Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter & Humane Society 2026 Guide
Use this guide to adopt a pet, check CVAS hours, contact the adoption counselor, file a lost/found report, understand surrender wait times, buy a Franklin County dog license, donate useful supplies, or confirm where wildlife questions should go.
Important: the official organization is Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter, Inc. It is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is not part of Franklin County Government or directly affiliated with any township authority.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Shelter hours and contact
- Adoption fees and inclusions
- Adoption micro-steps
- Adoption eligibility
- Lost/found pet steps
- Owner surrender process
- Franklin County dog license
- Wildlife and animal-control confusion
- Donations, thrift store and help
- Before you leave home
- Call/email scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter Action Cards
Pick the task you came for. Each card sends you to the correct official page, email, or phone route.
CVAS Hours, Address and Best Contact Route
Hours are simple, but Wednesday/Sunday closure and application review time can affect your visit.
| Need | Official detail | Best practical step |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 5051 Letterkenny Road West, Chambersburg, PA 17201 | Use the map below before driving; check weather and roadwork around Letterkenny Road. |
| Main phone | 717-263-5791 | Call for current shelter visit, surrender, lost/found or general questions. |
| Main email | cvasbusiness@cvas-pets.org | Use for general business questions when phone is not urgent. |
| Adoption counselor | cvasadopt@cvas-pets.org | Send vet records, proof, requested paperwork or adoption questions. |
| Open days | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11am-5pm; Saturday: 11am-3pm | Arrive early if you need adoption help, records review or multiple questions. |
| Closed days | Wednesday and Sunday closed | Use online forms and Petfinder checks; call next open day. |
CVAS Adoption Fees and What They Include
Fees vary by animal type and age. CVAS also lists tax and a senior discount.
| Animal | Fee | Included / note | Ask before adoption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog under 6 years | $212.00 | Spay/neuter, microchip, ID tag, collar, flea/ear mite treatment, current vaccines including rabies, distemper, parvo and kennel cough. | Is the dog fully ready to leave, and what behavior/medical notes should I know? |
| Dog 6 years and older | $153.70 | Same listed dog adoption inclusions. | Ask about senior care, medications, activity level and vet follow-up. |
| Kitten under 7 months | $90.10 | CVAS notes that adopting one kitten allows a second kitten at no extra cost. | Ask about booster timing, kitten socialization and safe-room setup. |
| Cat over 7 months | Monetary donation from the heart | Spay/neuter, microchip, ID tag, deworming, flea/ear mite treatment if needed, current vaccines, FeLV/FIV test. | Ask about litter habits, personality, medical notes and transition tips. |
| Small animals | Monetary donation from the heart | Birds, rabbits, guinea pigs and similar small pets; bunnies are spayed/neutered for adoption. | Ask about housing, diet, lifespan and vet care. |
| Tax and discount | 6% sales tax; 10% off for age 65+ | CVAS lists 6% sales tax added upon adoption and 10% off for anyone 65 or older. | Bring ID if using the senior discount. |
Cumberland Valley Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order to avoid repeated trips and slow approval.
Search available pets
Start with the Adoptable Residents page, then check Petfinder dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and small animals with Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter selected as the filter.
Submit the adoption application
CVAS says applications may be submitted online or as a paper copy at the shelter.
Wait for review
CVAS lists application processing time as 2-5 business days.
Send records quickly
Email vet records, proof of ownership or requested documents to cvasadopt@cvas-pets.org to help the counselor process your application.
Schedule animal visitation
For bonding-room time, CVAS says you must have an approved application and appointment scheduled because bonding-room space is limited.
Plan the first vet visit
CVAS says adopters are required to take the new pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible after adoption, and adoption includes a certificate for a free initial exam at participating clinics.
Adoption Eligibility: What CVAS Checks
These requirements can slow approval if you do not prepare them before applying.
Age
CVAS says adopters must be at least 21 years old, with waiver of age restriction possibly considered.
Rental approval
If you rent or pay lot rent, make sure the landlord has approved the pet. A lease copy showing pet approval can speed processing.
Current pets
Dogs and cats already in your home must be up to date on rabies vaccinations for application approval.
Lost or Found Pet in the Cumberland Valley Area
CVAS asks people to complete the correct lost/found report and provide extra detail so staff can match pets faster.
If your pet is lost
- Submit the matching Lost Cat or Lost Dog report.
- Use color photos; CVAS warns black-and-white lost pet posters can blur details.
- Call 717-263-5791 and ask whether a matching report or animal came in.
- Message local Facebook lost/found groups with photos and full details.
- Tell local vet clinics; people often bring found pets in for microchip scanning.
- Contact other shelters because PA shelter intake can depend on township/service area.
- Update microchip phone, emergency contact and address.
If you found a pet
- Complete the matching Found Cat or Found Dog report.
- Include location, date, time, collar/tag details, pet condition and clear photos.
- Get the animal scanned for a microchip at a vet clinic or animal shelter.
- Post to Find Toby, Bring Home Athena and local community pages.
- If you plan to bring the animal to the shelter, still post online first because fast local sharing can reunite pets.
- Keep found pets separate from your pets until you know health and behavior status.
Owner Surrender: What to Expect
CVAS is clear that surrenders are limited by available space and processed after adoption movement opens room.
| Step | What CVAS says | What you should prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Do not assume immediate intake | Surrenders come second, and CVAS can accept them only as space opens from adoptions. | Start early and create a backup plan with trusted rehoming routes. |
| Complete surrender request form | The form has space for three pets; use an additional form if you have more than three. | Pet age, species, behavior, medical history, vaccine records, photos and reason for surrender. |
| Wait for management review | Processing can take a couple weeks because management must track incoming/outgoing animals and available space. | Keep your phone/email active and answer follow-up questions quickly. |
| Need help? | CVAS lists 717-263-5791 and cvasmgr@cvas-pets.org for questions about forms or pet situations. | Explain urgency honestly, especially safety, housing or medical issues. |
Franklin County Dog Licenses at CVAS
CVAS says it sells annual dog licenses for Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
Annual dog license
- Stop by during open hours to purchase an annual Franklin County dog license.
- A dog license helps protect you and your dog if the dog runs loose.
- Ask staff what payment and owner/dog details are needed before visiting.
Lifetime license help
- CVAS provides lifetime license help for microchipped dogs.
- Bring your dog to be scanned and confirmed by staff.
- After staff completes the required section, you submit the form to the Franklin County Treasurer.
- Completed applications can be mailed or taken to Franklin County Treasurer Office, 272 North Second Street, Suite 300, Chambersburg, PA 17201.
Wildlife, Animal Control and Service-Area Confusion
This is important because people often search “humane society” or “animal control” when they really need a different route.
Domestic pets
CVAS handles domesticated animals and pets. Use CVAS for adoption, lost/found reports, surrender requests, dog licenses and shelter questions.
Wild animals
CVAS says if you found a wild animal, contact the PA Game Commission at 814-643-1831 or 814-643-9635.
Immediate danger
For urgent human-safety danger, call emergency services. CVAS is not Franklin County Government or a township authority.
How to Help CVAS: Donations, Thrift Store and Second Chance Fund
CVAS is community-supported, so donations and thrift-store support directly matter.
Useful donations
- Purina dog, puppy, cat and kitten food.
- Prescription food/treats.
- Timothy hay and rabbit food.
- Soft dog treats.
- HE laundry detergent, Windex and trash bags.
- Feline Pine litter or equine bedding pellets.
Thrift store
The CVAS Thrift Store is at 66 S. Main St. in Chambersburg. It helps fund shelter operations and is listed open Monday-Saturday from 10am-5pm, Sunday closed.
Second Chance Fund
CVAS describes this fund as money set aside for animals needing special medical care, such as a broken leg or heartworm treatment, beyond everyday funds.
Before You Leave Home
Application, landlord approval, pet rabies records, ID, pet screenshot, carrier/leash.
Color photos, microchip number, collar/tag details, cross streets, vet records, local posts.
Surrender form, pet photos, behavior notes, medical records, vaccine history, honest timeline.
Owner info, dog info, microchip details for lifetime route, Franklin County Treasurer form path.
Map: Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter
Use this map for shelter visits. For surrender, lost/found, or adoption appointment questions, call or email first.
Copy/Paste Call and Email Scripts
Adoption question
Hello, I am interested in [animal name]. I submitted/will submit an adoption application. Can you confirm if this animal is still available, what records you need, and whether a bonding-room appointment is possible after approval?Lost pet report
Hello, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/markings/collar/microchip]. I have color photos and can send a poster. Has a matching pet been reported or brought in?Found pet report
Hello, I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location] on [date/time]. The pet is [safe/injured/scared]. I can/cannot hold it temporarily. I have photos and can get a microchip scan.Surrender request
Hello, I need to discuss an owner surrender request for [pet type/name/age]. I understand space may take time. I have medical records, behavior details and photos. What should I submit next?Official Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter Links
The key information is summarized above. Use these official links for forms, live pet listings, staff contact and final verification.
Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter located?
Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter is located at 5051 Letterkenny Road West, Chambersburg, PA 17201.
What is the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter phone number?
The listed phone number for Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter is 717-263-5791.
What are Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter hours?
CVAS lists shelter hours as Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11am to 5pm, Saturday from 11am to 3pm, and closed Wednesday and Sunday.
Is Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter part of Franklin County Government?
No. CVAS says it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is not part of Franklin County Government or directly affiliated with any township authority.
How long does a CVAS adoption application take?
CVAS says adoption application processing takes between two and five business days after submission for review.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from CVAS?
CVAS lists dogs under 6 years at $212.00 and dogs 6 years and older at $153.70, plus applicable tax and discounts.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat or kitten from CVAS?
CVAS lists kittens under 7 months at $90.10, with a second kitten at no extra cost, and cats over 7 months as a monetary donation from the heart.
What is included with CVAS dog adoption?
CVAS lists spay or neuter surgery, microchip, ID tag, collar, flea or ear mite treatment, and current vaccines including rabies, distemper, parvo and kennel cough.
How do I report a lost or found pet to CVAS?
Use the CVAS Lost & Found page to complete the correct Lost Cat, Found Cat, Lost Dog or Found Dog report, and include detailed color photos and location information.
Can I surrender a pet to CVAS immediately?
No immediate intake is guaranteed. CVAS says surrenders come second and are accepted only as space opens from adoptions, with surrender forms reviewed by management.
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.