Front Street - City of Animal Shelter, Control & Rescue 2026

City of Sacramento Shelter Guide

Front Street Animal Shelter – City of Sacramento Control & Rescue 2026

Use this guide before visiting Front Street Animal Shelter in Sacramento, California. It covers adoption hours, address, phone routing, electronic waitlist, adoption fees, lost-and-found pets, animal control, stray intake, pet licensing, food pantry support, map directions and official City links.

Front Street is a City of Sacramento animal-care shelter. It helps with adoption, lost pets, found pets, pet licensing, animal-service concerns, community programs and rescue support. Start with the official City pages before driving because pet availability, fee specials and service rules can change quickly.

View Adoption Guide Call / Contact Front Street Hours & Map

2127 Front Street Open 12–5 daily Waitlist opens 11:30 311 / 916-808-7387 Walk-ins welcome

Fast answer: Front Street Animal Shelter is located at 2127 Front Street, Sacramento, CA 95818, near Broadway and across from the California Automobile Museum. The City lists it as open 7 days a week from 12 PM to 5 PM, with walk-ins welcome and no appointment needed. For City of Sacramento animal-care questions, call 311 or 916-808-7387 if you cannot dial 311.

Front Street Animal Shelter Quick Details

These are the details most visitors need before adoption, lost-pet search, pet licensing, found-animal intake, food pantry help or animal-care questions.

MAP

Address

2127 Front Street, Sacramento, CA 95818.

The nearest cross-street is Broadway.

CALL

Phone route

Dial 311 within Sacramento city limits.

If 311 does not work, call 916-808-7387.

HRS

Public hours

Open daily 12 PM–5 PM.

Walk-ins are welcomed and no appointment is needed for general visits.

CITY

Service area

Front Street serves the City of Sacramento.

County-area animals may need Bradshaw Animal Shelter instead.

Important building note: The City says the Main Building handles adoption, lost-pet search and pet licensing. The Intake Building is a short walk up the sidewalk and is used for bringing in stray animals. Follow signs at the shelter so you do not wait in the wrong area.

What Front Street Animal Shelter Does

Front Street is more than an adoption building. It is a City animal-care service point for sheltering lost and stray animals, helping reunite pets, enforcing animal welfare laws, supporting owners and improving animal welfare in Sacramento.

Adoption

Dogs, cats and small pets

Front Street lists adoption routes for dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, senior pets, hospice pets and small animals.

Lost pets

Search and reclaim help

Owners can search online, use lost/found reporting tools and visit the shelter to look for a missing pet.

City services

Animal care and control

The City lists services such as stray dog assistance, bite complaints, nuisance concerns, rabies control and cruelty-related response.

City vs county warning: Front Street serves City of Sacramento animal-care needs. If the animal was found outside city limits, the correct agency may be Sacramento County Bradshaw Animal Shelter or another jurisdiction.

Front Street Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026

The public schedule is easy to remember, but the waitlist and actual meet-and-greet process matter. Arriving at 12 PM does not guarantee you will be first in line.

Open Daily 12 PM–5 PM Waitlist 11:30

Current listed visitor hours

Front Street is listed as open seven days a week from 12 PM to 5 PM. For adoptions, the electronic waitlist opens at 11:30 AM and visitors must be at the shelter to join.

Best plan: arrive early, join the waitlist, and have backup pets in mind.

Day	Listed Hours	Best Visitor Use
Monday	12 PM–5 PM	Adoption visits, lost-pet checks, licensing and general questions.
Tuesday	12 PM–5 PM	Adoption visits and pet food pantry morning pickup before shelter opening.
Wednesday	12 PM–5 PM	Good weekday visit if you want less weekend traffic.
Thursday	12 PM–5 PM	Useful for adoption visits, lost-pet search and city-service questions.
Friday	12 PM–5 PM	Good before weekend demand and adoption events.
Saturday	12 PM–5 PM	Expect higher traffic. Arrive early and use the waitlist correctly.
Sunday	12 PM–5 PM	Good for family visits, but check pet availability and special events first.

Do not arrive late: Adoption visits can involve the waitlist, staff questions, pet review, medical notes and paperwork. Showing up close to 5 PM can limit what you can complete the same day.

How Adoption Works at Front Street Animal Shelter

Front Street uses a practical in-person waitlist process. You should still check pets online first because many adoptable animals are in foster care or may be adopted before your turn.

View animals online first

Start with the official adoption page and the dog, cat or small pet pages. Write down animal names or IDs and choose backup pets in case your first choice is unavailable.

Arrive and join the electronic waitlist

The City says the waitlist opens at 11:30 AM and you must be at the shelter to join. Follow the signs in front of and throughout the shelter.

Wait for your turn

Customers are helped in waitlist order. If you need help adding yourself to the list, ask front desk staff.

Ask about foster pets

Many adoptable animals are in foster care. If the pet is in foster, click the pet photo or follow the official instructions to connect with the foster family.

Review fit and paperwork

Ask about medical status, behavior, energy, other pets, children, landlord rules and the first two weeks at home before finalizing adoption.

Resident dog note: Front Street says it is not currently facilitating meetings between owned dogs and adoptable dogs, but staff can make recommendations and provide instructions for good introductions.

Front Street Animal Shelter Adoption Fees

Fees can change during adoption specials and high-demand animals may have higher fees. Use these listed amounts as a planning guide and confirm the current total with staff before adopting.

DOG

Dog adoption fees

Adult dog over 6 months: $25 listed special price, regular price $100.
Puppy under 6 months: $150.
High-demand dogs or puppies may have higher fees.
Veterans may qualify for waived fees under the City’s listed veteran policy.

CAT

Cat adoption fees

Senior cat over 5 years: $25.
Adult cat over 6 months and under 5 years: $75.
Kitten under 6 months: $150.
High-demand cats or kittens may have higher fees.

SMALL

Small pet fees

Rat or mouse: $5.
Hamster: $10.
Guinea pig: $30.
Rabbit: $100.

What fees include: Front Street lists spay/neuter surgery, microchip, vaccines, flea/deworming preventative and other items depending on the animal type. Some pets may need to stay at the shelter until surgery is completed.

Adoptable Dogs, Cats, Foster Pets and Small Animals

Front Street has several adoption paths. The right route depends on whether the animal is at the shelter, in foster care, at a partner location, or part of a special program.

DOG

Dogs and puppies

Use the official dog page to compare dogs at the shelter, dogs in foster care and any partner-location dogs.

CAT

Cats and kittens

Use the cat page for shelter cats, foster cats, PetSmart cats and outdoor cat options when listed.

FOST

Foster animals

Many pets are in foster homes. Their profile instructions matter more than a normal walk-in kennel visit.

Small pets

Rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, hamsters and other small pets may be listed depending on intake.

Availability warning: A pet may appear online but already be adopted, in foster, on hold or unavailable for medical reasons. Always confirm if you are driving for one specific animal.

Lost and Found Pets at Front Street

Front Street provides lost-and-found pages, a map tool, Petco Love Lost, PawBoost and the free Lost2Found texting service. Use more than one method because lost-pet recovery is time-sensitive.

If your pet is missing

Check Front Street’s lost-and-found pages and current shelter listings.
Visit the shelter in person when possible.
Use Petco Love Lost and PawBoost to widen the search.
Update the pet’s microchip contact information immediately.
Text STRAY to 833-511-0426 for Lost2Found tips and links.

If you found a pet

Keep yourself safe and do not handle an aggressive or injured animal without guidance.
Record the exact location and time found.
Check whether the owner has reported a matching lost pet.
Call 311 or 916-808-7387 for city instructions.
Do not permanently rehome a found animal without following proper local steps.

Fast reunion tip: A clear photo, microchip update, same-day shelter check and Lost2Found text support can bring better results than posting once on social media.

Animal Control, Rescue and City 311

Front Street is not a 24-hour facility, but City animal-care services connect with 311 for animal-related concerns. The correct route depends on whether the animal is a stray, sick, injured, dangerous, found, lost, licensed, or outside city limits.

City limits

Call 311

If you are within City of Sacramento limits, use the City of Sacramento 311 Call Center. If you cannot dial 311, call 916-808-7387.

Outside city

Call 916-808-5011

The City contact page lists 916-808-5011 for people outside city limits who need Front Street contact routing.

After-hours

Sick or injured stray

The City says Front Street is not a 24-hour facility. If a sick or injured stray is found after hours, contact 311 for guidance.

Emergency warning: For immediate public danger, active attack, cruelty in progress, serious injury or urgent safety risk, use emergency services. Do not wait for a routine shelter visit.

Pet Owner Help, Food Pantry and Licensing

Front Street also supports pet owners who are trying to keep pets safe and at home. These resources can prevent avoidable shelter intake.

FOOD

Pet food pantry

Front Street’s pet food pantry is listed for Tuesdays from 10 AM to 11:30 AM in the main parking lot, while supplies last.

VET

Spay/neuter and care resources

The City lists pet-owner resources including free spay/neuter voucher help for eligible low-income City of Sacramento residents.

TAG

Pet licensing

City of Sacramento pet licensing is handled through Front Street’s DocuPet partnership and online licensing route.

Food pantry note: If you arrive by vehicle, follow the drive-thru instructions. The City says food distribution is through a drive-thru line and limit rules apply.

What to Bring Before You Visit Front Street Animal Shelter

A better visit starts before you leave home. Bring the basics that help staff confirm information and help you go home safely if adoption, reclaim or intake happens.

Photo ID

Bring government ID for adoption, licensing, reclaim, service dog certification or other city-service needs.

PET

Pet details

For lost/found pets, bring photos, microchip number, last-seen location, vet records and proof of ownership if reclaiming.

PAY

Payment method

Bring a payment method and ask staff about current adoption, licensing, redemption or citation payment options.

HOME

Housing approval

If you rent, check pet rules, breed limits, size limits and deposit requirements before adopting.

CARRY

Safe transport

Bring a secure cat carrier for cats and a safe leash, collar, harness or vehicle setup for dogs.

TIME

Enough time

Arrive early enough to join the waitlist, review animals, ask questions and finish paperwork.

Front Street Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Visit Tips

Use the map for directions to 2127 Front Street in Sacramento. Front Street is near Broadway, about one mile south of Old Sacramento, between Interstate 5 and the Sacramento River.

Map is for visit planning only. Use your navigation app for live traffic, road work, parking and route changes.

EARLY

Join early

The waitlist opens at 11:30 AM. Being physically at the shelter matters.

BKG

Have backups

Choose more than one pet in case your first choice is adopted ahead of you.

CITY

Check jurisdiction

Confirm whether the issue is within City of Sacramento limits or county limits before bringing a stray.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at Front Street Animal Shelter

These mistakes can waste time, delay adoption, or send a lost/found animal to the wrong route.

Before visiting

Do not arrive at noon and assume you are first; the waitlist opens at 11:30 AM.
Do not rely on one online pet profile without checking availability.
Do not bring a stray from outside city limits without confirming the correct agency.
Do not show up near closing for a full adoption process.
Do not forget a carrier, leash or safe transport plan.

Before adopting

Do not adopt without checking landlord rules or city licensing needs.
Do not skip questions about medical status and spay/neuter timing.
Do not expect owned-dog meet-and-greets at this time.
Do not ignore foster-care instructions for foster animals.
Do not assume adoption specials or waived fees are always active.

Best visitor move: Use the official City page, check pet profiles, arrive before the waitlist opens, and bring everything needed to adopt or reclaim safely.

Official Front Street Animal Shelter Links

Use official City pages for final decisions. This guide is independent and should not replace current City instructions.

HOMECity Animal Care HomeOfficial Front Street Animal Shelter and City animal-care services hub. INFOAbout Front StreetOfficial address, hours, walk-in note, building guidance and service overview. CALLContact Front StreetOfficial 311 route, 916-808-7387, outside-city number and location details. ADOPTAdoptionsOfficial adoption process, waitlist steps, fees and pet categories. LOSTLost and Found AnimalsOfficial lost/found pet tools, map, Petco Love Lost, PawBoost and Lost2Found guidance. FOODPet Food PantryOfficial pantry day, time, drive-thru instructions and donation rules. TAGPet LicensingOfficial City of Sacramento pet licensing and DocuPet information. INTBradshaw Animal Shelter GuideRelevant Sacramento County shelter guide for visitors who may be outside City of Sacramento limits.

Source verification: Publish-ready as of June 2026 based on official City of Sacramento Front Street Animal Shelter pages checked for hours, address, phone routing, adoption process, fees, lost/found support, pet food pantry, licensing and service notes. Always confirm directly before visiting.

Front Street Animal Shelter FAQ

Where is Front Street Animal Shelter located?

Front Street Animal Shelter is located at 2127 Front Street, Sacramento, CA 95818. The nearest cross-street is Broadway.

What are Front Street Animal Shelter adoption hours?

The City lists Front Street as open 7 days a week from 12 PM to 5 PM. The adoption waitlist opens at 11:30 AM and visitors must be at the shelter to join.

Do I need an appointment to visit Front Street Animal Shelter?

The City says walk-ins are welcome and no appointment is needed for general visits. Some found-pet or intake situations may still be better handled by calling 311 first.

What phone number should I call for Front Street?

Within Sacramento city limits, dial 311. If you cannot call 311, use 916-808-7387. If you are outside city limits, the City lists 916-808-5011.

How much are dog adoption fees at Front Street?

The City lists adult dogs over 6 months at $25 as a special price, regular $100, and puppies under 6 months at $150. High-demand pets may have higher fees.

How much are cat adoption fees at Front Street?

The City lists senior cats over 5 years at $25, adult cats over 6 months and under 5 years at $75, and kittens under 6 months at $150. High-demand pets may have higher fees.

Does Front Street Animal Shelter help with lost pets?

Yes. Front Street provides lost-and-found pet pages, online search tools, a lost/found pet map, Petco Love Lost, PawBoost and the free Lost2Found texting service.

What is the Lost2Found number?

The City says you can text STRAY to 833-511-0426 to receive lost/found pet tips and links from the free Lost2Found texting service.

Does Front Street have a pet food pantry?

Yes. Front Street’s pet food pantry is listed for Tuesdays from 10 AM to 11:30 AM in the shelter’s main parking lot, while supplies last.

Is Front Street the right shelter for Sacramento County animals?

Not always. Front Street serves the City of Sacramento. If the animal was found in county limits, Sacramento County Bradshaw Animal Shelter may be the correct route.

Is Front Street Animal Shelter open 24 hours?

No. The City says Front Street is not a 24-hour facility. For sick or injured strays after hours, contact 311 for guidance.

Final Take: Use Front Street the Right Way Before You Drive

Front Street Animal Shelter is the main City of Sacramento shelter resource for adoption, lost pets, found pets, licensing, pet-owner support and animal-care questions. The most important visitor details are simple: go to 2127 Front Street, plan around 12 PM to 5 PM public hours, join the adoption waitlist at 11:30 AM, and call 311 or 916-808-7387 for City animal-care routing.

For adoption, check official pet listings first and choose backup animals. For lost or found pets, use the City’s lost-and-found tools and contact 311 quickly. For county-limit animals, compare the Bradshaw route before bringing a stray to Front Street.

Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Front Street Animal Shelter, the City of Sacramento, Sacramento County, 311, DocuPet, Petco Love Lost, PawBoost or any official shelter portal. Always verify current hours, fees, pet availability, intake rules, pet licensing details and animal-control instructions directly with official sources before visiting.