Fort Wayne Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
If you searched for the Fort Wayne animal shelter, the official municipal shelter and animal-control agency is Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control, commonly called FWACC. The shelter is located at 3020 Hillegas Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808.
This guide gives the practical local answer: adoption hours, current dog/cat/small-animal fees, same-day adoption rules, Animal Control officer assistance, after-hours routing, lost and found pets, surrender appointments, bite reporting, pet registration, community cats, microchips, foster help and official City links.
Official City Agency
FWACC is the City of Fort Wayne animal care and control department. It handles sheltering, adoptions, lost/found pets, pet registration, bite reporting and animal-control enforcement routes.
Different Service Windows
Adoption hours, business-office hours and Animal Control officer assistance are not the same. Check the correct time window before driving or calling.
Independent Guide
Animal-Shelter.org is not FWACC, the City of Fort Wayne, Allen County, Humane Fort Wayne, a veterinary clinic, police dispatch or an emergency service.
Emergency & Important Fort Wayne Animal Contacts
Use the right number for the situation. Adoption questions should go to the Adoption Center. Lost/found, citations and law-enforcement concerns use the business-office route. After-hours animal-control assistance is routed differently.
| Contact | Number / time | Use this for |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control | 260-427-1244 | Main shelter/animal-control routing, lost and found pets, animal-control questions, pet registration and general FWACC help. |
| Adoption Center | 260-427-5502 | Adoption questions, current adoption process, offsite adoption coordination and adoptable-pet questions. |
| Business Office |
Mon–Fri 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday |
Lost/found pets, receiving lobby, citations and other law-enforcement concerns. |
| Animal Control Officer Assistance |
260-427-1244 Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–8 p.m. |
Officer assistance during regular weekday field-service hours. |
| After 8 p.m., weekends and holidays | 260-449-3000 | FWACC after-hours assistance route. The City also lists 1 a.m.–6 a.m. emergency immediate-officer assistance through this number. |
| Immediate human danger | 911 | Active attack, serious injury, immediate human danger, urgent public-safety emergency or a dangerous situation needing police, fire or medical response. |
| Allen County Sheriff non-emergency | 260-449-3000 | Non-emergency dispatch route that also appears in FWACC after-hours animal-control instructions. |
Start With the Right Fort Wayne Animal Help Route
Most visitors need one practical next step: adopt, search for a lost pet, report a found pet, ask for Animal Control, surrender responsibly, report a bite, register a pet or get microchip/community-cat help.
Fort Wayne Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
Adoption Lobby hours are different from Business Office hours. FWACC also says adoption profiles must be submitted 15 minutes before closing to allow time for processing.
| Day | Current adoption hours | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed for adoptions | Use online listings and plan another adoption day. |
| Tuesday | Noon–5:30 p.m. | Submit profile by 5:15 p.m. |
| Wednesday | Noon–6 p.m. | Submit profile by 5:45 p.m. |
| Thursday | Noon–5:30 p.m. | Submit profile by 5:15 p.m. |
| Friday | Noon–5:30 p.m. | Check availability before leaving work or school. |
| Saturday | 9 a.m.–noon on the first and third Saturday of each month | Not every Saturday is an adoption Saturday. |
| Sunday | Closed for adoptions | Use online pet search and prepare questions. |
How Adoption Works at Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control
FWACC no longer runs general walk-through visits to see every animal. Review available pets online first, choose a few you want to meet, and then use the in-person adoption process during adoption hours.
Check available pets online first
Review available animals before visiting. Write down names or ID numbers, but keep backup choices because availability changes.
Arrive during adoption hours
For pets in the Hillegas Road building, FWACC uses walk-in, same-day adoptions. Online applications are not checked until you are in the building and in line.
Complete the in-building application step
When you enter the adoption side, fill out the appropriate dog, cat or small-animal adoption form. If you already applied online, you still complete the in-person line step.
Bring required people and animals
You must be 18 or older. Bring a current photo ID. If adopting a dog and you already have dogs at home, bring those dogs for a meet and greet. Family members under age five should also come.
Understand first-come, first-served
FWACC does not place pets on hold. The shelter reserves the right to place animals in the best-fit home.
Prepare safe transport
Bring a leash and collar for a dog. Bring a carrier for a cat or small animal. FWACC lists some carriers, collars and leashes for purchase if you need them.
Fort Wayne Animal Shelter Adoption Fees and Included Items
FWACC’s current adoption page lists different fees by animal type, size and age. Pet registration is separate for people who live inside Fort Wayne city limits.
| Animal / item | Current listed fee | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Puppies under 6 months | $125 | Confirm final availability and any medical timing before adoption. |
| Small dogs under 25 lb, 6 months–8 years | $100 | Resident dogs must come for the required dog interaction. |
| Large dogs 25 lb or more, 6 months–5 years | $100 | Ask about energy level, leash skills and training needs. |
| Senior small dogs under 25 lb, 9 years or older | $50 | Ask about senior medical notes and follow-up care. |
| Senior large dogs 25 lb or more, 6 years or older | $25 | Budget for wellness follow-up after adoption. |
| Cats | $65 listed; grant note says many people give around $30 | Confirm the current cat fee or promotion before paying. |
| Ferret | $50 | Small animals still need species-specific care and housing. |
| Guinea pig, rabbit, rat, cockatiel | $25 | Adoption includes the animal, not the cage or all supplies. |
| Hamster, gerbil, mouse, parakeet | $15 | Ask about bonded animals and proper habitat setup. |
Included in adoption
FWACC lists first distemper combination vaccine, rabies vaccine if age-appropriate, dog heartworm test, flea preventative during flea season, microchip for dogs/cats/rabbits, starter food for dogs and cats at Hillegas Road, donated exam, and spay/neuter surgery.
Dog training certificate
Dog adoptions include a $50 training certificate that can be used with participating certified professional dog trainers.
Extra items
Current adoption materials list leashes, collars, harnesses and cardboard carriers for purchase if you do not bring your own safe transport supplies.
Fort Wayne Animal Control: When to Call
FWACC’s mission includes humane public-safety service, pet retention, education, rehoming and adoption. Animal Control officer assistance is listed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Stray or found animal
If you live in the City of Fort Wayne and want an Animal Control Officer to pick up a found animal, call 260-427-1244 during officer assistance hours.
After-hours limits
FWACC says it is not able to respond to all stray animal calls after hours, and services may be limited on weekends and holidays.
Threat or injury
If the animal is injured or a threat to public safety after hours, FWACC directs callers to 260-449-3000.
Lost or Found Pet in Fort Wayne / Allen County
FWACC says animals picked up as lost pets throughout Allen County are brought to the City shelter for reclaim by city and county residents. Do not wait if your pet may be there.
If your pet is missing
- Search FWACC lost-pet listings and Petco Love Lost.
- Go to the shelter in person if your pet may have been impounded.
- Walk the immediate area and speak with neighbors, mail carriers, landscapers and nearby businesses.
- Keep photos, microchip number, registration tag, rabies certificate and proof of ownership ready.
- Search repeatedly because intake and owner-contact information can update later.
- Call 260-427-1244 for current shelter guidance.
If you found an animal
- Check safely for tags or a city registration tag.
- File a Found Pet Report and upload a photo to Petco Love Lost.
- Bring the animal to FWACC during business hours if you are in Allen County and do not want to hold it while owners are located.
- Ask for a microchip scan at FWACC, Humane Fort Wayne or an open veterinary office when safe.
- You may have the option to keep the pet in your home for 30 days while the owner is searched for.
- For after-hours service or an injured/threatening animal, call 260-449-3000.
Stray Hold and Reclaim Basics
FWACC explains that a found animal is held for a minimum of three business days. The first day does not count if the animal arrives during business hours, and weekends/holidays are not counted in the business-day total.
Minimum business-day hold
Reclaim quickly. After the legal hold, ownership may transfer to the City of Fort Wayne.
ID helps reunions
Animals found with identification are owner-notified immediately when possible and may be returned directly home.
Injured strays
Injured stray animals without identification are medically evaluated; humane euthanasia may be considered to prevent suffering before the end of the legal hold when required by ordinance and condition.
Pet Help, Rehoming and Owner Surrender
FWACC asks owners to try support and rehoming options before surrender. If surrender remains necessary, owned pets are accepted by appointment only.
Ask for resources first
If cost, housing, food, behavior or temporary hardship is the issue, ask FWACC’s pet assistance and rehoming specialists for resources.
Appointment required
Call 260-427-1244 option 1 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, to schedule an admissions appointment.
Surrender fees
Current City guidance says Allen County residents have no surrender fee. Out-of-county residents pay $25 for the first animal and $10 for each additional animal.
Animal Bites and Rabies Reporting in Fort Wayne
FWACC, Allen County Sheriff’s Department and Allen County Department of Health remind residents that animal bites and possible rabies exposures must be reported.
| Bite / rabies issue | Official route | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Animal bite report | 260-427-1244 option 1 | FWACC says all bites must be reported to Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control. |
| Holiday / weekend bite reporting | 260-449-3000 | The City bite page lists this route for holidays and weekends. |
| Dog, cat or ferret bite | FWACC bite reporting route | Biting dogs, cats and ferrets must complete a 10-day quarantine; many can complete it at home, while others may need shelter quarantine. |
| Bat in home / possible exposure | Call FWACC immediately | Do not kill or release a bat if there is a chance it contacted a person or pet. Never touch a bat with bare hands. |
| Medical care | Doctor / emergency room | If bitten, wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention. |
Fort Wayne Pet Registration
FWACC says all dogs and cats living within Fort Wayne city limits must be registered with Animal Care & Control by the time they are five months old. Adoption fees do not include city pet registration.
| Registration type | Current listed fee | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime registration for spayed/neutered and microchipped pet | $30 | Attach the issued registration tag to the pet’s collar. |
| Lifetime senior citizen registration, age 62+, altered and microchipped pet | $5 | Senior fee applies only when requirements are met. |
| Annual registration for spayed/neutered pet | $5 per animal per year | Available through the shelter, local veterinary clinics and Humane Fort Wayne. |
| Annual senior citizen registration, age 62+, altered pet | Free | Confirm proof requirements before relying on the senior rate. |
| Annual unaltered cat or dog registration | $100 per animal per year | Unregistered owners may be issued a citation. |
Microchips and Lost-Pet Prevention
FWACC microchip service
FWACC lists pet microchipping for $15 on the business/intake side, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Keep contact current
A microchip only helps if the phone number and address connected to the chip are current.
Use tags too
City registration tags and visible ID tags can help FWACC trace an owner faster than a social-media post alone.
Community Cats in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne has a Community Cat Program. The City says FWACC coordinates with animal-welfare organizations and veterinarians to provide resource information for community cats, humane deterrents and nuisance advice.
Walk-in community-cat service
Current City information mentions community-cat walk-in spay/neuter services for the first 15 cats on Mondays through Thursdays only, with a limit of two cats per household.
Call before trapping
For ordinance and program questions, call the business office at 260-427-1244, menu option 1.
Sick or injured cats
The City tells people to seek veterinary care at their own expense for a community cat that appears seriously sick or injured, or to coordinate with an animal-welfare organization or the department.
Veterinary-Care Reality Check
This page does not present FWACC as a public veterinary hospital. FWACC provides shelter-animal care, adoption medical basics, microchipping and community-cat services, and adopted pets may receive a donated exam from participating veterinarians. That is not the same as a public emergency veterinary clinic.
No fake doctor schema
No current official named public shelter veterinarian or public doctor appointment schedule was verified for this FWACC page.
Donated exam
FWACC adoption materials list a donated exam from participating veterinarians as part of the adoption value.
Emergency pet illness
If your owned pet has a life-threatening medical condition, contact a licensed emergency veterinarian instead of waiting for shelter hours.
Humane Fort Wayne Is a Separate Organization
Humane Fort Wayne is a separate nonprofit shelter and veterinary clinic organization. It is not the same as Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control, though local resources may refer pet owners to Humane Fort Wayne for microchip scanning, food help, low-cost veterinary services or compassion foster support.
Shelter
Humane Fort Wayne’s current shelter is the Sharon Bodenhafer Critter Center at 901 St. Francis Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46808.
Clinic
Humane Fort Wayne lists its wellness and spay/neuter clinic at 1333 Maycrest Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46805.
Main shelter phone
Humane Fort Wayne shelter phone: 260-744-0454. Use FWACC for official City animal-control and impound/reclaim questions.
Foster, Volunteer and Community Help
Foster homes and volunteers help FWACC reduce shelter stress and keep animals moving toward adoption, rescue placement or reunification.
Foster care
FWACC foster materials say the shelter covers the cost of foster animals’ care and gives foster-specific contact instructions.
Volunteer support
Use the official volunteer route for adult volunteer, youth program, tour and shelter support information.
Humane education
FWACC provides education programs focused on safety around pets, responsible ownership and animal welfare.
Before You Visit 3020 Hillegas Road
Adoption checklist
- Check available pets online before leaving home.
- Visit during adoption hours, not just business-office hours.
- Submit the adoption profile at least 15 minutes before closing.
- Bring current photo ID and be ready to show you are at least 18.
- Bring resident dogs for a dog meet-and-greet if adopting a dog.
- Bring a leash/collar for dogs or carrier for cats/small animals.
- Budget for the adoption fee, supplies and separate city pet registration if you live inside Fort Wayne.
Lost / reclaim checklist
- Search official lost-pet listings and visit in person if needed.
- Bring photos, microchip number, registration tag and proof of ownership.
- Bring rabies certificate and veterinary records if available.
- Know where and when the pet was last seen or found.
- Ask about hold timing, reclaim steps and any registration or citation issues.
- Continue checking; new animals may arrive later.
Simple Call Scripts
When you are worried, a short script helps you give the information that staff need.
Adoption
Hi, I am interested in [pet name or ID]. Is the animal still
available, what adoption hours apply today, and what is the current
fee and transport requirement for this animal?
Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat/other pet] is missing from [street/neighborhood].
The pet is [description] and is [microchipped/tagged/not tagged].
Has a matching animal been brought to FWACC?
Found animal
Hi, I found a [dog/cat/other animal] at [exact location].
The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. Should I file a found
report, bring the animal in, or request Animal Control pickup?
Bite / rabies concern
Hi, I need to report an animal bite or possible rabies exposure at
[location]. The injured person or pet is [details], and the animal
is [owned/stray/wild/unknown]. Which reporting step should I take now?
Map: Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control
Use this map for route planning to 3020 Hillegas Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808. Confirm the right service window before traveling.
Official Fort Wayne Sources
Use these official sources for live verification before visiting, adopting, reporting a bite, surrendering a pet, registering a pet or relying on after-hours instructions.
Fort Wayne Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control located?
FWACC is located at 3020 Hillegas Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808.
What is the Fort Wayne animal shelter phone number?
The main Animal Care & Control phone number is 260-427-1244. The Adoption Center phone number is 260-427-5502.
What are Fort Wayne Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Current adoption hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday noon to 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday noon to 6 p.m.; and the first and third Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon. Adoption is closed Monday, ordinary Saturday and Sunday.
Is there a cut-off time for adoption applications?
Yes. FWACC says adoption profiles must be completed and submitted 15 minutes before the Adoption Center closes.
Does an online adoption application hold a pet?
No. FWACC says an online application does not hold a pet and does not guarantee that the animal will still be available when you arrive.
Does FWACC place pets on hold?
No. FWACC says the Adoption Center works on a first-come, first-served basis and does not place pets on hold.
Do I need to bring my dog to adopt another dog?
Yes. If you are adopting a dog and have dogs at home, FWACC requires you to bring those dogs to the shelter for an interaction.
How much are FWACC dog adoption fees?
Current listed dog fees include $125 for puppies under six months, $100 for small dogs under 25 pounds from six months to eight years, $100 for large dogs 25 pounds or more from six months to five years, $50 for senior small dogs, and $25 for senior large dogs.
How much are FWACC cat adoption fees?
The current adoption page lists cats at $65 and notes that a grant helps cover cat adoption fees, with many people giving around $30. Confirm the active amount before payment.
What is included with a FWACC adoption?
FWACC lists vaccines, rabies vaccine if age-appropriate, dog heartworm testing, flea preventative during flea season, microchip for dogs, cats and rabbits, starter food for dogs/cats at Hillegas Road, donated exam, and spay/neuter surgery as included items.
What should I do if I found a lost animal?
Check for identification, file a Found Pet Report, upload a photo to Petco Love Lost, check for a microchip, and contact FWACC. If you live in Fort Wayne and need Animal Control pickup, call 260-427-1244 during officer assistance hours.
How long does FWACC hold stray animals?
FWACC says found animals are held for a minimum of three business days. Weekends and holidays do not count, and the first day does not count if the animal arrives during business hours.
What number do I call after hours?
FWACC directs after-8 p.m., weekend and holiday assistance to 260-449-3000. For immediate human danger, call 911.
How do I surrender a pet to FWACC?
Owner surrender is by appointment only after rehoming/support options have been considered. Call 260-427-1244 option 1 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
How much does it cost to surrender a pet?
Current City guidance says Allen County residents have no fee to surrender a pet. Out-of-county residents pay $25 for the first animal and $10 for each additional animal.
Who do I call for an animal bite in Fort Wayne?
Call FWACC at 260-427-1244 option 1, or 260-449-3000 on holidays and weekends. All bites must be reported to Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control. For serious injury or immediate danger, call 911.
Do dog, cat or ferret bites require quarantine?
Yes. FWACC says a biting dog, cat or ferret must complete a 10-day quarantine. Depending on the situation, quarantine may happen at home or at the shelter.
Do Fort Wayne dogs and cats need registration?
Yes. FWACC says all dogs and cats living within Fort Wayne city limits must be registered with Animal Care & Control by the time they are five months old.
Is FWACC a public veterinary hospital?
This page does not treat FWACC as a public veterinary hospital. Shelter medical care, adoption medical basics, microchipping and community-cat services are not the same as a public emergency veterinary clinic.
Is Humane Fort Wayne the same as FWACC?
No. Humane Fort Wayne is a separate nonprofit shelter and clinic organization. Use FWACC for official City animal-control, impound, reclaim and municipal pet-registration questions.
Is Animal-Shelter.org the official FWACC website?
No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide. Use the official City of Fort Wayne and FWACC 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.