Contra Costa Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this page like a Contra Costa animal-help dashboard. Pick adoption, lost pet, found pet, reclaim, surrender, licensing, noisy animal, bite, injured animal, wildlife or animal-control action.
Start with one rule: Contra Costa Animal Services serves most of Contra Costa County, but not Antioch. Animals found in Antioch should go through Antioch Animal Services.
Choose the Exact Help You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Who to call first
- Shelter hours and locations
- Adoption fees
- Adoption micro-steps
- Lost/found pet steps
- Reclaim documents and hold period
- Surrender and pet-help request
- Animal control and field services
- License and service fees
- Before you leave home
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Contra Costa Animal Help Cards
Tap the matching action. Each card gives the official route and the next micro-step.
Who to Call First
Use this before driving, filing a form, or bringing in a found animal.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a pet | CCAS Adoptions or 925-608-8400 | “I’m interested in Animal ID [ID]. Is this pet still available?” | Have Animal ID ready and do not arrive at closing. |
| Lost pet | I Lost My Pet | “My pet is missing near [cross streets]. Can I file/search a report?” | Upload a well-lit face/body photo. |
| Found pet | I Found an Animal | “I found a [dog/cat/other] at [exact location]. I can/cannot hold safely.” | Check collar, license tag and microchip. |
| Bite, emergency welfare, injured animal, aggressive stray | 24-hour line: 925-608-8400 | “This is urgent: [bite/injured/aggressive/welfare issue] at [address].” | Do not use online form for these urgent categories. |
| Sick or injured wildlife | CDFW: 707-415-6126 | “I found sick/injured wildlife at [location].” | Do not handle wildlife unless instructed. |
| Noisy animal | Report an Activity | “I need to report ongoing noisy animal concerns.” | Use the online noisy animal form. |
| Antioch animal issue | Antioch Animal Services | “This animal was found in Antioch.” | Do not route through CCAS intake first. |
Contra Costa Animal Shelter Hours and Location
The Martinez Shelter is the key public address currently posted by CCAS. Start final front-counter transactions before the cutoff.
| Day | Current public hours | Final transaction deadline | Use this time for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 10AM-5PM | By 4:30PM | Adoption visits, lost/found help, front-counter questions. |
| Monday | 10AM-5PM | By 4:30PM | Adoption visits and front-counter service. |
| Tuesday | 10AM-5PM | By 4:30PM | General visits, adoption and shelter transactions. |
| Wednesday | 10AM-7PM | By 6:30PM | Best weekday late-hour option; call center listed 10AM-5PM. |
| Thursday | 10AM-5PM | By 4:30PM | Adoption and front-counter service. |
| Friday | 10AM-5PM | By 4:30PM | Adoption and weekend-prep visits. |
| Saturday | 10AM-5PM | By 4:30PM | Busy visit day; arrive early. |
| Major holidays | Closed | No public transaction | Call or check official updates first. |
Martinez Shelter
4800 Imhoff Place, Martinez, CA 94553
Main / 24-hour emergency: 925-608-8400
Fax: 925-608-8401
TTY: call 711
Pinole note
Some older county FAQ results still mention a Pinole shelter listing. For 2026 planning, use the current CCAS contact page and call 925-608-8400 before going anywhere other than Martinez.
Contra Costa Animal Services Adoption Fees
CCAS says all dogs, cats and rabbits must be spayed or neutered before adoption. License, rabies vaccination and/or microchip fees may be required at adoption when applicable.
| Animal | Age / category | Adoption fee | Ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy | Under 6 months | $155 | Ask about vaccines, spay/neuter timing, crate setup and resident pets. |
| Dog | 6 months to under 6 years | $135 | Ask about leash behavior, kids, cats, dogs, energy and medical notes. |
| Senior dog | 6 years and older | $85 | Ask about dental, mobility, medication and quiet-home needs. |
| Kitten | Under 4 months | $120 | Ask about boosters, kitten-proofing and safe isolation from resident pets. |
| Cat | 4 months to under 6 years | $100 | Ask about litter habits, personality, hiding period and medical notes. |
| Senior cat | Over 6 years | $55 | Ask about senior care, appetite, medication and quiet-room setup. |
| Dog/cat senior adopter discount | Adopter age 65+ and pet over 6 years | $5 | Bring proof of age and confirm eligibility. |
| Rabbit | Rabbit adoption | $25 | Ask about spay/neuter status, enclosure size, diet and rabbit-savvy vet care. |
| Guinea pig | Small animal | $10 | Ask about housing, bedding, diet and pair/bonding needs. |
| Hamster / mouse | Small animal | $5 | Ask about safe enclosure, heat, bedding and handling. |
| Other animals | Horses, sheep, goats and others | Set by Director or sealed bid | Call for current availability and bid/adoption process. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order so the visit is practical, not confusing.
Search available animals first
Use the CCAS Adoptions page. Save the animal name, species, location and Animal ID.
Call with the Animal ID
CCAS asks callers to have the Animal ID number ready. Call 925-608-8400 before driving for a specific pet.
Expect online applications to take time
CCAS says staff respond to online applications in the order received, usually within 72 hours, and availability is not guaranteed.
Bring ID and renter details
Adopters must be at least 18 with valid ID. Renters should be ready with landlord name/address and pet-policy permission.
Prepare safe transport
Bring leash and collar/harness for a dog or a carrier/kennel for cats and small animals. Do not place a new pet loose with resident pets in the same vehicle.
Use the 90-day get-acquainted policy correctly
CCAS lists a 90-day trial period. For return or exchange questions, call the shelter and follow appointment rules.
Book the free exam fast
CCAS says you may take a newly adopted pet to a participating vet for a free exam within 72 hours, excluding Sundays and holidays. Call the vet first.
Lost or Found Pet in Contra Costa County
Use online reports, shelter search, public found reports, tags, microchips and local posting together.
If your pet is lost
- Search close first: yard, garage, shrubs, under vehicles, neighbor porches, trails and parking areas.
- Open I Lost My Pet and file the right dog/cat/other animal report.
- Upload a well-lit photo showing the pet’s face and body.
- Search shelter stray listings and animals found by the public.
- Use Petco Love Lost facial recognition with a clear photo.
- Update your microchip company immediately.
- Post bright, short, specific flyers near last-seen location.
- Also check nearby shelters because animals do not know city or county lines.
If you found an animal
- Always assume the animal is somebody’s lost pet.
- Check collar and ID tags only if safe.
- If a Contra Costa license tag is present, call 925-608-8400 or use DocuPet Home Safe lookup.
- Take the pet to a vet or shelter for a microchip scan.
- File a found report and include exact location and photos.
- Post on Nextdoor, Craigslist, Petco Love Lost, PawBoost and local lost/found groups.
- If the animal was found in Antioch, contact Antioch Animal Services.
- If the animal is sick, injured or unsafe, call 925-608-8400.
Reclaiming a Pet from CCAS
If your pet appears in CCAS listings, move quickly and bring proof.
Hold window
Minimum 3 business days; 5 business days with identification; 10 business days with current county license tag.
Where to go
Go to the shelter where your pet is located. Martinez Shelter: 4800 Imhoff Place, Martinez.
Call first
Call 925-608-8400 and ask what fees, documents and pickup timing apply.
Proof
Bring vet records, photos, microchip packet, license record or other ownership proof.
ID
Bring valid photo identification such as driver’s license or passport.
Fees
Possible fees include board, impound, license and penalty fees depending on the case.
Surrender or Rehome a Pet in Contra Costa County
CCAS accepts owner-surrendered animals only from Contra Costa County residents on a limited, case-by-case basis. Antioch residents must contact Antioch Animal Services.
| Need | Official route | Prepare | Fee / warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Request help or surrender appointment | Request for Pet Help or Surrender | Proof of residency, pet details, medical/behavior history, photos, urgency. | Acceptance depends on need, circumstances and shelter space. |
| Exceptional urgent circumstance | Call 925-608-8400, press 0 | Explain medical emergency, bite/harm risk, severe behavior concern, hoarding or public-safety issue. | Call 10AM-5PM Tuesday-Saturday for clerk route listed by CCAS. |
| Keep pet if possible | Keeping Your Pet in Your Home | Ask about food, vaccines, microchips, vet-cost help, training or rehoming resources. | Use before surrender whenever possible. |
| Surrender licensed dog/cat | Fees and Services | License proof and appointment approval. | $30 listed fee. |
| Surrender unlicensed dog/cat | Fees and Services | Appointment approval and ownership/residency details. | $50 listed fee. |
| Miscellaneous animal surrender | Fees and Services | Species, weight, care needs, housing details. | Under 20 lb $30; 20-100 lb $75; over 100 lb $225. |
Animal Control and Field Services
Use animal control for safety, enforcement and field response. Do not use it as a normal adoption desk.
| Issue | Use | Phone / click | Micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal bite | 24-hour emergency line | 925-608-8400 | Give victim safety status, animal description, address and direction of travel. |
| Emergency animal welfare complaint | 24-hour emergency line | 925-608-8400 | Describe immediate danger, location, animals involved and access concerns. |
| Injured domestic animal or livestock | 24-hour emergency line | 925-608-8400 | Do not move unsafe animals; report exact location. |
| Stray aggressive or non-aggressive animal | 24-hour emergency line | 925-608-8400 | Online form is not for this category. |
| Noisy animal | Online noisy animal form | Report an Activity | Track dates/times and use the county form route. |
| Deceased animal | Online deceased animal form | Report an Activity | Give exact location and whether it is on public/private property. |
| Sick/injured wildlife | California Department of Fish & Wildlife | 707-415-6126 | Do not handle wildlife without guidance. |
Contra Costa Dog/Cat License and Service Fees
Licensing depends on rabies vaccination expiration. A license cannot extend past the rabies vaccine expiration date.
| License category | Fee | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies expires in 3-12 months, altered pet | $25 | Use shorter license term when rabies expires soon. |
| Rabies expires in 12-36 months, altered pet | $60 | Cannot extend beyond rabies expiration. |
| Rabies expires in 3-12 months, unaltered pet | $65 | Higher fee for unaltered pets. |
| Rabies expires in 12-36 months, unaltered pet | $180 | Highest standard listed license fee. |
| Senior 65+, first altered pet | $0 | Proof of age required. |
| Active military/veteran, first altered pet | $0 | Proof required. |
| Replacement tag | $7 | Use when tag is lost/damaged. |
| Late fee | $20 | Listed as 30 days past expiration. |
Trap and pickup fees users ask about
- Cat trap deposit: $70.
- Cat trap rental: $7 per day; deposit covers 12 days.
- Cat den deposit: $100.
- Cat den rental: $10 per day.
- Dog trap with supervisor approval: $320 deposit; $15 per day.
- Owned animal under 100 lb picked up by officer: $75.
- Transport fee: $75.
Before You Leave Home
Animal ID, valid ID, payment, leash/collar/harness or carrier, renter permission.
Clear face/body photo, microchip number, license tag, last-seen cross streets.
Proof of ownership, photo ID, license/microchip proof, payment, call first.
Request form, proof of residency, vet records, behavior notes, appointment approval.
Local Contra Costa Tips
Call before driving
Final transactions close 30 minutes early, and specific animal availability can change before staff reaches online applicants.
License tag matters
A current Contra Costa County license tag can extend the impound hold to 10 business days and helps reunite pets faster.
Use better lost-pet photos
Upload one clear face photo and one full-body photo. Bright flyers should be bold, short and specific.
Transport safely
Bring a secure carrier for cats/small animals and leash/harness for dogs. Avoid mixing a new pet with resident pets in the car.
Check Antioch first
Antioch is excluded from CCAS service area for found-animal intake. Use Antioch Animal Services when the animal is from Antioch.
Use the free exam window
For new adoptions, call a participating vet quickly because the free exam window is short and fees for vaccines/medications may still apply.
Map: Contra Costa Animal Services Martinez Shelter
Use this map for the Martinez Shelter. For field services, injured animals, bites, Antioch animals or surrender appointments, call or use the correct official route first.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I’m interested in Animal ID [ID/name]. Is this pet still available, and what should I bring before final transactions close?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat/other] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip/license tag]. Has a matching animal been reported or impounded?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat/other] near [exact location]. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. It was/was not found in Antioch. Which route should I use?Surrender
Hi, I need help keeping or possibly surrendering my pet. I live in Contra Costa County, not Antioch. I have vet records and behavior details. What should I submit first?Official Contra Costa Animal Links
The key details are summarized above. Use these official links for live animal listings, current forms, current fees and final verification.
Contra Costa Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the main Contra Costa Animal Services phone number?
The main and 24-hour emergency phone number for Contra Costa Animal Services is 925-608-8400.
Where is the Contra Costa Animal Services Martinez Shelter?
The Martinez Shelter is at 4800 Imhoff Place, Martinez, CA 94553.
What are the Contra Costa Animal Services shelter hours?
The current posted shelter hours are Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10AM to 5PM, Wednesday from 10AM to 7PM, and closed major holidays.
When should I arrive for final shelter transactions?
CCAS asks the public and transfer partners to be at the front counter for final transactions no later than 30 minutes before closing: 4:30PM on 5PM closing days and 6:30PM on Wednesday.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from Contra Costa Animal Services?
CCAS lists dog adoption fees as $155 for puppies under six months, $135 for dogs six months to under six years, and $85 for dogs six years and older.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from Contra Costa Animal Services?
CCAS lists cat adoption fees as $120 for kittens under four months, $100 for cats four months to under six years, and $55 for cats over six years.
Does CCAS serve Antioch?
No. CCAS says it provides animal control and sheltering services to 18 of the 19 cities in Contra Costa County and unincorporated areas, excluding the city of Antioch. Animals found in Antioch should be routed to Antioch Animal Services.
How long are lost pets held at Contra Costa Animal Services?
CCAS says impounded animals are held a minimum of 3 business days, extended to 5 business days with some form of identification, and 10 business days with a current Contra Costa County license tag.
What do I need to reclaim a pet from CCAS?
Bring proof of ownership such as vet records, photos, microchip packet or license records, plus valid photo ID. Call 925-608-8400 to confirm fees and pickup timing.
Can I surrender a pet to Contra Costa Animal Services?
CCAS accepts owner-surrendered animals only from Contra Costa County residents on a limited, case-by-case basis, with proof of residency and by appointment or request process. Antioch residents must contact Antioch Animal Services.
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.