Decatur Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this Decatur Animal Services guide before you call, visit, adopt, reclaim a pet, report cruelty, surrender a pet, or decide whether the issue belongs to Morgan County or Lawrence County instead.
Fast route: Decatur Animal Services is the City of Decatur municipal shelter at 300A Beltline Road SW. It handles adoptions, local ordinance enforcement, cruelty investigations, education, volunteerism, rescue, transport and special events.
FAST
Decatur Animal Services Contact, Address and Adoption Hours
Use these details first. Hours can change for holidays, emergencies or city staffing, so call before driving if you are adopting, reclaiming, surrendering, or reporting an animal issue near closing time.
| Need | Official detail | Best use | Local tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main shelter phone | (256) 341-4790 | Adoption, reclaim, surrender, animal issues, cruelty reports. | Call early in the public window if you need same-day help. |
| Fax | (256) 341-4794 | Documents if staff requests them. | Ask before faxing medical or ownership records. |
| Address | 300A Beltline Road SW, Decatur, AL 35601 | Shelter visit, adoption, reclaim, surrender. | Use Beltline Road SW in your map app and confirm before driving. |
| Monday-Friday | 11:00am-4:30pm | General public service, adoption and animal services questions. | Do not arrive close to closing for a complex reclaim or surrender. |
| Saturday | 10:30am-1:30pm | Short weekend visit window. | Bring documents ready; the Saturday window is shorter. |
| City hall general number | (256) 341-4500 | General City of Decatur routing. | Use shelter phone first for animal-specific help. |
City of Decatur vs Morgan County vs Lawrence County Animal Control
This is the biggest intent issue. “Decatur animal shelter” may mean City of Decatur Animal Services, but nearby callers may actually need county animal control.
| Where the issue is | Correct starting point | Phone | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside City of Decatur | Decatur Animal Services | (256) 341-4790 | City shelter and local animal ordinance enforcement. |
| Morgan County outside City of Decatur | Morgan County Animal Control | (256) 773-2934 | City page directs outside-city animal issues here when in Morgan County. |
| Lawrence County outside City of Decatur | Lawrence County Animal Control | (256) 443-5154 | City page directs outside-city animal issues here when in Lawrence County. |
| After-hours bite, vicious/rabid suspicion, or stray injured animal in Decatur | Decatur Police Department route | (256) 341-4600 | Official after-hours route for serious animal incidents. |
| Dead animal lying in street or on city property | Sanitation Department during regular business hours | (256) 341-4740 | City page lists sanitation for dead animal pickup on street/city property. |
How to Adopt from Decatur Animal Services
The city requires a City-approved adoption application. Decatur Animal Services can deny an adoption if staff is not convinced the adopter can provide a suitable home or care.
Call or check available pets first
Ask whether the animal is still available, whether there is a hold period, and whether the pet is ready for adoption.
Visit during public hours
Go Monday-Friday 11:00am-4:30pm or Saturday 10:30am-1:30pm. Arrive early enough for questions and paperwork.
Complete the approved application
A City-approved adoption application must be completed and signed. Read the adoption agreement before signing.
Pay the required deposit
The city lists a $40 nonrefundable deposit with the application to cover veterinary charges.
Wait for sterilization completion if needed
Adopted pets must be sterilized. The remainder of the adoption fee is paid when the pet is picked up after surgery.
Use the 10-business-day exchange window correctly
An adopted animal may be returned within 10 business days for exchange if unsuitable, or due to illness/disease with purchase receipt and veterinary diagnosis.
Official Decatur Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
These are the city-listed adoption fees and inclusions. The $40 nonrefundable deposit is submitted with the application and the remaining fee is paid when the animal is picked up after sterilization surgery.
| Animal | Fee | Official inclusions | Ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | $110 | Heartworm testing and preventative; rabies, kennel cough and distemper/parvo combo shots; worming for intestinal parasites; Frontline for fleas and ticks. | Is the dog heartworm positive/negative? When is pickup after sterilization? |
| Cat | $95 | Feline leukemia/AIDS test; rabies, kennel cough and distemper combo shots; worming for intestinal parasites; Frontline for fleas and ticks. | Ask for test results and any upper-respiratory or litter-box notes. |
| Rabbit | $85 | Sterilization surgery. | Ask about diet, housing, handling and rabbit-savvy veterinary care. |
| Other animals | Varies | City says to inquire. | Ask species-specific care, legality, enclosure and vet needs. |
| City of Decatur employee adoption | Waived | Official note says adoption fees are waived for current City of Decatur employees. | Ask what proof is required. |
Lost Pet or Reclaiming an Impounded Animal in Decatur
Act fast. The city page says if an animal is not claimed within a seven-day period, it may become available for adoption depending on health, temperament and well-being, or may be euthanized if not suitable for adoption.
If your pet is missing
- Call Decatur Animal Services at (256) 341-4790 during public hours.
- Give exact lost location, date/time, color, breed, sex, collar, tag and microchip status.
- Visit in person if a similar pet may be there; photos and descriptions can be imperfect.
- Bring proof of ownership: photos, vet records, rabies certificate, microchip info or adoption papers.
- Check again daily during the seven-day window.
- Search nearby streets, porches, garages, sheds and under vehicles before assuming the pet traveled far.
Reclaim fees to prepare
- Base reclaim / redemption fee: $35.
- Boarding: $10 per day starting the day after impoundment.
- Unaltered dog/cat incentive fee: $25 if not spayed or neutered.
- Rabies voucher fee: $9 if owner cannot show valid rabies proof.
- After-hours pickup fee: $40 to cover overtime costs.
- Bring ID and proof documents before arriving.
Owner Surrender and Animal Admittance
Decatur Animal Services receives domestic pets such as dogs and cats from residents of Decatur. Helpful surrender information and medical records can improve adoption chances and reduce confusion.
Bring records
Bring vaccine records, rabies proof, medications, microchip info, spay/neuter status, diet, vet history and behavior notes.
Call first
Call (256) 341-4790 before bringing a pet. Ask whether intake is available and what documents are needed.
Never leave after hours
The city says no person may leave an animal on the property after regular hours. Doing so is abandonment and punishable by law.
After-Hours Animal Emergencies in Decatur
Animals running loose are not treated the same as bite, rabies-suspicion, vicious-animal or injured-stray calls. Use the correct route.
| Situation | Call | When | Do not do this |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal bite to a person | Decatur Police Department: (256) 341-4600 after hours | Any after-hours bite incident. | Do not delay reporting because rabies quarantine rules may apply. |
| Suspicion of vicious or rabid animal | Decatur Police Department: (256) 341-4600 after hours | After-hours serious animal safety concern. | Do not try to capture the animal yourself if unsafe. |
| Stray injured animal | Decatur Police Department: (256) 341-4600 after hours | After-hours injured stray animal. | Do not move an injured animal if it may bite or worsen injury. |
| Animal running loose | Animal Services next business day | Official page says animals running loose are not considered an emergency. | Do not use emergency routing unless there is bite, injury, vicious/rabies concern. |
| Dead animal in street or city property | Sanitation Department: (256) 341-4740 during regular business hours | City street or city property. | Do not handle if unsafe or in traffic. |
How to Report Animal Cruelty in Decatur
The city says cruelty can include no or inadequate shelter, insufficient food and water, poor physical condition, puppy mills and dog fighting.
What to provide
- Animal description and number of animals.
- Street number and section of the city.
- Visible conditions: shelter, food, water, injury, confinement or neglect.
- Time pattern if the issue repeats.
- Your safest contact method if follow-up is needed.
Important official warning
The city says not to provide food, water or veterinary care before the cruelty officer can investigate, because doing so may prevent cruelty charges from being filed. Make sure the officer can view the situation as you saw it, then arrange to help the animal.
Report suspected cruelty: (256) 341-4790.
Rabies Quarantine and Bite Rules
This section matters because bite calls are time-sensitive and handled differently from normal loose-animal complaints.
| Issue | Official Decatur detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Bite or scratch to a person | State law requires the animal to be taken to a veterinarian for a 10-day rabies quarantine period. | Report immediately and follow health/animal-control instructions. |
| Stray animal involved | The shelter may seek Environmental Health Agency permission for rabies testing or holding while an owner is located. | Do not hide ownership or delay contact. |
| Owner fees | The owner must pay normal impoundment fees to the shelter. | Bring proof, rabies record and funds for applicable fees. |
| Rabies testing | Official page states rabies testing requires euthanasia and lab examination of brain tissue. | Take bite/rabies calls seriously and avoid unnecessary animal contact. |
Decatur Leash Law Basics
The official leash-law page says it is unlawful to allow a dog or puppy to be off the owner’s premises unless controlled by a competent person with a leash, chain or other restraint sufficient to physically control the dog or puppy.
First pickup
If the dog or puppy has identification and someone is home, the first off-premise pickup may result in return to its home.
Second pickup
The second time, the dog or puppy may be brought to the shelter.
Later violations
After that, the owner may be prosecuted for violation of the leash law.
Volunteer, Foster and Help Decatur Animal Services
Decatur Animal Services lists volunteer opportunities for people age 16 or older. The official page says opportunities can include cleaning cat cages, dog walking, off-site events, bathing, grooming, in-home fostering, donation drives, cat cuddling and more.
Dog help
Dog walking, bathing, grooming and event support may help dogs become more adoptable.
Cat help
Cleaning cat cages and cat cuddling can support shelter care and socialization.
Foster help
In-home fostering can help animals that need extra time away from the shelter environment.
Map and Visit Tips
Use the map for route planning only. Call before leaving if you are close to closing time, reclaiming a pet, surrendering, or dealing with an after-hours issue.
Before adoption
Bring ID, household questions, transport plan, and ask about pickup after sterilization.
Before reclaim
Bring proof of ownership, rabies record, ID, and funds for reclaim/boarding/rabies/after-hours fees.
Before surrender
Call first, bring medical records, and never leave an animal after hours.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption script
Hi, I’m interested in adopting a dog/cat from Decatur Animal Services. What animals are available today, what should I bring, and is the pet ready for pickup or waiting on sterilization?Lost pet script
Hi, I lost my pet near [street/cross street] on [date/time]. The pet is [description], has [collar/tag/microchip], and I can provide photos and vet records. Has a matching animal been impounded?Reclaim script
Hi, I believe my pet may be at the shelter. What proof of ownership should I bring, and what reclaim, boarding, rabies, unaltered or after-hours fees may apply?Cruelty report script
Hi, I need to report possible animal cruelty at [street number/area]. The animal is [description]. I observed [no shelter/no food/no water/poor condition/other] at [time]. What should I do next?Official Decatur Animal Services Links
The key details are summarized above so users do not need to hunt through multiple official pages. Use these links only for live verification, updates or final action.
Decatur Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Decatur Animal Services located?
Decatur Animal Services is listed at 300A Beltline Road SW, Decatur, AL 35601.
What is the phone number for Decatur Animal Services?
The main Decatur Animal Services phone number is (256) 341-4790.
What are Decatur Animal Services adoption hours?
Official public hours are Monday through Friday from 11:00am to 4:30pm and Saturday from 10:30am to 1:30pm.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from Decatur Animal Services?
The official dog adoption fee is $110, which includes heartworm testing and preventative, rabies, kennel cough and distemper/parvo combo shots, worming and Frontline for fleas and ticks.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from Decatur Animal Services?
The official cat adoption fee is $95, which includes Feline leukemia/AIDS test, rabies, kennel cough and distemper combo shots, worming and Frontline for fleas and ticks.
What is the reclaim fee for an impounded pet in Decatur?
The official reclaim fee is $35, plus $10 per day starting the day after impoundment. Extra fees may apply for unaltered animals, rabies vaccination proof issues or after-hours pickup.
Who do I call for after-hours animal bite or rabies concerns in Decatur?
For after-hours animal bites, suspected vicious or rabid animals, or stray injured animals, call the Decatur Police Department at (256) 341-4600.
Can I leave an animal at Decatur Animal Services after hours?
No. The city says no person may leave an animal on the property after regular hours of operation, and doing so is abandonment punishable by law.
Who handles animal issues outside the City of Decatur?
The official city page directs animal issues outside the City of Decatur to Morgan County Animal Control at (256) 773-2934 or Lawrence County Animal Control at (256) 443-5154.
How do I report suspected animal cruelty in Decatur?
Report suspected animal abuse or neglect to Decatur Animal Services at (256) 341-4790 and provide the animal description, street number and section of the city.
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.