Clatsop County Animal Shelter, Adoption & Pets 2026
Clatsop County Animal Control and Shelter is the county-run shelter at 1315 S.E. 19th Street, Warrenton, OR 97146. It cares for homeless, stray, abandoned, neglected and abused dogs and cats, handles county Animal Control work, issues dog licenses and helps reunite lost pets with their families.
The adoption process here is more involved than simply walking in and choosing a pet. Adoptions are by appointment only. The application must be completed before the appointment, household members must meet the animal, resident dogs must meet a new dog, and dog adoptions can include a home visit.
Checked September 19, 2026
Current address, hours, appointment rules, updated adoption fees, licensing fees, emergency routing, lost-pet guidance, rabies reporting and county Animal Control duties were checked against current Clatsop County sources.
County shelter + enforcement
Clatsop County Animal Control does more than shelter pets. It investigates stray dogs, nuisance complaints, dog bites and animal abuse in the unincorporated areas of the county.
Independent guide
Animal-Shelter.org is not Clatsop County, the Sheriff’s Office, Animal Control, Public Health, Clatsop Animal Assistance or a veterinary provider.
Choose the Right Clatsop County Animal Help Route
Adoption, Animal Control, emergency dispatch, lost-pet help and dog licensing use different steps. Starting in the right place can save both time and stress.
Clatsop County Animal Shelter Hours 2026
This shelter has a split business day. The one-hour lunch closure matters if you are traveling from Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach or farther inland.
| Day / Service | Current timing | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday–Saturday morning | 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Routine shelter business, licensing and scheduled services. |
| Lunch closure | 12:30–1:30 p.m. | Do not plan a routine walk-in service during this hour. |
| Tuesday–Saturday afternoon | 1:30–4:00 p.m. | Public office hours resume after lunch. |
| Sunday / Monday | Closed | Use the appropriate emergency/dispatch route only if the situation is urgent. |
| Pet adoptions | By appointment only | Submit the adoption application first and call 503-861-7387 to schedule. |
Clatsop County Animal Shelter Adoption Fees 2026
The County’s current Animal Control adoption page now shows age-based pricing for puppies, adult pets and senior animals.
| Animal | Age | Current published fee |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | Less than 6 months | $250 |
| Dog | 6 months to under 10 years | $180 |
| Dog | 10 years or older | $100 |
| Cat | Less than 6 months | $125 |
| Cat | 6 months to under 10 years | $100 |
| Cat | 10 years or older | $40 |
| Bonded pair | Applicable pair | Single adoption price |
How to Adopt From Clatsop County Animal Shelter
The process asks for patience. The shelter is trying to match the animal to a safe indoor home, not simply move pets out as quickly as possible.
Choose an animal
Check the County’s online animal listings or view animals posted at the shelter. Note the pet you want to meet.
Complete the adoption application first
Download the fillable County adoption application, complete it and email it to adopt@ClatsopCounty.gov.
Schedule the appointment
Call 503-861-7387 after the application is submitted. The County says an incomplete application can cause the appointment to be canceled.
Bring everyone who lives in the home
All household members must meet the pet during the adoption process.
Bring resident dogs for a dog adoption
If you are adopting a dog, all dogs already living in the household must meet the prospective new dog.
Complete the dog home visit when required
For dog adoptions, the County says an appointment for a home visit will be made before final placement.
Complete spay/neuter before final pickup when needed
If the pet still needs surgery, the shelter schedules the veterinary appointment and the adopter picks the animal up after the procedure.
Adoption Requirements & Home Policy
Basic adopter rules
- Adopter must be at least 18 years old.
- The pet must be adopted for yourself, not as a gift or for someone else.
- A completed adoption application must be reviewed.
- Adoption fee must be paid in full when adoption is completed.
- Bring driver’s license or other official photo ID.
Indoor-home policy
Clatsop County says it places adopted pets into indoor homes and generally does not place animals where they will live outdoors.
The County says rare exceptions may be considered only case by case when doing so benefits an otherwise difficult-to-place animal.
What the Clatsop County Adoption Fee Includes
Spay / neuter
Sterilization is included. If surgery is still needed, pickup may happen from the veterinary clinic after the procedure.
Microchip & registration
Current County adoption information includes a microchip and registration.
Dog license
The adoption package includes a dog license when applicable.
Cat testing
The County lists heartworm, feline leukemia and immunodeficiency-virus antibody testing for cats.
Cat vaccination
Current adoption inclusions list one HCPCH + FeLV vaccination for cats.
Dog vaccinations
Current County information lists one DAPPvL2 + Cv vaccination plus Bronchi-Shield Oral for dogs.
Emergency & Important Clatsop County Contacts
The Animal Control page publishes 503-325-2061 as its emergency phone. The Sheriff’s Office identifies the same number as its non-emergency line for reporting a crime or speaking with a deputy.
| Contact | Number | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Clatsop County Animal Control & Shelter | 503-861-7387 | Routine shelter business, adoption appointments, licensing, lost/found questions and daytime Animal Control. |
| Animal Control emergency / Sheriff dispatch | 503-325-2061 | Published Animal Control emergency route and Clatsop County Sheriff’s non-emergency dispatch. |
| Immediate life-threatening emergency | 911 | Immediate danger to human life or another situation requiring emergency police/fire/medical response. |
| Clatsop County Public Health | 503-325-8500 | Local Public Health questions, including animal-bite / rabies reporting and communicable-disease guidance. |
What Clatsop County Animal Control Handles
Stray dogs
County Animal Control responds to stray-dog complaints in unincorporated areas.
Nuisance dogs
The County investigates nuisance-dog complaints, including issues arising in rural county areas.
Dog bites
Animal Control responds to dog-bite complaints and may quarantine dogs when rabies vaccination proof cannot be provided.
Abuse and neglect
Officers investigate reports of animal abuse, neglect and cruelty and may take protective action.
Dog-law enforcement
County Animal Control enforces applicable state laws and county rules related to dog control and licensing.
Shelter and adoption
The division maintains the shelter and helps place homeless dogs and cats into new homes.
Animal Control Jurisdiction: Unincorporated Clatsop County
A Warrenton shelter address does not mean County Animal Control is automatically the enforcement agency for every incorporated city.
County Animal Control
The County says it responds to stray dogs, nuisance dogs, dog bites and reports of abuse in unincorporated Clatsop County.
Give the exact incident location when calling so staff can confirm jurisdiction.
Seaside & Gearhart licensing exception
Clatsop County specifically says residents of Seaside and Gearhart must license their dogs through their local Police Departments.
That is a useful reminder that municipal rules can differ inside the county.
Lost or Found Pet in Clatsop County
The County’s advice is refreshingly practical: do not just file a report and wait. Keep checking the shelter because new animals arrive every day.
If your pet is missing
- Come to the shelter and look for your pet.
- Fill out a lost-pet report if the animal is not there.
- Bring a current photo.
- Describe distinctive markings, collar and license details.
- Check back with the shelter at least every three days.
- Post flyers and speak with neighbors.
- Contact local veterinarians and other community outlets.
If you found a pet
- Call the shelter at 503-861-7387.
- Describe the animal and distinguishing markings.
- Tell staff whether the pet has a collar or license.
- If a license is present, provide the license information so staff can help locate the owner.
- Do not immediately give the animal away without giving the lawful owner a reasonable chance to reclaim it.
Impounded Pets, Holding Periods & Reclaim Costs
Exact reclaim totals depend on the individual case. Rather than publish a guessed flat amount, this guide separates the verified holding rules from charges that must be confirmed with Animal Control.
| Situation | Verified minimum holding rule | Reclaim note |
|---|---|---|
| Unlicensed / unknown-owner dog | At least 3 full days, not including day of impoundment | Applicable redemption, care, licensing and other lawful costs may apply. |
| Licensed dog / known owner | At least 5 full days, not including day of impoundment | Owner notification and applicable fees may apply. |
| Dog involved in a bite | Rabies-control rules may require a longer quarantine | Follow Animal Control and Public Health instructions. |
Animal Bites & Rabies Reporting in Clatsop County
Oregon law treats a bite that breaks the skin as a reportable public-health matter. The goal is not to frighten anyone—it is to make sure the right people evaluate both the person and the animal quickly.
Get appropriate medical care
Wash a bite or saliva-exposure area promptly and contact a healthcare professional when needed.
Report the animal incident
Call Animal Control at 503-861-7387 during office routing. Use 503-325-2061 for the published emergency/dispatch route.
Report a qualifying bite to local Public Health
Oregon law says an animal bite that breaks the skin, suspected rabies or close contact with a suspected rabid animal must be immediately reported to the local health officer.
Call Clatsop County Public Health
Public Health’s main number is 503-325-8500. Explain that the question involves an animal bite or possible rabies exposure.
Clatsop County Dog License Fees 2026
Clatsop County uses year-round licensing. One-year and three-year licenses are available; a three-year license requires qualifying three-year rabies coverage.
| Dog category | 1-year license | 3-year license |
|---|---|---|
| Spayed / neutered | $15 | $40 |
| Spayed / neutered senior dog | $10 | $25 |
| Not spayed / neutered | $30 | $90 |
Late — no enforcement
Current licensing page lists a $15 late fee when no enforcement action is involved.
Late — enforcement involved
Current County licensing information lists a $30 late fee with enforcement action.
Replacement tag
A replacement metal dog-license tag is currently listed at $10.
Current Animal Control Leadership
Justin Dersham
Clatsop County’s current staff directory lists Justin Dersham as Animal Control Supervisor.
This is a current administrative role—not a veterinarian or adoption guarantee contact.
No public shelter-vet roster verified
The County says pets may be transported for veterinary care and that surgery is arranged when needed, but a current named shelter veterinarian and public vet appointment schedule were not verified.
No doctor name or `VeterinaryCare` schema is invented here.
Volunteer, Foster & Help Shelter Animals
Clatsop County says volunteers are a major part of animal care, adoption support and everyday shelter life.
Volunteer age
Volunteers must be at least 14. Ages 14–15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while volunteering.
Animal care
Volunteer opportunities include dog walking, cat socializing, bathing, grooming and animal care.
Foster & transport
The County lists foster care and animal transportation among its volunteer opportunities.
What to Bring for a Clatsop County Adoption Appointment
Required / practical
- Driver’s license or other official photo ID.
- Completed adoption application.
- All people living in the household.
- All resident dogs if adopting another dog.
- Safe carrier, leash or transport plan.
One thing the County explicitly asks for
Patience.
The County says the process takes time. That may feel frustrating when you already feel attached to a pet, but the home visit, household introduction and surgery planning are intended to make the placement safer and more durable.
Map: Clatsop County Animal Shelter in Warrenton
Verified shelter location: 1315 S.E. 19th Street, Warrenton, OR 97146. Call first if your purpose is adoption because adoptions require an appointment.
Official Clatsop County Animal Resources
Use these County sources for final live information. Pet availability, appointment capacity and fees can change after an informational guide is published.
Clatsop County Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Clatsop County Animal Shelter located?
Clatsop County Animal Control and Shelter is at 1315 S.E. 19th Street, Warrenton, OR 97146.
What is the Clatsop County Animal Shelter phone number?
The main Animal Control and shelter phone is 503-861-7387.
What are Clatsop County Animal Shelter hours?
Current office hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1:30–4:00 p.m. The shelter closes for lunch from 12:30–1:30 p.m. and is closed Sunday, Monday and holidays.
Are Clatsop County pet adoptions walk-in?
No. Current County information says pet adoptions are by appointment only. The adoption application must be completed before the appointment.
How much is a dog adoption in 2026?
The current County Animal Control adoption page lists dogs younger than 6 months at $250, dogs 6 months to under 10 years at $180, and dogs 10 years or older at $100.
How much is a cat adoption?
Current pricing lists kittens younger than 6 months at $125, cats 6 months to under 10 years at $100, and cats 10 years or older at $40.
What is included in a Clatsop County adoption?
Current County information lists spay/neuter, a dog license where applicable, microchip and registration, plus species-specific testing and vaccinations.
Does Clatsop County Animal Shelter hold pets for adopters?
No. The County says it does not hold or board adopted pets. Once the process is completed, the pet generally goes home unless surgery is still required first.
Do all household members need to meet the pet?
Yes. Current adoption guidance says all household members must meet the prospective pet. For dog adoptions, resident dogs must also meet the new dog.
Does Clatsop County require a home visit for dog adoption?
Yes. The County’s current adoption procedure says an appointment for a home visit is made for dog adoptions before final placement.
What number should I call for an Animal Control emergency?
The County Animal Control page lists 503-325-2061 as its emergency phone. The Sheriff’s Office identifies the same number as non-emergency dispatch. Call 911 for an immediate life-threatening emergency.
Does Clatsop County Animal Control handle animal bites?
Yes. Clatsop County says Animal Control responds to dog bites in unincorporated areas, and Oregon law also requires qualifying animal bites and suspected rabies exposures to be reported to the local health officer.
What is Clatsop County Public Health’s phone number for an animal-bite or rabies question?
Clatsop County Public Health’s main number is 503-325-8500. Explain that the issue involves an animal bite or possible rabies exposure.
How often should I check the shelter if my pet is lost?
Clatsop County recommends checking back with the shelter at least every three days, in addition to filing a lost report and searching locally.
How much is a Clatsop County dog license?
Current County pricing lists a spayed/neutered dog at $15 for one year or $40 for three years, an eligible senior altered dog at $10 or $25, and an unaltered dog at $30 or $90.
Do Seaside and Gearhart residents buy dog licenses from Clatsop County?
The County licensing page says Seaside and Gearhart residents must license their dogs through their local Police Departments.
Who is the current Clatsop County Animal Control Supervisor?
The current Clatsop County staff directory lists Justin Dersham as Animal Control Supervisor.
Is there a named veterinarian at Clatsop County Animal Shelter?
A current public shelter-veterinarian roster was not verified. The County says animals may be sent to a veterinary clinic for spay/neuter or other care, but this guide does not invent a doctor name.
Is Animal-Shelter.org the official Clatsop County shelter website?
No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide. Use Clatsop County Animal Control, the Sheriff’s Office and County Public Health for final live instructions.
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.