Carson / Gardena Animal Care Center Adoption, Lost Pet & Control Help
Use official Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control resources to check Carson Animal Shelter hours, view animals at the Carson / Gardena Animal Care Center, understand adoption fees, search lost pets, report found pets, request field services, license pets, handle animal noise, rehome a pet, and avoid wrong-jurisdiction animal control advice.
If you are searching for carson animal shelter, choose the task closest to what you need. This finder points users to the correct official LA County DACC path for adoption, available animals, lost pets, found pets, non-emergency service requests, pet licensing, animal noise, wildlife, rehoming, surrender and donations.
🐶 Adopt a pet — start with official Carson listings
Use this for: dogs, cats and other animals at the LA County Carson / Gardena Animal Care Center.
Best official path: use DACC View Our Animals, filter the care center to Carson, write down the animal ID, then call or visit during public hours.
Before you go: Carson / Gardena public viewing and adoption services are listed Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Carson Animal Shelter Quick Facts Before You Visit
The official facility name is Carson / Gardena Animal Care Center. It is operated by the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control, often called LA County DACC. The care center is commonly searched as Carson Animal Shelter, but the official mailing address is in Gardena.
The shelter is located at 216 W. Victoria Street, Gardena, CA 90248. LA County notes that Victoria Street is the same as 190th Street, and the care center is between Main Street and Broadway, two blocks south of the 91 freeway. That small location detail matters because many users search “Carson shelter” and then think the address is wrong when they see Gardena.
What This Carson Animal Shelter Guide Covers
Carson / Gardena Animal Care Center Hours, Address and Best Visit Time
LA County DACC lists Carson / Gardena Animal Care Center hours as Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Services during those public hours include adoptions, lost and found, licensing your pet, and general pet assistance.
On Sundays and holidays, LA County lists limited services. The care centers are closed for public viewing, but they continue to admit stray animals to protect animal and public safety, reunite lost pets with their families, and process Adoption Partner placements. Do not plan a normal Sunday adoption visit unless DACC posts a special event or updated schedule.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Use this window for public viewing, adoption visits, lost/found questions, pet licensing and general care center help.
Status: limited services.
The care center is closed for public viewing, but LA County continues core safety, stray intake, reunification and Adoption Partner services.
Phone: 310-523-9566.
Email: carson@animalcare.lacounty.gov.
Fax: 310-538-9229.
South County Communication Center: 562-940-6898.
Use official dispatch routing for service requests such as dog bites, stray dogs and urgent field-service issues.
How to Adopt a Dog, Cat or Other Pet From Carson Animal Shelter
LA County DACC’s adoption process starts with the official View Our Animals tool. Users can filter by care center, animal type, gender, breed, age, size and status. For Carson Animal Shelter searches, use the Carson care center filter so you do not accidentally drive to Baldwin Park, Downey, Castaic, Lancaster, Palmdale, Agoura or Santa Clarita Valley for the wrong pet.
Search official Carson animals first
Open the DACC View Our Animals page and filter the care center to Carson. Search by dog, cat, bird, livestock or other animal type depending on what you want to adopt.
Save the animal ID and status
Write down the animal ID, species, kennel or status information. DACC listings may show statuses such as ready to go home, stray wait or under evaluation, so read the details before assuming the pet can leave the same day.
Call or visit during public hours
Call Carson / Gardena Animal Care Center at 310-523-9566 or visit during Monday through Saturday public hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring the animal ID if asking about a specific pet.
Ask about health, behavior and legal status
Ask staff about the pet’s available date, vaccinations, spay/neuter status, microchip, behavior notes, medical holds, rescue-only status, resident pets, children, landlord rules and first-week home care.
Confirm total fees before finalizing
LA County adoption pricing can include base adoption fees plus possible sterilization, microchip, licensing, pain medication and registration-related costs. Confirm the total cost for the specific animal before completing the adoption.
Carson Animal Shelter Adoption Fees, Sterilization, Microchip and License Costs
LA County DACC lists adoption fees based on how long an animal has been in care. If an animal has been in care ten days or less, the listed adoption fee is $50. If the animal has been in care more than ten days, the listed adoption fee is $30.
Those base adoption amounts are not always the full amount due. DACC also lists sterilization fees, microchip fees, possible license fees and possible pain medication fees. The safest move is to treat the official fee page as the starting point and ask Carson staff for the final total on the animal you want.
10 days or less in care: $50.
More than 10 days in care: $30.
Promotions and discounts may reduce fees, but verify current DACC events before visiting.
Dog sterilization fee: $50.
Cat sterilization fee: $40.
Microchip fee: $7.50, not including national chip database registration.
Dog or cat license fees may be mandatory and vary depending on the city or area where you live.
Pain medication fees may also apply if the animal needed spay or neuter surgery.
DACC’s FAQ explains that adoption fees include vaccinations, microchip, and spay or neuter if the animal was not already altered when it came to the care center.
Because fee wording can differ by animal, confirm the itemized total before adoption.
Adoption fee notes users should not miss
- Adoption promotions may be posted on DACC’s home page, calendar or social pages.
- Licensing is separate from the base adoption fee and depends on where you live.
- Microchip registration in a national database may be a separate responsibility.
- A low adoption fee does not mean low lifetime cost.
- Budget for food, vet care, parasite prevention, training, supplies, grooming and emergencies.
How to View Carson Dogs, Cats and Animals in Care Online
The official DACC View Our Animals page lets users filter animals by care center. For this page, choose Carson as the care center. You can also filter by type, gender, breed, age, size, status and animal ID.
Status matters. DACC uses status language that can mean very different things. “Ready to go home” means an animal is ready for adoption and available to go home the same day. “Stray wait” usually means an animal is still in a holding period. “Under evaluation” can mean the animal is pending behavioral or other assessment. Never assume one online photo tells the full story.
Browse Official Carson Pets
Use LA County DACC’s own View Our Animals tool and filter by Carson before trusting copied posts or screenshots.
Official inventory firstSave the Animal ID
Bring the animal ID when calling, emailing or visiting so staff can quickly find the correct pet in the system.
Faster shelter helpCarson Lost Pets, Found Pets and Reclaim Help
LA County DACC partners with Petco Love Lost and provides official lost and found pet guidance. If your pet is missing, contact the microchip company first, create flyers, search the DACC animal listings, check nearby shelters and keep looking repeatedly. A pet may enter a shelter after your first search.
If you found a pet, DACC’s found-pet page points users to Petco Love Lost and PawBoost resources. Still, if the animal is sick, injured, aggressive, involved in a bite or creating a safety issue, use the official communication center or service request path instead of relying only on social media.
Contact the microchip company, create a clear lost pet flyer, search the DACC View Our Animals page, check the Carson care center, and use Petco Love Lost or similar lost-pet tools.
Check for tags, scan for a microchip when safe, use DACC found-pet guidance, and report through official lost/found tools so the owner has a real chance to locate the animal.
Bring photo ID, proof of ownership, photos, vet records, microchip details, license information and the animal ID if you found your pet online.
For Carson / Gardena service area dispatch, the South County Communication Center is listed as 562-940-6898.
For shelter-specific questions, call 310-523-9566.
Lost pet steps that actually help
- Search the official DACC View Our Animals page and filter by Carson.
- Call Carson / Gardena Animal Care Center with your pet’s description and microchip details.
- Contact your pet’s microchip company and report the pet as lost.
- Create a flyer with a clear photo, last seen location, size, color, sex and contact method.
- Check Petco Love Lost, PawBoost and local lost-pet groups.
- Search nearby shelters if your pet could cross into a different jurisdiction.
- Keep checking daily because intake timing and online posting can differ.
Carson Animal Control, Field Services, Bites and Abuse Reports
LA County DACC handles field service requests for its service areas. The official service request form is for non-emergency situations only. It may be used for stray animal concerns, non-emergency dog bites, suspected animal cruelty or neglect, and dead animal pickup.
If this is a human emergency, call 911. If this is an animal emergency, DACC tells users to contact the Communication Center rather than submit an online form. For Carson / Gardena and other South County centers, the South County Communication Center number is 562-940-6898.
Use DACC’s official Service Request page for non-emergency stray animals, non-emergency bites, suspected cruelty or neglect and dead animal pickup.
Do not submit an online form if delay could endanger the animal. Contact the Communication Center for sick, injured, dangerous or urgent animal issues.
Dog bites should be reported to DACC if you live within its service area or to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Serious medical needs should be handled first.
Report suspected cruelty with exact location, animal description, visible condition, dates, times and whether the issue is active. If abuse is in progress or there is an emergency, call 911.
Carson Pet Licensing, Microchips, Vaccines and Spay/Neuter Help
LA County requires all dogs in Los Angeles County to be licensed. In unincorporated areas and most incorporated cities served by DACC, cats must also be licensed, with some exceptions. Dogs and cats older than four months must be vaccinated against rabies, and DACC also states that the County requires dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered and microchipped.
Use the official DACC Licensing page to purchase or renew a license online, by mail or at a local animal care center.
Reduced license fees may be available for spayed/neutered pets, seniors and disabled veterans.
Dogs and cats older than four months must be vaccinated against rabies. Pets must be re-vaccinated yearly or every three years with an approved three-year vaccine.
DACC microchip implantation may be available through low-cost clinics and adoption services. Keep the microchip registration current; a chip is not GPS.
Los Angeles County Code requires dogs and cats older than four months in unincorporated areas to be spayed or neutered unless an exemption applies. Some cities have also adopted this ordinance.
Carson Pet Rehoming, Surrender and Owner Support Options
LA County DACC’s rehome guidance is clear: animal care centers can be stressful for pets, and bringing a pet to a care center should be a last resort. DACC encourages owners to explore support, safe rehoming, local rescue connections and other resources before surrendering.
DACC announced that appointments are no longer required to surrender pets at its seven animal care centers. Still, users should not treat surrender as a casual drop-off. Visit during business hours, confirm DACC serves your area, and review rehoming and support resources first.
Ask whether you need medical help, pet supplies, housing support, behavior help or safe rehoming assistance before bringing a pet to the shelter.
No appointment is required for surrender at DACC care centers, but users should visit during business hours and confirm they are in a DACC service area.
Use caution when rehoming to unknown people. Ask questions about fenced yard, vet relationship, other pets, children, work schedule, indoor/outdoor care and long-term commitment.
DACC’s other support resources and rehome pages may help with pet food, medical assistance, housing-related pressure, behavior needs or rescue connections.
Carson Animal Noise, Wildlife, Kittens and Other Special Cases
Not every animal issue should go through the same path. Barking dog complaints, wildlife concerns, found kittens, pet licensing and urgent animal injuries each have different official instructions. Using the wrong form can delay help.
DACC can accept animal noise complaints only from residents in its service area. Noise complaints cannot be submitted anonymously and have a multi-step process that can include a courtesy letter, sworn affidavit and warning period.
DACC says California does not allow relocation of wild animals. DACC does not pick up wild animals unless they are sick, injured and require medical attention. Do not approach or handle sick or injured wildlife.
Use DACC’s “Got Kittens” guidance before moving kittens. Some kittens may be safer left in place while the mother returns, unless they are sick, injured or in immediate danger.
On limited-service Sundays and holidays, care centers may still process Adoption Partner placements even when public viewing is closed.
Carson Animal Shelter vs City of Los Angeles, Gardena and Other LA County Jurisdictions
Los Angeles County animal shelter jurisdiction is confusing. LA County DACC serves unincorporated areas and many contracted cities, but it does not serve the City of Los Angeles except for small unincorporated areas within or adjacent to the city. DACC also notes that several other agencies and humane societies serve different areas of Los Angeles County.
LA County DACC Carson / Gardena Animal Care Center
216 W. Victoria Street, Gardena, CA 90248.
Main phone: 310-523-9566.
If your issue is inside the City of Los Angeles, LA Animal Services may be the correct agency, not LA County DACC.
Use the official service locator if you are unsure.
The Carson / Gardena facility has a Gardena mailing address, but enforcement and intake depend on service-area rules, not just the closest shelter address.
Use “Carson / Gardena Animal Care Center,” “LA County DACC Carson,” or the exact address where the animal issue happened.
Official Carson Animal Shelter, Adoption and Control Links
Use these official or county resources first. This helps users avoid old hours, wrong phone numbers, copied urgent posts, stale fee screenshots, fake surrender instructions and wrong-jurisdiction animal control advice.
🏠 Carson / Gardena Care Center
Main official LA County DACC page for Carson / Gardena address, hours, phone, directions and animals at the center.
Open Carson Page🐾 Adopt a Pet
Official DACC adoption process, adoption fee and adoption care information.
Open Adopt Page🔎 View Our Animals
Official DACC animal search with Carson filter, species filters, age, size, gender, status and animal ID.
Search Animals🔎 Lost a Pet
Official DACC lost-pet guidance, microchip company steps, flyers and Petco Love Lost information.
Open Lost Pet Help📍 Found a Pet
Official found-pet guidance, Petco Love Lost and PawBoost reporting information.
Open Found Pet Help🚨 Service Request
Official non-emergency service request for strays, non-emergency bites, suspected cruelty/neglect and dead animal pickup.
Open Service Request☎️ Contact DACC
Official communication center numbers, dispatch information, language access and general contact paths.
Open Contact Page🏷️ Pet Licensing
Official dog and cat license requirements, online payment, renewal, rabies and sterilization guidance.
Open Licensing💳 Service Fees
Official fee schedules for DACC services, licensing, vaccinations, spay/neuter and related costs.
Open Fee Page🤝 Rehome Your Pet
Official rehoming guidance, support questions and surrender-as-last-resort advice.
Open Rehome Help🔊 Animal Noise
Official animal noise complaint process, jurisdiction rules, affidavit steps and warning/citation process.
Open Noise Help🗺️ Service Locator
County locator to help identify the correct animal care agency for a specific address or issue.
Open Service LocatorPhone and contact details
310-523-9566
carson@animalcare.lacounty.gov
216 W. Victoria Street, Gardena, CA 90248
562-940-6898
Used for dispatch and service calls for Agoura, Baldwin Park, Carson/Gardena and Downey care center areas.
562-345-0400
licensing@animalcare.lacounty.gov
Staff are listed Wednesday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for field licensing/canvassing questions.
Victoria Street is the same as 190th Street. The care center has a Gardena mailing address even though many people search for it as Carson Animal Shelter.
Carson Animal Shelter Map and Visit Location
The official Carson / Gardena Animal Care Center location is 216 W. Victoria Street, Gardena, CA 90248. Use this address for adoption visits, lost pet searches, reclaim questions, licensing, general pet assistance and DACC care center services. Check official hours before visiting because Sunday and holidays have limited services and no public viewing.
LA County DACC — Carson / Gardena Animal Care Center
Address: 216 W. Victoria Street, Gardena, CA 90248
Carson Animal Shelter FAQs
What are Carson Animal Shelter adoption hours in 2026?
LA County DACC lists Carson / Gardena Animal Care Center hours Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays and holidays have limited services and the care center is closed for public viewing.
Where is Carson Animal Shelter located?
The official facility is Carson / Gardena Animal Care Center at 216 W. Victoria Street, Gardena, CA 90248. LA County notes that Victoria Street is the same as 190th Street, and the care center has a Gardena mailing address.
What is the Carson Animal Shelter phone number?
The Carson / Gardena Animal Care Center phone number is 310-523-9566. The official email is carson@animalcare.lacounty.gov.
How do I adopt from Carson Animal Shelter?
Use the official DACC View Our Animals page, filter by Carson, save the animal ID, then call or visit during Monday through Saturday public hours. Read the animal status carefully because some animals may be on stray wait, under evaluation or not ready to go home.
How much does it cost to adopt from Carson / Gardena Animal Care Center?
LA County DACC lists base adoption fees as $50 if the animal has been in care ten days or less and $30 if the animal has been in care more than ten days. Sterilization, microchip, license, pain medication and other fees may apply, so confirm the total cost for the specific animal before adoption.
What is included with a LA County DACC adoption?
DACC’s FAQ states that adoption includes vaccinations, microchip, and spay or neuter if the animal was not already altered when it came to the care center. Because itemized charges may still apply, ask staff for the final adoption breakdown.
Is Carson Animal Shelter open on Sunday?
Sunday is listed as limited services. The care center is closed for public viewing, but DACC continues to admit stray animals, reunite lost pets with families and process Adoption Partner placements. Do not plan a normal Sunday adoption visit unless DACC posts a special event.
How do I find a lost pet at Carson Animal Shelter?
Search DACC’s View Our Animals page and filter by Carson, contact the microchip company, create a lost pet flyer, use Petco Love Lost and contact the care center at 310-523-9566 if you see a possible match.
What should I do if I found a pet near Carson or Gardena?
Check for tags, scan for a microchip when safe, use DACC’s found-pet guidance, and post through official lost/found tools such as Petco Love Lost or PawBoost. If the animal is sick, injured, aggressive or involved in a bite, contact the appropriate communication center or emergency service instead of relying only on online posts.
Who do I call for animal control near Carson Animal Shelter?
For non-emergency service requests in DACC service areas, use the official DACC Service Request page. For dispatch-related calls involving the Carson/Gardena area, the South County Communication Center is listed as 562-940-6898. For human emergencies, call 911.
Does LA County DACC serve the City of Los Angeles?
Generally no. LA County DACC says the City of Los Angeles is not served by the agency except for small unincorporated areas within or adjacent to the city. Use the official service locator if you are unsure which agency handles an address.
Can I surrender a pet at Carson Animal Shelter?
DACC discontinued the appointment requirement for pet surrenders at its seven animal care centers, but it strongly encourages owners to explore support, rehoming and rescue options first. Visit during business hours and confirm DACC serves your area before bringing an owned pet.
Best Way to Use Carson Animal Shelter in 2026
The best path is simple: use official LA County DACC resources first, confirm Carson / Gardena is the correct care center for your animal or address, and do not rely on old private listings for hours, fees, adoption status, surrender rules or animal-control routing. Adoption users should search the official animal listings, filter by Carson, save the animal ID and visit Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For the focus keyword carson animal shelter, this guide covers the full user intent: Carson / Gardena Animal Care Center hours, address, phone number, adoption process, adoption fees, dogs, cats, available animals, lost pets, found pets, animal control, service requests, dog bites, pet licensing, microchips, vaccines, spay/neuter, animal noise, wildlife, rehoming, surrender, map and official links.
Important Notice: This article is an independent informational guide and is not LA County Animal Care and Control, Carson / Gardena Animal Care Center, County of Los Angeles, a veterinary clinic, a law office or an emergency service. Adoption availability, shelter hours, fees, licensing rules, public viewing, limited services, animal status, surrender guidance, field-service response, jurisdiction coverage and clinic schedules can change. Always verify urgent or official matters directly with LA County DACC or the appropriate local agency before acting.