Clark County Animal Shelter, Control & Adoption 2026
Use this page as a Winchester and Clark County, Kentucky animal-help dashboard. Pick adoption, lost pet, found stray, surrender, emergency animal control, donation, volunteer, ordinance or rehoming action without reading a long directory page.
Fast local truth: Clark County Animal Shelter is a county-operated open-admission animal shelter and animal-control facility, not a private rescue. Adoptions are by appointment after an approved application.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Who to call first
- Adoption, stray and surrender hours
- Adoption fees and inclusions
- Adoption micro-steps
- Lost/found pet steps
- Found stray drop-off and pickup
- Animal control and emergencies
- Surrender and rehome route
- Not the wrong Clark County
- Donate and volunteer
- Before you leave home
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Clark County Animal Help Cards
Tap the exact action. This is faster than a long paragraph and helps visitors complete the correct task.
Who to Call or Click First
Use this table before driving to Ironworks Road or assuming a different Clark County office is involved.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog or cat | Adopt page + 859-737-0053 | “I submitted an application for [pet name/ID]. Can I schedule a meet appointment?” | Use dog/cat application first, then wait for staff call. |
| Lost pet | Lost Pet Form | “My pet is missing near [location]. I submitted photos and microchip info.” | Call, update microchip company, and watch shelter/social posts. |
| Found stray in Clark County KY | Found Pet Report or call | “I found a [dog/cat/other] at [exact location]. It is [safe/injured/aggressive].” | Bring during Tue-Fri 8-3 if safe, or ask about dog pickup. |
| Need dog pickup | 859-737-0053 | “I found a dog in Clark County and cannot bring it in safely.” | Pickup requests for dogs are during the same Tue-Fri 8-3 window. |
| Emergency animal danger | 859-737-0053 | “This is an injured animal / animal in immediate danger / danger to public.” | Follow instructions for the on-call Animal Control Officer. |
| Surrender a pet | Contact page or call | “I am a Clark County resident and need surrender help. What should I bring?” | Bring photo ID with current address; Tue-Fri 8-3 only. |
Clark County Animal Shelter Adoption Hours and Service Windows
The most important point: the shelter does not list walk-in adoption hours like a retail counter. It schedules adoptions by appointment after an approved application.
| Service | Official timing | Use for | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adoptions | By appointment; typically same day or next day after application | Dog/cat meet, staff questions, adoption finalization. | Submit the application first, then staff calls to schedule. |
| Surrender / drop-off | Tuesday-Friday, 8 AM-3 PM | Clark County residents surrendering a pet. | Bring photo ID with current address. |
| Found stray drop-off | Tuesday-Friday, 8 AM-3 PM | Stray animals found within Clark County. | The shelter says it can only accept strays found within Clark County. |
| Dog pickup request | Tuesday-Friday, 8 AM-3 PM by phone | Found dog when finder cannot bring the dog to the shelter. | Pickup request is dogs only, according to the contact page. |
| Outside service window | Leave message or complete Found Pet Report | Non-emergency found-pet follow-up. | Staff will contact you as soon as possible. |
| Emergency route | Call 859-737-0053 and follow on-call instructions | Injured animals, animals in immediate danger, or danger to public. | If a person is in immediate danger, use emergency services first. |
Adoption Fees and What They Include
Clark County’s adoption fees are simple compared with many shelters, but the included vet care is the real value.
| Pet | Adoption fee | Official inclusions | Ask before finalizing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs and puppies | $95 | Exam, spay/neuter, DHPP vaccine, Bordetella vaccine, rabies vaccine for 12 weeks+, 4DX test for 6 months+, deworming, microchip with registration, flea prevention. | Ask about temperament, heartworm result, vaccine timing, microchip registration and go-home date. |
| Cats and kittens | $50 | Exam, spay/neuter, FVRCP vaccine, rabies vaccine for 12 weeks+, FIV/Felv combo test, deworming, microchip with registration, flea prevention. | Ask about litter habits, FIV/Felv result, vaccine timing, carrier requirement and transition plan. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order to avoid wasted trips and mismatched expectations.
View available pets first
Open the shelter’s Petfinder listing from the official Adopt page. Screenshot pet name, ID, species, age, sex and notes.
Use the correct application
The official page links separate dog and cat adoption applications. Submit the right one before expecting an appointment.
Wait for staff callback
The shelter says staff will call after receiving the completed application to set up a time and answer questions.
Ask lifestyle-match questions
Ask about other pets, kids, house training, energy, leash behavior, noise, medical history, and what the animal needs in the first week.
Prepare the go-home setup
Use a leash/collar for dogs, secure carrier for cats, safe vehicle plan, food transition, and quiet decompression space.
Confirm microchip registration
The adoption includes microchip with registration. Make sure the contact details are correct before leaving.
Lost or Found Pet in Clark County / Winchester KY
Use the official report form, phone call, microchip update, shelter posts and neighborhood searching together.
If your pet is lost
- Complete the official “I’ve Lost a Pet” form.
- Upload clear photos; the form asks for photos and identifying details.
- Call 859-737-0053 after submitting if the pet may already be at the shelter.
- Update microchip contact information and file a report with the microchip company.
- Search nearby: barns, sheds, porches, culverts, garages, tree lines and under vehicles.
- Post the same clear photo with location, date/time missing and safe contact method.
- Check shelter social media and Petfinder repeatedly, not just once.
If you found a pet
- Use the official “I’ve Found a Pet” report if you found a pet in Clark County KY.
- Give exact found location, date/time, sex if known, description and photos.
- Have the pet scanned for a microchip if safe.
- If the pet is safe to transport, bring it Tuesday-Friday between 8 AM and 3 PM.
- If you cannot bring a found dog, call during that same window to request pickup.
- For injured or dangerous animals, use the emergency/on-call route instead.
- Keep found pets separated from your pets until scanned and checked.
Found Stray Drop-Off and Dog Pickup
The shelter’s contact page gives a narrow and practical intake rule. This section keeps users from arriving at the wrong time.
| Found animal situation | Correct action | What to prepare | Important limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| You found a stray and can bring it in | Bring Tuesday-Friday, 8 AM-3 PM | Found location, time, photos, your contact info and any chip/tag detail. | The shelter says it can only accept strays found within Clark County. |
| You found a dog and cannot transport it | Call 859-737-0053 during Tue-Fri 8 AM-3 PM | Exact address, safety concern, dog description and whether it is confined. | Pickup request is dogs only. |
| You found a pet outside normal hours | Leave a message or complete Found Pet Report | Photos, exact location and your phone/email. | Staff will follow up as soon as possible. |
| Animal is injured or dangerous | Call 859-737-0053 and follow on-call instructions | Danger level, injury, exact location and whether people are at risk. | Do not handle unsafe animals. |
Animal Control and Emergency Route
Clark County Animal Shelter is also an animal-control facility for the county. It investigates animal abuse and neglect in the community.
Emergency animal issue
Call 859-737-0053 and follow on-call Animal Control Officer instructions for injured animals or animals in immediate danger/danger to the public.
Abuse or neglect
The shelter says it performs animal-related neglect and abuse investigations for Clark County.
Loose dog pickup
If you found a dog and cannot bring it in, call during the found-stray service window and ask about pickup.
Use exact location
Give road name, cross street, landmark, direction of travel and safety risk.
Photos help
Photos can help staff identify animals and conditions, but never trespass or put yourself in danger to take them.
Human danger
If there is immediate danger to a person, call emergency services first, then shelter/animal control for animal follow-up.
Surrender and Rehome Route
The official site encourages owners to keep pets at home when possible and use the shelter as a last resort.
| Need | Action | Prepare | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Must surrender a pet | Come Tuesday-Friday, 8 AM-3 PM | Photo ID with current Clark County address, pet records, honest behavior/medical notes. | You must be a Clark County resident to surrender at this facility. |
| Can safely rehome | Use Home To Home / No Place Like Home route | Clear photos, age, sex, spay/neuter, vaccine status, temperament and needs. | Direct rehoming can keep pets out of the shelter. |
| Behavior or medical urgency | Call before arrival | Bite history, injury, medication, vet records and safety risk. | Staff can tell you the safest next step. |
Do Not Confuse This Shelter With Other Clark/Clarke County Pages
Search results can mix several similar county names. This article covers the Winchester, Kentucky shelter.
This article
Clark County Animal Shelter, 5000 Ironworks Road, Winchester, KY 40391.
Not Las Vegas
Clark County, Nevada animal services are separate and use different sheltering arrangements and phone numbers.
Not Clarke County VA
Clarke County, Virginia spells the county name differently and has a separate shelter in Berryville.
Donate, Supplies and Volunteer Help
The shelter says donations help repairs, improvement projects, enrichment and care for animals that arrive in poor condition.
Donate funds
Use the official Donate page or mail checks to Clark County Animal Shelter, 5000 Ironworks Road, Winchester, KY 40391.
Useful supplies
Food, puppy/kitten food, treats, towels, blankets, bleach, trash bags, zip bags, Kongs, bowls and printer paper are listed needs.
Volunteer
Volunteer tasks can include kennels, laundry, donations, yard work and animal interaction. Volunteers must be at least 18.
Before You Leave Home
Pet screenshot, dog/cat application, callback status, carrier/leash, questions list.
Recent photos, microchip number, collar info, cross streets, special needs.
Photos, exact found location, chip scan result, safe transport plan.
Photo ID with Clark County address, vet records, honest history, Tue-Fri timing.
Local Winchester / Clark County Tips
Route 15 traffic
The shelter notes it is on Route 15 at the Clark County Fair Grounds. Secure animals in carriers/crates before arriving.
Use the right window
Found stray and surrender windows are Tuesday-Friday, 8 AM-3 PM. Adoption works by appointment after application.
Update microchips
For lost pets, the shelter form asks whether your microchip contact info is current and whether you filed with the provider.
Do not chase strays
Chasing a loose dog near roads can make the situation worse. Give location and direction of travel when calling.
Try home-to-home
If surrender is not urgent, rehoming from home may be less stressful than shelter intake.
Bring proof
For any reclaim or ownership question, bring photos, vet records, microchip details and ID.
Map: Clark County Animal Shelter
Use this map for scheduled adoption visits, surrender/drop-off windows and shelter support. For emergencies or unsafe animals, call first.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I submitted an application for [dog/cat name or ID]. Is this animal still available, and can I schedule an adoption appointment?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [location]. I submitted the lost-pet form with photos. Has a matching animal been reported or brought in?Found animal
Hi, I found a [dog/cat/other] at [exact location] in Clark County. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. Should I bring it in or file the found-pet report?Surrender
Hi, I am a Clark County resident and need surrender help for my [pet]. I have photo ID, records and behavior notes. What should I do next?Official Clark County Animal Shelter Links
The useful details are summarized above. Use these official links for forms, appointments, live listings, reports, donations and verification.
Clark County Animal Shelter FAQ
Which Clark County Animal Shelter is this guide about?
This guide covers Clark County Animal Shelter in Winchester, Kentucky, located at 5000 Ironworks Road, Winchester, KY 40391.
What is the Clark County KY Animal Shelter phone number?
The shelter lists 859-737-0053 as its phone number.
What are Clark County Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Adoptions are by appointment. The shelter says this is typically scheduled the same day or next day after a completed adoption application is received and approved.
What time can I surrender a pet at Clark County Animal Shelter?
The shelter says pet surrenders are Tuesday through Friday between 8 AM and 3 PM. You must be a Clark County resident and bring photo ID with your current address.
When can I bring in a stray animal found in Clark County?
If you found a stray animal in Clark County, the shelter says to bring it Tuesday through Friday between 8 AM and 3 PM. The shelter can only accept stray animals found within Clark County.
Can Clark County Animal Shelter pick up a found dog?
If you cannot bring in a found dog, the shelter says you may request pickup by calling 859-737-0053 during the Tuesday-Friday 8 AM-3 PM found-stray window.
How much is a dog adoption at Clark County Animal Shelter?
The shelter lists dog and puppy adoption fees at $95, including exam, spay/neuter, core vaccines, rabies vaccine when age-eligible, 4DX test for dogs 6 months and older, deworming, microchip with registration and flea prevention.
How much is a cat adoption at Clark County Animal Shelter?
The shelter lists cat and kitten adoption fees at $50, including exam, spay/neuter, FVRCP vaccine, rabies vaccine when age-eligible, FIV/Felv combo test, deworming, microchip with registration and flea prevention.
How do I report a lost pet in Clark County / Winchester KY?
Use the official “I’ve Lost a Pet” form, upload photos, update your microchip contact details, and call the shelter if a matching animal may already be there.
What should I do for an animal emergency in Clark County KY?
Call 859-737-0053 and follow instructions to reach the on-call Animal Control Officer. The shelter lists injured animals and animals in immediate danger or danger to the public as emergencies.
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.