Columbia Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours, Fees, Lost Pets & Contact Guide 2026
Looking for the Columbia Animal Shelter in South Carolina? The official public shelter is Columbia Animal Services at 127 Humane Lane. This guide gives you the practical details visitors need before adopting, searching for a lost pet, reporting an animal concern, asking about rehoming, or planning a shelter visit.
Columbia Animal Shelter Quick Details
If you are driving to the shelter, calling about a pet, or trying to adopt on a specific day, start with these details. They save time and help you avoid arriving during a closed period.
Address
Columbia Animal Services is located at 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209.
Phone
Call (803) 776-PETS or (803) 776-7387 for shelter questions.
Adoption Hours
Monday through Friday: 12 PM to 5 PM. Saturday: 9 AM to 4 PM. Sunday: closed.
Online Pets
Use the official adoptable pets search before visiting.
What Columbia Animal Services Does
Columbia Animal Services is the municipal animal shelter serving the City of Columbia and Richland County area. It helps residents with pet adoption, lost and found pets, foster opportunities, rehoming guidance, pet-related help, and animal welfare concerns.
Many people search for “Columbia Animal Shelter,” “Columbia Animal Control,” or “Columbia Animal Services” when they are trying to solve an urgent problem. The right next step depends on the situation: adopting a pet is different from reclaiming a lost pet, reporting a sick stray after hours, or asking for rehoming support. This guide separates those tasks so visitors can act quickly without guessing.
Adoptions
Visitors can view available pets online, visit during shelter hours, and ask about standard adoption fees, supplies, promotions, and Foster to Adopt options.
Lost and Found
Pet owners can use the shelter’s lost and found guidance to search, notify the community, and check helpful resources for missing or found animals.
Community Help
The city website includes rehome support, foster information, volunteer opportunities, rescue partner information, and reporting pathways for neglect or abuse.
How to Adopt from Columbia Animal Shelter
Adoption is easiest when you check the official listings first, bring what you need, and ask practical questions about the animal’s needs before you finalize the decision.
Search adoptable pets before you drive
Start with the official Columbia adoptable pets search. Listings can change quickly, so save the animal ID or screenshot the listing if you are interested in a specific pet.
Read the official adoption page
Review the City of Columbia Adoption Services page for the latest process notes, adoption fee information, supply notes, and Foster to Adopt details.
Visit during public shelter hours
Public hours are Monday through Friday from 12 PM to 5 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM. The shelter is closed on Sundays and recognized City of Columbia holidays, so do not assume weekend Sunday service.
Ask real match questions
Ask about age estimate, health notes, behavior observations, energy level, compatibility notes, spay/neuter status, vaccinations, and whether the pet is eligible for Foster to Adopt.
Prepare for the first 14 days
Columbia Animal Services lists a Foster to Adopt option for select pets and notes a 14-day grace period for returns. Even if you are confident, plan a calm first two weeks at home with slow introductions and a vet follow-up.
Columbia Animal Shelter Adoption Fees and Supplies
Columbia Animal Services lists its standard adoption fee as $35 and notes that adoption promotions may run throughout the year. Supply prices and adoption specials can change, so always check the official page before visiting.
| Item | Published Detail | Visitor Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Standard adoption fee | $35 | Check current promotions before visiting because the shelter runs specials during the year. |
| Collar | $8 at the front desk | Bring your own if you already have a properly sized collar. |
| Leash | $10 at the front desk | Bring a leash for a dog adoption if you have one. |
| Cat carrier | $5 cardboard cat carrier | The shelter asks adopters to bring their own cat carrier if able. |
| Promotions | Adoption specials may run during the year | Follow official channels or call if you are adopting during a promotion period. |
Lost and Found Pets in Columbia, SC
If your pet is missing, speed matters. If you found a pet, the right step depends on whether the animal is safe, injured, identifiable, or likely close to home.
If Your Pet Is Missing
- Check the official pet listings and broaden your search by color, size, and intake date.
- Review the city’s Lost and Found Pets page for next steps.
- Call (803) 776-7387 if you believe your pet may be at the shelter.
- Bring proof of ownership such as photos, vet records, microchip information, license details, or identifying marks.
- Keep checking because intake and listing status can change.
If You Found a Pet
- Look for ID tags and safely check nearby homes if the animal appears local.
- Scan for a microchip through a vet, shelter, or animal services resource when possible.
- Use the city’s Lost and Found Pets guidance before assuming the animal should immediately enter the shelter.
- Do not handle aggressive, sick, injured, or frightened animals yourself.
- For sick or injured strays or attacks during weekends/evenings, use the emergency guidance listed by Richland County.
Columbia Animal Control and Emergency Help
“Animal control” requests are different from adoption or lost-pet visits. If you are dealing with sick, injured, aggressive, neglected, or unsafe animals, use official public-service contacts rather than trying to handle the situation yourself.
Animal Services
Call (803) 776-7387 for Columbia Animal Services shelter questions, pet listings, adoption, and general animal services help.
Weekends & Evenings
Richland County lists 803-252-2911 for sick or injured strays or attacks during weekends and evenings.
Abuse or Neglect
Use the official City of Columbia Animal Services “Report Abuse or Neglect” pathway from the city website for suspected cruelty concerns.
Rehome or Surrender Help at Columbia Animal Services
Rehoming or surrendering a pet should not be treated like a quick drop-off decision. The City of Columbia Animal Services website includes a Rehome Your Pet resource for owners who are trying to place a pet responsibly or need help understanding options.
Start with the official rehome page
Visit the city’s Rehome Your Pet page before assuming shelter surrender is the only path.
Be honest about the pet’s needs
Prepare details about behavior, health, age, bite history if any, medical issues, medications, household compatibility, and why rehoming is needed. Honest information helps people make safer decisions.
Ask about community solutions
Before surrendering, ask whether resources, temporary support, behavior help, food support, pet fix programs, rescue options, or Home to Home-style rehoming can help keep the pet safely out of the shelter system.
Foster, Volunteer, Donate and Rescue Partner Options
A shelter’s community programs often matter as much as adoptions. Columbia Animal Services lists foster, volunteer, donation, and rescue partner options for people who want to help but may not be ready to adopt permanently.
Foster
The Foster Program page explains foster options and Adoption Ambassador information.
Volunteer
The Volunteer page is the official starting point for people who want to support shelter work.
Donate
The city lists donation options for people who want to support shelter animals without adopting.
Rescue Partners
Rescue partner options are listed under the city’s Get Involved section for organizations that coordinate with animal services.
What to Bring When Visiting Columbia Animal Shelter
A little preparation prevents wasted trips. Use this checklist depending on why you are visiting.
For Adoption
- Government-issued photo ID.
- Payment method for the adoption fee and supplies.
- Cat carrier, leash, or collar if you already have one.
- Rental or HOA pet approval if your housing requires it.
- Questions about behavior, health, and home fit.
For Lost Pet Reclaim
- Recent photos of your pet.
- Microchip number or registration record.
- Vet records or vaccination paperwork.
- License or tag details if available.
- Proof of address and identity.
For Service Questions
- Animal ID from the online listing.
- Found location or incident location.
- Photos or notes if safe and appropriate.
- Urgency details such as injury, bite, or threat.
- Backup plan if the shelter is closed.
Common Columbia Animal Shelter Mistakes to Avoid
Using outdated third-party listings
Always confirm address, phone, hours, adoption fee, and pet availability through official Columbia Animal Services pages.
Arriving on Sunday
The shelter is listed as closed on Sundays and recognized City of Columbia holidays.
Forgetting documents
Bring ID and proof, especially if reclaiming a lost pet or asking about ownership-related issues.
Rushing adoption
Ask about Foster to Adopt, grace period details, behavior notes, and medical information before committing.
Assuming surrender is simple drop-off
Use the official rehome resources and call first instead of bringing a pet without checking current instructions.
Handling unsafe animals
Do not approach aggressive, injured, or frightened animals. Use official emergency and animal services contacts.
Columbia Animal Shelter Map and Directions
Use the map below for directions to Columbia Animal Services at 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209. If your visit involves a specific pet, holiday timing, reclaim, or an urgent animal issue, call first.
Official Columbia Animal Services Resources
Use these official links when you need current details. Pet availability, adoption promotions, program capacity, shelter operations, and holiday closures can change.
Related Shelter Guides and Nearby-Region Planning
If you are comparing animal services across nearby states or planning shelter research outside Columbia, you may also find the Raleigh Animal Shelter guide and the Cobb Animal Shelter GA guide useful. Each shelter system has different hours, fees, surrender rules, reclaim processes, and animal control jurisdiction.
Columbia Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the official name of Columbia Animal Shelter?
The official city shelter is Columbia Animal Services, located at 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, South Carolina 29209.
What is the Columbia Animal Services phone number?
The published shelter phone number is (803) 776-PETS, also written as (803) 776-7387.
What are Columbia Animal Shelter adoption hours?
The shelter is listed as open Monday through Friday from 12 PM to 5 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM. It is closed on Sunday and recognized City of Columbia holidays.
How much is the adoption fee at Columbia Animal Services?
The standard adoption fee is listed as $35. The shelter also runs adoption promotions throughout the year, so check the official adoption page or social channels for current specials.
Where can I see adoptable pets from Columbia Animal Services?
You can view available pets through the official 24Petconnect Columbia adoptable pets search linked from this guide. Pet availability can change quickly.
Does Columbia Animal Services offer Foster to Adopt?
Yes. Columbia Animal Services lists a Foster to Adopt option for select pets, giving potential adopters a 14-day trial period before finalizing the adoption.
What should I bring when adopting?
Bring photo ID, payment method, a carrier or leash if you have one, housing approval if needed, and questions about the pet’s health, behavior, and home fit.
What should I do if I lost a pet in Columbia?
Check the official pet listings, review the City of Columbia Lost and Found Pets page, call the shelter, and bring proof of ownership if you believe your pet may be at the shelter.
Who do I call for sick or injured strays after hours?
Richland County lists 803-252-2911 for weekends and evenings involving sick or injured strays or attacks.
Should I call before trying to surrender or rehome a pet?
Yes. Review the official Rehome Your Pet page and contact Columbia Animal Services before bringing an animal in. Rehoming resources or community solutions may be available.
Final Takeaway
Columbia Animal Services is the public shelter most people mean when they search for Columbia Animal Shelter & Control. The key visitor details are simple: the shelter is at 127 Humane Lane, the phone number is (803) 776-7387, weekday public hours start at noon, Saturday hours begin at 9 AM, and Sunday is closed.
Before you go, check the official adoptable pets search, confirm current hours or promotions, bring the right documents, and use the correct official pathway for adoption, lost pets, rehoming, fostering, volunteering, or emergency animal concerns.
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.