Dearborn Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
If you searched for the Dearborn animal shelter, the current local shelter and adoption center is Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit at the MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption and Education Center, located at 16121 Reckinger Road, Dearborn, MI 48126.
Dearborn is slightly different from many city shelter searches: animal sheltering, adoption, intake, lost-pet services and animal-control routing connect through the City of Dearborn and FAMD partnership. This guide keeps those roles separate so you do not waste time, call the wrong number, or drive to an outdated address.
Use the Reckinger Road Address
Current FAMD pages list the MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption and Education Center at 16121 Reckinger Road. Some older Dearborn Animal Shelter pages still show 2661 Greenfield. For 2026 visits, use the current Reckinger Road location unless FAMD posts a live change.
City Partnership
Dearborn’s current public information describes a City/FAMD partnership for animal control and shelter services. That means adoption and intake are not the same as 911, police dispatch, dog licensing, or public-health bite reporting.
No Fake Medical Claims
FAMD lists veterinary partners and in-shelter veterinary service providers for shelter animals. This page does not present the shelter as a public walk-in veterinary hospital or invent doctor schedules, appointment fees, ratings, or emergency-care promises.
Start With the Right Dearborn Animal Help Route
The fastest route depends on what you need today. A lost pet, found stray, cruelty concern, owner surrender, dog license, or adoption visit may use a different phone, time window, or form.
Dearborn Animal Shelter Adoption and Intake Hours 2026
FAMD separates adoption hours from Animal Intake & Services hours. Use the correct window before you drive to Reckinger Road.
| Service | Current listed hours | Use this for |
|---|---|---|
| Adoptions — Animal Adoption and Education Center |
Wednesday–Sunday 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Monday & Tuesday closed |
Meeting adoptable pets, adoption counseling and adoption questions. Call 313-943-2697 ext. 6001 for up-to-the-minute availability. |
| Animal Intake & Services |
Monday–Saturday 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Sunday closed |
Lost & found, trap rentals, donation drop-off, Dearborn-resident strays and service questions. |
| Animal surrender |
Monday–Saturday By calling first / appointment and space availability |
Owned-pet surrender questions. Call before coming to the shelter. |
| Operation Feed Fido | By appointment only | Pet food pantry help for owners experiencing financial hardship. Contact ext. 6002. |
How to Adopt From Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit
Adoption is exciting, but the best matches come from a calm conversation, not a rushed decision. FAMD uses questionnaires and adoption counselors to help match pets with real households.
Check the current adoptable pets
Start online. Most adoptable animals are at the MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption and Education Center, but some may be in foster homes or at cat adoption centers.
Open the pet’s individual listing
Read the animal’s notes and location. If your visit depends on one pet, call 313-943-2697 ext. 6001 during adoption hours.
Complete the dog or cat questionnaire
FAMD provides online dog and cat adoption questionnaires. If you do not submit online, the adoption process page gives fax/email return instructions.
Talk with an adoption specialist
The goal is not just to move an animal quickly. Ask about behavior, medical notes, children, other pets, activity level, litter habits, training needs and the first week at home.
Meet the animal safely
Visit during adoption hours or follow staff instructions if the pet is in foster care or an offsite adoption location.
Complete the adoption and going-home plan
Confirm the total adoption fee, included care, optional testing, microchip details, going-home supplies and follow-up veterinary needs before leaving.
Dearborn Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
Current FAMD adoption-fee guidance uses different categories for cats, kittens, dogs, puppies, lap dogs, Lovables pets, Heritage pets and satellite-location cats. Promotions can change, so confirm the final amount before paying.
| Category | Current listed fee | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Kittens under 6 months | $80 | Satellite-location kittens are listed separately at $100. |
| Adult cats, 6 months to 8 years | $55 | Lovables cats are listed at $30; working cats have a waived fee. |
| Satellite-location cats | $75 | Check the cat’s location before visiting Reckinger Road. |
| Heritage cats | $400 | Used for some purebred or high-demand animals. |
| Puppies under 6 months | $285 | Higher fee helps support shelter medical and care work. |
| Adult dogs, 6 months and older | $150 | This is the standard adult dog category. |
| Adult lap dog, small breed under 20 lb | $285 | Listed separately from standard adult dogs. |
| Lovables dogs | $100 | These pets may need extra patience, training or placement care. |
| Heritage dog adoption | $400 | Used for some purebred or high-demand adoptable dogs. |
| Veteran adoption special | $50 adult dogs / $5 adult cats | FAMD lists ID requirements and exclusions for puppies, lapdogs and Heritage pets. |
Emergency & Important Dearborn Animal Contacts
Use the correct number for the correct situation. A shelter adoption question is not an emergency dispatch call, and a dangerous animal or active cruelty situation should not wait for normal adoption hours.
| Contact / route | Number / timing | Use this for |
|---|---|---|
| FAMD main shelter | 313-943-2697 | General shelter questions, adoption routing, lost/found guidance and current Dearborn shelter services. |
| Adoption Center |
313-943-2697 ext. 6001 Wed–Sun 12 p.m.–4 p.m. |
Up-to-the-minute adoption availability and visit planning. |
| Animal Intake & Services |
313-943-2697 ext. 6002 Mon–Sat split hours |
Lost & found, trap rentals, donation drop-off, surrender appointments, pet food pantry and service questions. |
| Dearborn animal emergency if shelter cannot be reached | 313-943-2201 | FAMD’s current contact page says to call Dearborn Police for an animal emergency if you cannot reach the shelter. |
| Immediate danger / emergency | 911 | Immediate human danger, serious injury, dangerous/vicious animal emergency or active public-safety emergency. |
| City of Dearborn Response Center |
311 or 313-943-2150 Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m. |
City service routing, including non-emergency Animal Control directory routing when you are not sure where to start. |
| Animal cruelty in progress | 313-943-2201 | FAMD’s report-abuse page directs Dearborn callers to police for cruelty witnessed in progress. |
| Wayne County communicable disease / animal bite reporting context | 734-727-7078 | Wayne County public-health reporting context and animal-bite reporting follow-up. For urgent injury or immediate danger, use emergency care / 911 first. |
Lost or Found Pet in Dearborn
A lost pet can feel like panic in your chest. Move quickly, but keep the steps organized: check the shelter, file a report, search nearby, and keep proof of ownership ready.
If your pet is missing
- Check FAMD’s current adoptable/intake listings and call the shelter.
- Submit a lost-pet report through FAMD’s official lost/found route.
- Visit or contact the shelter because a written description may not match perfectly.
- Search your block repeatedly: garages, porches, sheds, alleys, bushes and quiet hiding areas.
- Keep recent photos, microchip number, rabies records and proof of ownership ready.
- Check nearby jurisdictions if the pet disappeared near Dearborn city limits.
If you found an animal
- Check safely for ID tags, license tags or owner contact information.
- Have a veterinarian, shelter or animal-service provider scan for a microchip.
- If the animal is safe and you can transport it, call FAMD before bringing it in.
- If the animal is aggressive, injured or in traffic danger, use the official emergency route.
- Do not assume a pet found outside Dearborn can be accepted through Dearborn intake.
- Post found-pet information responsibly without giving away every identifying detail.
Surrendering a Pet or Asking for Intake Help
Surrender is a hard decision. FAMD asks owners to call first, and the service page points to owner-help options such as rehoming and the pet food pantry when a temporary barrier is the real problem.
Call before coming
Animal surrender is listed Monday through Saturday, but FAMD asks people to call before coming to the shelter.
Space can matter
The current contact page says owned-pet surrender is handled as space allows. Do not arrive assuming same-day intake is guaranteed.
Try safe alternatives
FAMD provides a private rehoming route and food support for some owners. A direct home-to-home placement may be less stressful for the pet when it is safe and honest.
Operation Feed Fido — Pet Food Pantry
Sometimes the problem is not that a family does not love the pet. Sometimes it is a temporary financial crisis. FAMD’s Operation Feed Fido can help some owners with dog or cat food when resources are available.
Appointment only
FAMD says Feed Fido is by appointment only. Call 313-943-2697 ext. 6002 for current information.
Bring valid ID
The service page says applicants should bring valid ID to complete the program application.
Food supply varies
FAMD states that it cannot guarantee the brand, type or quantity of food available each month.
Animal Bites and Rabies Reporting in Dearborn / Wayne County
Animal bites are both animal-control and public-health concerns. If a person is bitten, treat the injury first, report the incident, and follow official quarantine or rabies instructions.
Get medical guidance
Wash the wound if you can do so safely, then contact a healthcare provider. Bites can involve infection, tetanus and rabies-risk decisions.
Report the bite
Wayne County public-health pages provide animal-bite reporting information and list communicable disease reporting at 734-727-7078.
Use emergency care if severe
For serious injury, immediate danger or a dangerous animal emergency, call 911 instead of waiting for normal shelter hours.
Veterinary Partners, In-Shelter Service Doctors and What Not to Assume
FAMD publishes a veterinary-partner list. That is useful, but it should not be misunderstood as a public walk-in veterinary hospital schedule. Partner clinics set their own public appointment rules, fees and hours.
VCA adoption benefit
FAMD says VCA Animal Hospitals provide a complimentary health exam for newly adopted pets and complimentary follow-up care for some health conditions, with details presented at adoption.
Cat FeLV/FIV test
FAMD lists FeLV/FIV testing at $20 at the time of adoption when recommended. This is not a general public clinic fee.
No emergency-vet claim
This page does not claim that FAMD is a 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital. For a life-threatening owned-pet medical issue, contact an emergency veterinary provider.
| Verified FAMD veterinary partner detail | Public detail listed by FAMD | How to use it safely |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park Veterinary Hospital |
3909 Fort St., Lincoln Park, MI 48146 313-389-2222 |
Listed as a clinic partner for community outreach and pre-adoption services to shelter animals. |
| Dearborn Family Pet Care |
24909 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48124 313-561-5920 |
Listed as a Dearborn-area veterinary partner. Call the clinic directly for public appointments and fees. |
| Vet Select Dearborn |
3225 S. Telegraph, Dearborn, MI 48124 313-565-5566 |
Listed as a partner clinic connected to shelter-animal care and community outreach. |
| In-shelter service veterinarians listed by FAMD | Dr. Dizik, Dr. Schrier, Dr. Woodworth, Dr. Bodenstein and Dr. Stein | FAMD lists these doctors as providing in-shelter services for shelter animals. It does not publish them as public appointment doctors for owned pets through this shelter page. |
Dearborn Dog Licensing
Dog licensing is a City Clerk function, not the same thing as adopting a pet from FAMD. City guidance says Dearborn dogs six months old and older must be licensed.
| License type | Current fee shown on City materials | Important requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year sterilized dog license | $10 | Proof of current rabies vaccination; spay/neuter proof if claiming sterilized fee. |
| 1-year unsterilized dog with microchip | $15 | Proof of rabies vaccination and microchip documentation. |
| 1-year unsterilized dog without microchip | $20 | Higher fee applies when the dog is unsterilized and not microchipped. |
| 3-year sterilized dog license | $30 | Rabies vaccination must support the license period. |
| 3-year unsterilized dog with microchip | $45 | Proof of microchip and rabies vaccination. |
| 3-year unsterilized dog without microchip | $60 | Confirm current City Clerk requirements before submitting. |
| Automatic renewal license | $100 one-time fee | Requires proof of sterilization and microchipping; rabies documentation must still be kept current. |
Offsite Cat Adoption Centers Around Dearborn
Not every adoptable cat is physically at Reckinger Road. FAMD works with local pet-store adoption centers, so always check the animal’s listing before driving.
PetSmart Dearborn
5650 Mercury Dr., Dearborn, MI 48126. Check FAMD’s cat listing before visiting.
Pet Supplies Plus Dearborn
2621 Telegraph Rd., Dearborn, MI 48124. Some FAMD cats may be listed at this partner location.
PetSmart Taylor
23271 Eureka Rd., Taylor, MI 48180. Useful if the cat’s listing points outside Dearborn.
Foster, Volunteer and Youth Help
Adoption is not the only way to help. Foster homes, adult volunteers, youth programs and donation support can make daily shelter life gentler for animals waiting for placement.
Foster
FAMD maintains a foster application and foster agreement. Foster homes may help pets who need time outside the shelter.
Adult volunteering
Adult volunteers schedule themselves through the VicNet volunteer system according to availability and shelter needs.
Youth volunteers
FAMD lists youth volunteer sessions for ages 10–15, with weekend morning sessions focused mainly on cat care and enrichment.
Before You Visit 16121 Reckinger Road
Adoption checklist
- Confirm the shelter is open and the animal is still available.
- Check whether the pet is at Reckinger Road, in foster care or at a cat adoption center.
- Complete the appropriate dog or cat questionnaire when possible.
- Bring photo ID, household decision-maker information and housing/pet-policy details.
- Budget for adoption fee, optional cat testing, supplies and future veterinary care.
- Bring safe transport: carrier for cats, leash/collar and secure vehicle plan for dogs.
Lost / found / intake checklist
- Call ext. 6002 before coming for intake or surrender questions.
- Bring proof of Dearborn residency if a stray/intake issue requires it.
- Bring photos, microchip number, rabies certificate and proof of ownership for reclaim.
- Use emergency routing for dangerous, injured or actively abused animals.
- Do not rely on old Greenfield Road pages without checking the current FAMD contact page.
Simple Call Scripts
When you are upset about a pet, short scripts help you give the right details quickly.
Adoption
Hi, I am interested in [pet name or ID]. Is this animal still
available, and is the pet at 16121 Reckinger Road, in foster care,
or at an offsite cat adoption center? What fee category applies?
Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing from [street/neighborhood] in Dearborn.
The pet is [description], [microchipped/not microchipped], and was
last seen at [time]. Has a matching animal been brought in?
Found animal
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] at [exact location]. The animal is
[safe/injured/aggressive]. Is this within Dearborn intake routing,
and should I bring the animal in or request help?
Owner hardship / surrender
Hi, I am trying to avoid surrendering my pet, but I am dealing with
[food cost/housing/medical/temporary crisis]. Can I ask about
Operation Feed Fido, rehoming options, or a surrender appointment?
Map: Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit
Current shelter/adoption center: MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption and Education Center, 16121 Reckinger Road, Dearborn, MI 48126. Check the official contact page before driving if you see an older Greenfield Road result.
Official Dearborn Resources
Use these official pages for live hours, fees, animal availability, intake instructions, city rules and emergency routing.
Dearborn Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the current Dearborn animal shelter address?
The current Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit adoption center is the MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption and Education Center at 16121 Reckinger Road, Dearborn, MI 48126.
What is the Dearborn Animal Shelter phone number?
The main FAMD shelter number is 313-943-2697. Adoption questions use ext. 6001, and Animal Intake & Services uses ext. 6002.
What are Dearborn Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Current adoption hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday are closed for normal adoption visits.
What are Dearborn Animal Intake & Services hours?
Current Animal Intake & Services hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday is closed.
Is 2661 Greenfield still the address I should use?
Current FAMD pages list 16121 Reckinger Road. Older Dearborn Animal Shelter pages may still show 2661 Greenfield, so use the current FAMD contact page before driving.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from FAMD?
Current listed cat fees include kittens under 6 months at $80, adult cats at $55, Lovables cats at $30, Heritage cats at $400, working cats with a waived fee, satellite-location kittens at $100 and satellite cats at $75.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from FAMD?
Current listed dog fees include puppies under 6 months at $285, adult dogs at $150, adult lap dogs under 20 lb at $285, Lovables dogs at $100 and Heritage adoptions at $400.
What does the FAMD adoption fee include?
FAMD lists a basic medical exam, behavior assessment, spay/neuter, microchipping and lifetime registration, ID tag, age-appropriate vaccinations, fecal/worming and adoption-counselor support. Dogs 6 months and older also list heartworm testing/screening.
Does FAMD offer a veteran adoption discount?
Yes. FAMD lists a veteran adoption program with $50 adult dog adoption fees and $5 adult cat adoption fees, with exclusions for puppies, lapdogs and Heritage pets.
What do I call for a Dearborn animal emergency?
FAMD says that for an animal emergency, if you cannot reach the shelter, call the Dearborn Police Department at 313-943-2201. Use 911 for immediate human danger or serious emergency situations.
How do I report animal cruelty in Dearborn?
For cruelty in progress in Dearborn, FAMD’s report-abuse page directs callers to the police route at 313-943-2201. For non-immediate details, contact the shelter at 313-943-2697 ext. 6002 or use FAMD’s abuse reporting guidance.
Does FAMD accept strays from outside Dearborn?
Current FAMD contact guidance labels strays as Dearborn residents only and says proof of residency is required. Call before transporting an animal found outside Dearborn.
Do I need to call before surrendering a pet?
Yes. FAMD lists animal surrender Monday through Saturday but says to call the office before coming to the shelter. Surrender may depend on appointment and space availability.
Does FAMD have a pet food pantry?
Yes. Operation Feed Fido is listed for owners experiencing financial hardship, by appointment only. Contact 313-943-2697 ext. 6002.
Does FAMD publish veterinary partners?
Yes. FAMD lists veterinary partner clinics and in-shelter service veterinarians for shelter animals. Partner clinics set their own public appointment schedules and fees.
Which doctors are listed as providing in-shelter services?
FAMD’s veterinary partner page lists Dr. Dizik, Dr. Schrier, Dr. Woodworth, Dr. Bodenstein and Dr. Stein as veterinarians providing in-shelter services for shelter animals.
Is FAMD a public emergency veterinary hospital?
No. This page does not treat FAMD as a public walk-in veterinary hospital or 24/7 emergency vet. For life-threatening owned-pet medical problems, contact an emergency veterinary provider.
Do Dearborn dogs need a City license?
City guidance says dogs six months old and older must be licensed. Owners need proof of Dearborn residency, current rabies vaccination and applicable spay/neuter or microchip documentation.
Is Animal-Shelter.org the official Dearborn animal shelter website?
No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide. Use the official FAMD, City of Dearborn and Wayne County public-health sources for 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.