherwise | Age-appropriate vetting while in shelter care | Rabies vaccine and routine boosters will be your veterinarian’s responsibility at the appropriate age. |
| Medical/behavioral special-needs animal | Ask shelter | Some animals may be rescue-only | Ask whether the pet is available to public adopters or only registered rescue partners. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order so you do not waste a trip or miss required care questions.
Open the pet list
Use Available Dogs or Available Cats. Screenshot the pet name, ID, photo, and status.
Check whether the animal is public-adoptable
Cabarrus notes some animals with behavioral or medical needs are only available to registered rescues.
Book or request a meet-and-greet
Appointments are preferred so an adoption counselor has time to help match the pet to your home.
Prepare household approval
Discuss kids, resident pets, landlord rules, pet deposits, allergies, work schedule, crate/litter setup, and long-term vet budget.
Bring ID and payment
Bring government ID, payment, leash/carrier, and a safe ride-home plan. Dogs should not ride loose in an open vehicle or crowded back seat.
Ask the “next care” questions
Ask for vaccine due dates, heartworm/combo test status, flea/tick treatment date, deworming date, microchip details, and any behavior notes.
Lost or Found Pets in Cabarrus County
Use the official found-pets page plus real-world search steps. Do not rely on one post or one phone call.
If your pet is lost
- Open the official Found Pets page.
- Check Found Dogs and Found Cats.
- Call 704-920-3288 with species, color, sex, collar, microchip, and last-seen location.
- Search close first: garage, shed, porch, woods edge, crawlspace, storm drains, neighbor yards, and under vehicles.
- Update microchip contact details and prepare clear photos.
- Share the shelter post if your pet appears online and call immediately.
- Bring proof of ownership before going to reclaim.
If you found a pet
- Keep the animal away from traffic if safe.
- Do not handle an aggressive, injured, or dangerous animal; use dispatch.
- Call 704-920-3000 for Animal Control Officer dispatch if pickup or safety help is needed.
- Call the shelter at 704-920-3288 before drop-off if unsure.
- Take clear photos before moving the animal.
- Ask about microchip scanning.
- Give exact found location, date, time, collar/tag details, and your contact information.
Reclaim Your Pet: Documents and Fees
If you see your animal online, contact the shelter immediately. Reclaim is time-sensitive.
Bring ID
Cabarrus requires a government-issued ID to reclaim an animal.
Bring ownership proof
Use photos of you and your pet, veterinary records with accurate description, adoption paperwork, or purchase paperwork.
Rabies proof
Bring proof of rabies vaccination if available. Vaccine fees may apply if shelter protocol required vaccines.
Boarding fee
Cabarrus lists boarding at $10 per night.
Dog vaccine fee
Cabarrus lists $20 per dog, including Rabies, DAPP, and Bordetella.
Cat vaccine fee
Cabarrus lists $15 per cat, including Rabies and FVRCP.
| Fee / fine | Amount | When it may apply | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boarding | $10 per night | Animal held at shelter | Cost increases with each night. |
| Dog vaccine fee | $20 | Dogs vaccinated on intake | Includes Rabies, DAPP, and Bordetella. |
| Cat vaccine fee | $15 | Cats vaccinated on intake | Includes Rabies and FVRCP. |
| Dog leash-law fine, first offense | $50 | Leash-law violation | Official Sheriff page notes this may often be waived unless the pet posed danger or nuisance while loose. |
| Dog leash-law fine, second offense | $150 | Repeat leash-law violation | Bring payment before pickup. |
| Dog leash-law fine, third offense and thereafter | $250 | Further repeat violation | Ask exact total before arriving. |
Owner Surrender: Appointment and Residency Rules
Owner surrender is not a walk-in service. Cabarrus requires appointments because of limited shelter capacity.
| Requirement | Official detail | What to prepare | Helpful tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residency | Cabarrus residents may surrender animals | Current NC driver’s license showing a Cabarrus County address | If license address is not current, prepare alternate proof. |
| Alternate proof | Picture ID plus proof of residency | Current utility bill, insurance registration, pay stub, or lease/rental agreement | Bring printed or clearly readable digital proof. |
| Surrender days | Monday and Tuesday | Appointment during 12:00 PM-4:30 PM surrender window | Call first; do not arrive without appointment. |
| Pet history | Not listed as a formal fee table, but essential for safe placement | Vet records, medication, diet, bite history, behavior notes, known triggers | Honesty helps staff choose the safest option. |
Animal Control: Dispatch and Safety Route
Animal Control is the right route for field/safety issues. Adoption questions should go to the shelter.
| Need | Route | What to provide | Do this |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Control Officer dispatch | 704-920-3000 | Exact address, animal type, description, risk level, whether people are in danger | Call dispatch, not the adoption desk. |
| Emergency | 911 | Immediate threat to human safety | Use emergency services first. |
| Shelter questions | 704-920-3288 | Pet ID, adoption/reclaim/surrender question | Ask for current hours before driving. |
| Email follow-up | animalshelter@cabarruscounty.us | Photos, pet ID, detailed question, phone number | Use email for non-urgent documentation. |
Puppy and Kitten Adoption Notes
This is one of the most important official details for new adopters.
Routine boosters
Cabarrus says puppies and kittens need routine vaccines and deworming every few weeks until 16 weeks.
Rabies timing
The shelter cannot administer a Rabies vaccine until a pet is 16 weeks or older. Your veterinarian handles this if adopted under 16 weeks.
Testing age
Cabarrus says dogs under 6 months are not heartworm tested and cats under 6 months are not combo tested because of false-result risk.
Donate, Volunteer, and Support Shelter Pets
Cabarrus lists practical ways the public can support animals in shelter care.
Needed items
The shelter lists needs such as pet food, clumping cat litter, blankets, towels, treats, toys, newspapers, bleach, collars, leashes, canned food, dry food, and sterile saline.
Kuranda beds
Cabarrus highlights Kuranda beds because they are chew-proof, easy to sanitize, and comfortable for shelter animals.
Volunteer basics
Cabarrus says volunteers must be 18 or older, have experience handling or being around animals, and must not be allergic to animals.
Before You Leave Home
Pet screenshot, appointment request, ID, payment, leash/carrier, landlord approval.
Recent photo, collar/tag details, microchip number, last-seen cross streets, proof of ownership.
Government ID, ownership proof, rabies proof, mobile checkout/cash/check, fee estimate.
Appointment, Cabarrus residency proof, photo ID, vet records, behavior notes, medication list.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I am interested in [pet name/ID]. Is this pet available for public adoption, and can I schedule a meet-and-greet?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/sex/collar/microchip]. Has a matching animal entered the shelter?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] at [exact location]. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. Should I bring it to the shelter or request Animal Control dispatch?Surrender
Hi, I am a Cabarrus County resident and need an owner-surrender appointment for my [pet]. I have ID, residency proof, vet records, and behavior notes. What is the next available appointment?Map: Cabarrus County Animal Shelter
Use this map for the shelter location. For adoption, reclaim, or surrender timing, call before driving.
Official Cabarrus County Animal Links
The key details are summarized above. Use these official pages for live pets, forms, current routing, and final verification.
Cabarrus County Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Cabarrus County Animal Shelter located?
Cabarrus County Animal Shelter is located at 244 Betsy Carpenter Place SW, Concord, NC 28025.
What is the Cabarrus County Animal Shelter phone number?
The shelter phone number listed by Cabarrus County is 704-920-3288.
What is the Cabarrus County Animal Control dispatch number?
Cabarrus Animal Services lists Animal Control Officer dispatch at 704-920-3000.
What are Cabarrus County Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Cabarrus Animal Services lists adoptions Monday-Friday from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM, Thursdays until 6:30 PM, and the first Saturday of the month from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with appointments strongly preferred.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog in Cabarrus County?
Cabarrus Animal Services lists dog adoption fees at $100.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat in Cabarrus County?
Cabarrus Animal Services lists cat adoption fees at $90.
What is included in Cabarrus County adoption fees?
Cabarrus lists vaccines, deworming, topical flea and tick prevention, microchip, testing for dogs or cats 6 months and older, and first month heartworm prevention for dogs as included care, depending on species and age.
How long are found pets held in Cabarrus County?
Cabarrus says cat stray hold is 72 hours and dog stray hold is three business days. Stray holds do not include closed days such as weekends and holidays.
What do I need to reclaim my pet?
To reclaim a pet, Cabarrus says to bring a government-issued ID, proof of pet ownership, rabies vaccination proof if available, and payment for applicable fines and fees.
Can I surrender a pet without an appointment?
No. Cabarrus says owner surrenders are by appointment only due to limited shelter capacity, and residents must provide Cabarrus County residency proof.
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.