Chatham County Animal Services: Adoption, Pets & Shelter Hours
Use this Savannah-area guide like a task dashboard: adoption, fees, appointment timing, lost pet search, found pet reporting, 5-day stray hold, surrender appointment, rabies tag registration, bite reporting, complaints, foster routes and donations.
Verified 2026 note: Chatham County Animal Services is open to the public from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily except Wednesdays. No money transactions are completed after 4:30 p.m., including adoptions and returns to owners.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Official 2026 check
- Who to call first
- Shelter and dispatch hours
- Adoption fees and inclusions
- Adoption micro-steps
- Lost/found pet steps
- Reclaim and 5-day stray hold
- Surrender and rehome help
- Rabies tags and registration
- Animal bites and complaints
- Foster, donations and local resources
- What to bring
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Official 2026 Check: Do This Before Driving
This section answers the questions most searchers need before they leave home.
Appointment is best
CCAS says it is best to set an appointment before coming to the Adoption Center so staff availability can be confirmed. Call 912-652-6575.
No payment after 4:30
The Lost Pets page states no money transactions will be completed after 4:30 p.m., including adoptions and returns to owners.
5-day stray hold
Found dogs and cats must be scanned for a microchip and serve a 5-day stray hold. The hold begins when the found report is submitted.
Clickable Chatham County Animal Help Cards
Tap the matching action. Each card uses an official or professional route.
Who to Call First
Use this before driving, surrendering, reporting, or assuming the pet is at the shelter.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a pet | 912-652-6575 | “I want to set an appointment to meet [pet name/Pet ID].” | Complete online or physical application and bring supplies. |
| Operation New Hope dog | 912-644-9430 | “I saw a dog listed at Operation New Hope and want to visit.” | Visitation is by appointment through Operation New Hope staff. |
| Lost pet may be at shelter | 912-652-6575 | “My pet is missing and may be at Animal Services.” | Set appointment to walk holding areas and check every other day if needed. |
| Found dog/cat and can confine | Found Pet page | “I found a pet near [exact location] and can hold it safely.” | Submit report; get microchip scan; track 5-day hold. |
| Found animal cannot be confined | 912-652-6575 | “I found an animal I cannot safely confine at [location].” | Call Monday-Friday 8am-5pm; after hours/weekend call 911. |
| Animal bite | 912-652-6575 or fax 912-201-4399 | “I need to report an animal bite.” | Wash wound, seek medical care, ask for rabies proof and report to police. |
| Suspected dog fighting | 912-652-6575, Crime Stoppers 912-234-2020, or 911 | “I need to report suspected dog fighting activity.” | Do not confront anyone; give location and observations. |
Chatham County Animal Shelter Hours
Plan around public shelter hours and the separate dispatch window for officer response.
| Service | Official timing | Use for | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public shelter hours | 1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. daily except Wednesdays | Adoption visits, lost-pet walk-throughs, reclaim questions, found-pet support. | Closed Wednesdays and major holidays. |
| Animal Services dispatch | Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. | Request an Animal Services Officer to respond to a complaint. | Call 912-652-6575. |
| Money transactions | No transactions after 4:30 p.m. | Adoptions and returns to owners. | Arrive early enough to finish paperwork and payment. |
| Adoption visit | Open hours; appointment recommended | Meeting pets and submitting/processing applications. | Call to set onsite appointment whenever possible. |
| After-hours unable-to-confine found animal | After hours/weekend | Found animal you cannot safely confine. | Official found-pet page says to call 911. |
Adoption Fees and What Is Included
CCAS lists simple adoption fees, but the real value is the medical work included before adoption.
| Pet / fee | Official amount | Included items | Ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog adoption | $70 | Spay/neuter, DHPP, Bordetella, rabies vaccines, heartworm test, deworming, microchip; free heartworm treatment info if applicable. | Heartworm status, surgery date, behavior notes, dog/kid/cat compatibility and leash/harness size. |
| Cat adoption | $10 | Spay/neuter, FVRCP and rabies vaccines, FeLV/FIV test, deworming and microchip. | FeLV/FIV result, carrier size, litter habits, intro room and aftercare instructions. |
| Chatham County resident tag/license | $5 add-on | Tag/license fee applied to Chatham County residents during adoption. | Ask whether this applies to your address. |
| Operation New Hope dog | Confirm by phone | Visitation is by appointment only and handled by Operation New Hope staff. | Call 912-644-9430 before planning visit. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Use these exact steps so you do not miss the appointment, application or 24-hour completion rule.
Find the pet and note the Pet ID
Use the official adoptable pets link or Chatham90 listing. Write down the animal’s correctly spelled name and Pet ID.
Call for appointment
Call 912-652-6575 to set an onsite appointment whenever possible. Walk-ins are possible during open hours, but appointment is best.
Submit the application correctly
Use the online adoption application or printable application. If emailing, use adoptCCAS@chathamcounty.org and include the animal name and Pet ID in the subject line.
Prepare for extra visits if needed
CCAS says households with dogs and children may require additional visits. Plan time for safe introductions.
Bring pickup supplies
Bring collar and/or harness and leash for a dog, and an appropriately sized carrier for a cat.
Complete within 24 hours if approved
If you cannot take the pet home right away, CCAS says adoptions must be completed within 24 hours of approval or the animal becomes available for others.
Lost or Found Pet in Chatham County
The fastest reunion usually combines official report, shelter visit, microchip scan, neighborhood search and local posts.
If your pet is lost
- View reported-found and stray animals through the official Chatham90 lost/found route.
- Call 912-652-6575 if you believe your animal is already at Animal Services.
- Set an appointment to walk through holding areas and identify/reclaim your pet.
- Come in at least every other day if your pet has not been found.
- Place free lost/found ads in local papers and include date and area lost.
- Post signs at convenience stores, grocery stores and veterinarian offices, not utility poles.
- Check with mail carriers, garbage collectors, veterinarians, Craigslist and Lost and Found Pets in Savannah GA.
- Put a piece of worn clothing outside near your home so your dog may follow scent back.
If you found a pet
- Report the found pet to Animal Services online, in person or by fax at 912-201-4399.
- If you cannot confine the animal, call 912-652-6575 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- If you cannot confine the animal after hours or on the weekend, call 911.
- Have the found dog or cat scanned for a microchip.
- You may bring the pet to Animal Services for scanning and impound if you do not wish to hold it.
- You may also ask the Humane Society of Greater Savannah or a local veterinarian to scan for a chip.
- Post in Lost and Found Pets in Savannah GA, but keep some identifying details private.
- Remember: the 5-day stray hold begins when the report is submitted.
Reclaiming a Pet and the 5-Day Stray Hold
Do not wait if a pet may be at the shelter or held offsite during stray hold.
5-day hold
Found dogs and cats are held as strays for 5 days when no chip is found or direct owner contact cannot be made.
Hold starts with report
The official found-pet page says the 5-day stray hold begins when the found report is submitted.
Walk holding areas
If you believe your pet is at Animal Services, call to set an appointment to walk holding areas and identify it.
Reclaim fees apply
CCAS says reclaim fees apply for initial impound, vaccinations and boarding.
4:30 transaction cutoff
No money transactions after 4:30 p.m., including returns to owners.
Bring proof
Bring photos, rabies paperwork, microchip info, license/tag records, vet records and a valid ID.
Surrendering an Owned Pet
CCAS says surrendering should be an absolute last resort. Start with support, rehome and rescue options first.
| Need | Official route | Prepare | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surrender dog or cat | Surrendering an Owned Animal | Schedule appointment, explain reason, provide pet history and records. | CCAS requires scheduled surrender appointments to manage space and care. |
| Behavior issue | ASPCA behavior archives linked by CCAS | Specific behavior, triggers, attempts tried, safety concerns. | Training/resource help may prevent surrender. |
| Financial strain | Local resources listed by CCAS | Food, housing, medical-care or spay/neuter need. | Food bank, Pet Fix, Savannah Spay Alliance, Renegade Paws and other resources may help. |
| Exotic pet or livestock | Ask CCAS for resources | Species, care needs, urgency, photos if useful. | CCAS says it provides care for cats and dogs; it may offer resources for exotic pets or livestock. |
| After surrender | Understand rights transfer | Be ready for final decision. | CCAS says owners relinquish ownership rights and disposition information rights after surrender. |
Rabies Tags and Pet Registration
Chatham County pet registration is one of the most useful things you can do before a pet is lost.
| Registration item | Official fee / rule | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year rabies tag | $5 | Renew within 30 days of annual rabies inoculation. |
| 3-year rabies tag | $15 | Use when tied to a 3-year rabies vaccination. |
| Dogs and cats 4+ months | Must be rabies vaccinated and licensed | Submit rabies certificate and payment. |
| Mail-in registration | Check or money order only; no cash by mail | Mail to P.O. Box 9522, Savannah GA 31412. |
| Processing time | 10-14 days | Allow time to receive the tag. |
Mail-in checklist
- Registration form.
- Rabies certificate copy.
- Check or money order payable to Chatham County Animal Services.
- Correct mailing address: P.O. Box 9522, Savannah GA 31412.
- Keep one copy of each inoculation certificate for your records.
Animal Bites, Complaints and Public Safety
Bite and complaint situations need a safety-first route, not a normal adoption visit.
| Situation | Official / practical action | Important detail | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your pet bit someone | Confine pet for 10 full days to observe for rabies signs. | Vaccinated pets may be confined at home; unvaccinated dogs or cats must be held at a vet office or CCAS at owner expense. | Follow Animal Services instructions and vaccinate after confinement if needed. |
| You were bitten | Wash wound, see doctor, report to Animal Services and local police. | Ask owner for proof of rabies vaccination; do not rely on verbal claim. | Call 912-652-6575 or fax 912-201-4399. |
| Hospital ER-level bite | Seek prompt medical attention first. | Official page says a police officer at the hospital will make a report and call Animal Services to respond. | Medical care first, report next. |
| Animal complaint | Use official complaint route or call dispatch. | Complaints can involve cats/dogs and officer response. | Have address, animal description, dates/times and photos if safe/legal. |
| Dog fighting concern | Report to police, Animal Services, Crime Stoppers or 911. | Do not confront suspected dog fighters. | Record location and observations only if safe. |
Foster, Donations and Local Pet Help
This page also helps people who want to support animals without adopting today.
Foster route
CCAS says it does not have its own foster program, but it partners with rescue groups that use foster homes for dogs and cats.
Useful donations
Wishlist items include wet kitten/cat food, wet puppy/dog food, blankets, towels, KMR formula, carriers, puzzle toys, bowls, toys, laundry detergent and paper towels.
Money donation
CCAS says direct monetary donations are accepted by check only, payable to Chatham County Animal Services and mailed to the Director at 7211 Sallie Mood Drive.
Before You Leave Home
Appointment, pet name/Pet ID, application, ID, payment, leash/harness/collar or cat carrier.
Photos, microchip/tag details, rabies records, last-seen area, proof of ownership, time to walk holding areas.
Found location, photos, safe confinement plan, microchip scan plan, report submission, limited public details.
Appointment, pet records, behavior/medical history, local resources tried, honest outcome understanding.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption appointment
Hi, I want to set an appointment to meet [pet name/Pet ID]. I can visit during public hours. What documents and supplies should I bring?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. Can I set an appointment to check holding areas and reclaim if there is a match?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location]. The pet is [safe/not safe to confine]. I can/cannot hold it. What is the correct found-pet report and microchip scan route?Surrender help
Hi, I am a Chatham County resident and may need to surrender my [dog/cat]. I want to try resources first. What appointment or rehoming options should I use?Map: Chatham County Animal Services
Use this map for the Savannah shelter. For adoption, reclaim or surrender, call or check the correct official route before driving.
Official Chatham County Animal Shelter Links
The key details are summarized above. Use these official pages for live pets, forms, current policies and final verification.
Chatham County Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Chatham County Animal Services located?
Chatham County Animal Services is located at 7211 Sallie Mood Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.
What is the phone number for Chatham County Animal Services?
The main phone number for Chatham County Animal Services is 912-652-6575.
What are Chatham County Animal Services shelter hours?
Chatham County Animal Services lists shelter public hours as 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily except Wednesdays, with closures on major holidays.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from Chatham County Animal Services?
Chatham County Animal Services lists dog adoption fees as $70, with a $5 tag or license fee applied to Chatham County residents.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from Chatham County Animal Services?
Chatham County Animal Services lists cat adoption fees as $10, with a $5 tag or license fee applied to Chatham County residents.
Do I need an appointment to adopt from Chatham County Animal Services?
Chatham County Animal Services says it is best to set an appointment before coming to the Adoption Center, though the adoption page also says you may walk in during open hours.
What should I bring when adopting a dog or cat?
Bring a collar and/or harness and leash for a dog, and an appropriately sized carrier for a cat. Also bring payment and any documents requested by shelter staff.
How long is the stray hold for found pets in Chatham County?
Chatham County Animal Services says found dogs and cats must be scanned for a microchip and serve a 5-day stray hold, which begins when the found report is submitted.
Can I surrender an owned pet to Chatham County Animal Services?
Chatham County residents may surrender a dog or cat, but CCAS says surrender should be an absolute last resort and requires a scheduled surrender appointment.
How much are Chatham County rabies tags?
Chatham County Animal Services lists a 1-year rabies tag at $5 and a 3-year rabies tag at $15 for dogs and cats.
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.