Gaston Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this Gaston County animal-help guide to adopt, reclaim a lost pet, report a found stray, schedule surrender, understand adoption fees, check license fees, or contact Animal Care & Enforcement.
Official quick route: Gaston County Animal Care & Enforcement is at 1491 Business Park Court, Gastonia, NC 28052. Main phone: 704-922-8677. Emergency: 911. Non-emergency dispatch: 704-866-3300.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Who to call first
- Adoption hours
- Adoption fees and medical contract
- Adoption micro-steps
- Animal listing status meanings
- Lost/found pet steps
- Found a stray
- Reclaim and 3-business-day hold
- Surrender appointment
- License fees
- Before you leave home
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Gaston Animal Help Cards
Tap the matching action. Each card sends users to the correct official page or phone route.
Who to Call First
Use this before driving to the shelter, bringing in a stray, or assuming an animal is available.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog or cat | Adopt page or 704-922-8677 | “I’m interested in [animal ID/name]. Is the animal available or still in legal hold?” | Check release date and visit during business hours. |
| Lost pet may be at shelter | Lost & Found | “My pet is missing near [location]. Does a matching animal appear in shelter listings?” | Visit in person if the pet had no ID. |
| Found a stray dog/cat | Found a Stray | “I found a pet at [exact place]. It has/does not have ID.” | Scan microchip and submit a found report. |
| Need animal-control dispatch | 704-866-3300 | “This is a non-emergency animal-control issue at [address].” | Give animal description, direction of travel and risk level. |
| Emergency threat | 911 | “There is an immediate animal/public safety emergency at [address].” | Do not handle the animal yourself. |
| Surrender your pet | 704-922-8677 | “I need to schedule an owner-surrender appointment.” | Ask for forms and rehoming resources first. |
Gaston Animal Shelter Adoption Hours
These are the official Animal Care & Enforcement public business hours shown by Gaston County.
| Day | Adoptions & other business | Surrender intake | Best action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Closed | No surrender appointments | Use online pet listings only. |
| Monday | Closed | No surrender appointments | Prepare forms or call next business day. |
| Tuesday | 11am-5pm | 1pm-3pm by appointment only | Adoption visit, reclaim, found pet, surrender appointment. |
| Wednesday | 11am-5pm | No listed surrender window | Adoption, lost/found, reclaim, general shelter business. |
| Thursday | 11am-5pm | 1pm-3pm by appointment only | Adoption visit plus scheduled surrender window. |
| Friday | 11am-5pm | No listed surrender window | Adoption, reclaim and weekend-prep visit. |
| Saturday | 11am-2pm | No listed surrender window | Arrive early; shorter public day. |
Adoption Fees and Medical Contract
Gaston County uses an Adoption/Medical Contract with listed Gaston County veterinarians.
| Animal | Official adoption fee | Included services listed by county | Ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canine / dog | $90 | Routine physical exam, worm check/deworming, heartworm check, first set of vaccinations, rabies vaccination, one-year license tag, mandatory spay/neuter. | Which participating veterinarian, timing, heartworm result, vaccine record and spay/neuter steps? |
| Feline / cat | $75 | Routine physical exam, worm check/deworming, first set of vaccinations, rabies vaccination, one-year license tag, mandatory spay/neuter. | Carrier needed, vaccine timing, spay/neuter timing, litter/medical notes? |
| Love and Go! pet | Discounted program for eligible pets | For already spayed/neutered pets; includes first set of vaccinations, rabies vaccination and one-year county license, and pet leaves with adopter. | Is this pet marked with the Love and Go logo, and what is the current fee today? |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order so users do not misunderstand release dates, legal holds or first-come availability.
Open the official pet listing
Use View all animals at GCACE. Gaston County says to select stage Available to view adoptable animals.
Read the release / adopt date
The release date shows when the legal holding period has been satisfied. Stray animals are held for three business days before they can legally be adopted or released through other services.
Call before relying on availability
Call 704-922-8677 and ask whether the animal can be adopted, claimed, or is still in another status.
Prepare your household
Confirm landlord rules, pet deposit, allergies, transport plan, current pets and first-week setup before visiting.
Bring ID and payment
Bring photo ID, payment, carrier/leash, and questions about the adoption-medical contract and participating veterinarian.
Act on the correct day
Multiple adopters may want the same pet. Gaston County says animals become available first-come, first-served in the order holds have been placed.
What Animal Listing Status Means
This section helps users understand the official shelter database instead of assuming every animal can be adopted immediately.
| Status / label | Meaning | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Adoptable Pets | Animals may be adopted and veterinary services in the adoption-medical contract will be provided through participating veterinarian direction. | Call or visit during public hours. |
| Adopt / Placement date | The legal holding period is satisfied on this date. | Confirm before driving; availability can change. |
| Available to Placement Partner | Animal is available only to placement partners because of specific health or temperament concerns. | Not a normal public adoption route. |
| Owner Contact | Animal Care & Enforcement has ownership information and is working through legal contact requirements. | Animal may not be claimed or adopted until legal requirements are satisfied. |
| Owner Reclaim | Animal can only be reclaimed by the owner due to severe behavioral issues identified by staff. | Owner should contact shelter quickly with proof. |
| Foster | Animal is being cared for outside the shelter by a local representative of a rescue/humane group or approved foster. | Ask shelter how meetings or adoption steps work. |
| VTech | Animal is receiving additional care through Gaston College’s Veterinary Technology program. | Cannot be considered for claim or adoption until returned to Animal Care & Enforcement authority. |
| Livestock | Livestock or animals not routinely recognized as companion animals. | Contact the shelter because holding periods and legal placement rules vary. |
Lost or Found Pet in Gaston County
Use shelter listings, citizen postings, microchip scans, flyers and local ads together.
If your pet is lost
- Open the official Lost & Found page.
- Check animals currently at the shelter and citizen postings for animals not at the shelter.
- If your pet was not wearing identification, Gaston County says you must come to the shelter to see if it is there.
- Do not narrow only by breed; staff may list breed based on visible characteristics.
- Post free lost pet ads in local newspapers and local websites.
- Bring proof: photos, vet records, microchip number, license tag and ID.
If you found a pet
- Have the animal scanned for a microchip at a veterinary clinic or shelter.
- Submit a Lost/Found Pet Form with photo, unique characteristics and exact found location.
- Use the county’s found pet flyer template idea: photo, location, date and contact method.
- Post in local lost/found groups and free classifieds.
- Ask anyone claiming the pet for proof of ownership, such as a photo or veterinary records.
- If you cannot temporarily care for the animal, contact Animal Care & Enforcement about stray admission.
Found a Stray: What to Do Next
The goal is to reunite the pet without creating risk for you, the animal or the true owner.
Scan first
Take the pet to a vet clinic or shelter for a microchip scan. If there is a chip, the owner may be contacted quickly.
Report with details
Include photo, unique markings, collar/tag details, date, exact location and how you found the pet.
Require proof
Before releasing a found pet to someone, ask for proof of ownership such as photos, vet records or identifying details.
Reclaim and 3-Business-Day Hold
This is one of the most important official details for lost-pet owners.
3 business days
Gaston County says stray animals are held for three business days to give the owner a chance to find and reclaim the pet.
Release date matters
The listed release/adopt/placement date is when the state requirement has been fulfilled and the animal can legally move to the next option.
Call before pickup
Call 704-922-8677 before driving to confirm the animal’s status, paperwork, fees and reclaim requirements.
Surrendering Your Pet
Gaston County says surrendering should be a last resort, not the first option.
| Need | Official rule | Prepare | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule owner surrender | Call 704-922-8677 from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday to begin the process. | Reason for surrender, pet information, current vet records and forms. | Staff may provide rehoming, spay/neuter and pet-related resources first. |
| Surrender appointment time | Tuesday and Thursday, 1pm-3pm, by appointment only. | Completed Owner Surrender Form plus Dog Questionnaire or Cat Questionnaire. | Appointment is about 5 minutes per animal. |
| Proof required | Proof of Gaston County residency and legal identification are required. | Valid NC driver’s license with Gaston County address, passport with Gaston County address or military ID with Gaston County address. | Veterinary records are appreciated. |
| End-of-life humane euthanasia | Appointment not required, but scheduling can reduce wait. | Vet paperwork is recommended. | The FAQ lists humane euthanasia services as $20 Tuesday-Friday from 11am until 4pm, at veterinary team discretion. |
| Found stray admission | Found strays may be brought Tuesday-Friday 11am-4pm. | Call 704-922-8677 if you want to schedule and avoid a longer wait. | Use found-pet steps first if safe. |
Gaston County Pet License Fees
These are the license fees listed by Gaston County. Proof requirements matter.
| License type | Fee | Proof / note |
|---|---|---|
| Spayed or neutered dog/cat — 1 year | $10 | Requires proof of spay/neuter. |
| Spayed or neutered dog/cat — 3 year | $25 | Requires proof of spay/neuter. |
| Not spayed or neutered dog/cat | $55 | Only one-year license; requires proof of valid 1-year or 3-year rabies vaccination. |
| Ferret | $10 | One-year license only; Gaston County recognizes only 1-year rabies vaccinations for ferrets. |
| Declared dangerous animal | $100 | One-year license only; dangerous/potentially dangerous animals are not eligible for license-fee exemptions. |
| Breeder / show dog / medical assistance animal exemption category | $10 one year / $25 three year | Specific proof requirements apply based on category. |
Before You Leave Home
Animal ID screenshot, release date, photo ID, payment, carrier/leash, household approval.
Recent photo, microchip number, license tag, vet records, exact lost location.
Photo, found location, microchip scan plan, safe holding space, proof-owner questions.
Appointment, proof of residency, legal ID, surrender form, questionnaire, vet records.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I am interested in [animal name/ID]. Is this animal available for adoption, still in legal hold, or limited to a placement partner?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [location]. The pet is [description] and may have [microchip/tag]. Can I check whether a matching animal is at the shelter?Found stray
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location]. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. I can/cannot temporarily hold it. What should I do next?Surrender
Hi, I live in Gaston County and need to schedule an owner-surrender appointment for my [dog/cat]. What forms, ID and records should I bring?Map: Gaston County Animal Care & Enforcement
Use this map for route planning. For reclaim, surrender or uncertain animal status, call before driving.
Official Gaston County Animal Links
Use these official pages for live pet listings, current forms, final hours and policy verification.
Gaston Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the official Gaston animal shelter?
The official county shelter route is Gaston County Animal Care & Enforcement at 1491 Business Park Court, Gastonia, NC 28052.
What is the Gaston County Animal Care & Enforcement phone number?
The main phone number listed for Gaston County Animal Care & Enforcement is 704-922-8677.
What are Gaston animal shelter adoption hours?
Gaston County lists adoption and other business hours as Tuesday through Friday from 11am to 5pm and Saturday from 11am to 2pm. The shelter is closed Sunday and Monday.
When are surrender appointments at Gaston County Animal Care & Enforcement?
Surrender appointments are scheduled Tuesday and Thursday from 1pm to 3pm by appointment only.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog in Gaston County?
Gaston County lists the canine adoption fee as $90 through its Adoption/Medical Contract program.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat in Gaston County?
Gaston County lists the feline adoption fee as $75 through its Adoption/Medical Contract program.
What does the Gaston County adoption-medical contract include?
The county lists services such as routine physical exam, worm check and deworming, heartworm check for dogs, first set of vaccinations, rabies vaccination, one-year license tag and mandatory spay or neuter.
How long are stray animals held in Gaston County?
Gaston County says stray animals are held for three business days to give the owner a chance to reclaim the pet before it can legally be adopted, claimed by a placement partner or released through other services.
What should I do if I found a stray in Gaston County?
Have the animal scanned for a microchip, submit a found pet report with photos and location details, post flyers and local ads, and ask anyone claiming the animal for proof of ownership before releasing it.
What is the non-emergency dispatch number for Gaston County animal-control issues?
Gaston County lists non-emergency dispatch for Animal Care & Enforcement as 704-866-3300.
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.