Guilford County Animal Shelter: Adoption Hours, Fees & Lost Pets 2026

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2026 Greensboro county shelter guide

Guilford County Animal Shelter: Adoption Hours, Fees & Lost Pets 2026

Use this Guilford County Animal Shelter guide before visiting Guilford County Animal Services in Greensboro for adoption, lost-pet reclaim, found stray pets, owner surrender, animal control, dog-to-dog introductions, fees, map directions and official county contacts.

Guilford County Animal Shelter, officially Guilford County Animal Services at 980 Guilford College Road in Greensboro, North Carolina, is the county’s public animal resource center for dog and cat adoptions, lost and found pets, reclaim help, owner surrender appointments, stray animal intake, animal control, foster support, volunteer help and pet-care resources. This 2026 guide gives you the practical details in one place: adoption hours, walk-up registration, fees, what adoption includes, dog-to-dog introduction rules, reclaim fees, proof-of-ownership steps, owner surrender rules, animal-control phone numbers, map directions and a visitor checklist so you can solve most questions here and use the official county pages only for final live pet availability and same-day updates.

980 Guilford College Road Greensboro, NC No Tuesday adoptions Walk-up adoption registration Animal Control 336-641-5990
Official Animal Services Adopt a Pet Call 336-641-3400
1
Check available pets firstDogs and cats are updated through official galleries.
2
Visit noon–4Adoptions are open every day except Tuesday.
3
No holdsAdoptions are first come, first served by walk-in order.
4
Use the right phoneShelter services and Animal Control are different routes.
Important visit note: adoption walk-up registration does not mean zero wait. The county says no appointment is required for adoption visits, but there may be wait time after registration. If you are interested in one specific pet, check the official gallery the same day and arrive early enough to meet the animal before 4 p.m.

Quick answer: Guilford County Animal Shelter details

Guilford County Animal Services is located at 980 Guilford College Road, Greensboro, NC 27409. The main shelter phone number is 336-641-3400. Public adoption hours are noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The shelter is closed to public adoptions on Tuesdays.

For Animal Control emergencies, questions or comments, Guilford County lists 336-641-5990 during office hours Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. For after-hours non-emergency issues, use Guilford Metro at 336-373-2222, option 3. Call 911 for emergencies.

Official shelterGuilford County Animal Services
Main shelter phone336-641-3400
Animal Control336-641-5990
Closed for adoptionsTuesdays

Guilford County Animal Shelter adoption hours 2026

Adoption hours are simple, but easy to misuse. The shelter is open for walk-up adoption registration from noon to 4 p.m. every day except Tuesday. Owner surrender, reclaim and animal control have different rules and contact paths.

Day / service Official listed time or rule What visitors should do
Monday adoption Noon–4 p.m. Good weekday option. Check official pet listings before leaving.
Tuesday adoption Closed Use Tuesday for online pet review, paperwork prep and questions.
Wednesday–Sunday adoption Noon–4 p.m. Arrive with enough time for registration, wait time, pet meeting and questions.
Reclaim lost pet Business hours listed as 9 a.m.–5 p.m. any day for reclaim. Bring ID, proof of ownership and fee payment if you recognize your pet online.
Animal Control Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Call 336-641-5990; after hours use the proper non-emergency or emergency route.
Owner surrender Appointment only. Apply first and wait for staff directions. Do not arrive expecting same-day intake.
Verify Current Contact Hours Call Shelter

Choose what you need today

Most Guilford County Animal Shelter searches need the right route more than a long list of links. Pick your situation first.

I want to adoptCheck dog/cat/other animal galleries, visit noon–4 except Tuesday, and understand first-come rules.
I lost my petUse the lost-pet gallery, visit quickly if you see your pet, and bring proof of ownership.
I found a strayNo owner-surrender appointment is needed for found stray pets, but check county guidance first.
I need Animal ControlUse 336-641-5990 during office hours; after hours use the proper non-emergency or 911 route.
I may surrender my petOwner surrenders are appointment only and require Guilford County residency proof.
I want to helpFoster, volunteer, donate, attend events or use community pet support resources.

Guilford County Animal Shelter adoption fees

Guilford County publishes standard adoption fees by pet type. Promotions can change, and “other animal” pricing can vary, so verify the final amount at the front desk or on the official adoption page before planning your budget.

Animal category Published fee Planning note
Kittens, 6 months and under $75 Kitten availability changes quickly. Bring a carrier and confirm age/weight readiness.
Puppies, 6 months and under $75 Puppies usually draw high interest. Have backup choices and a realistic training plan.
Adult dogs $75 Ask about energy, leash behavior, dog-to-dog needs, medical status and decompression.
Adult cats $75 Ask about temperament, litter habits, other pets and transition needs.
Senior dogs $25 Senior pets can be excellent matches for quieter homes but still need vet budgeting.
Senior cats $10 A low-cost option for adopters open to older cats and gentler transitions.
Rabbits / guinea pigs $25 Ask about housing, diet, handling, social needs and long-term care.
Other animals Varies Check with the front desk for current pricing and care requirements.

The county says dog and cat adoptions include age-appropriate vaccines, rabies vaccine when applicable, microchip, spay/neuter, full body checkup and flea/tick treatment for the month. Still, adopters should plan for future vet care, food, supplies, training, licensing if applicable and emergency costs.

How adoption works at Guilford County Animal Services

Guilford County adoption is walk-up, first come, first served, and based on meeting available animals in person. Pets are not held or reserved. That means you should arrive prepared, but also flexible.

1

Search available pets before visiting

Open the official dog, cat or other animal galleries before leaving home. Write down the pet’s name, ID, species, age, kennel card notes and any questions you want to ask staff.

2

Visit during adoption hours

Go between noon and 4 p.m. on any day except Tuesday. No appointment is needed for walk-up registration, but there can be wait time after you register.

3

Meet the pet in person

Guilford County requires adopters to meet the animal in person and spend time with the pet before adoption. Use that time to watch behavior, comfort level, handling, noise response and staff notes.

4

Understand dog-to-dog introduction rules

If you already have a dog, you must first meet the shelter dog without your dog present. Then, if you decide to move forward, bring your dog with proof of up-to-date vaccines. Puppies are not allowed in dog-to-dog introductions due to disease-spread risk.

5

Ask realistic fit questions

Ask about medical notes, spay/neuter status, vaccine timing, microchip, temperament, energy, handling, children, current pets, decompression and what the first week should look like.

6

Be ready to take the pet home when eligible

Guilford County says all pets must go home at the time of adoption. If a pet is not yet spayed or neutered, it goes home after surgery at the time of payment; the shelter cannot board owned animals.

Before you visit: Guilford adoption checklist

This checklist helps prevent the most common wasted trips: going on Tuesday, expecting a pet hold, forgetting proof for your dog, or arriving without transport supplies.

✓Check official pet galleries the same day you plan to visit.
✓Do not visit for adoption on Tuesday; public adoption registration is closed.
✓Bring valid government-issued photo ID.
✓Bring payment method and confirm current fee or promotion.
✓Bring a cat carrier, small-pet carrier, dog leash, collar, crate or safe vehicle setup.
✓If renting, confirm landlord approval, breed rules, pet deposits and number-of-pets limits.
✓If you already have a dog, bring vet records proving up-to-date vaccines before any dog-to-dog introduction.
✓Do not expect the shelter to cat-test dogs or let cat-to-dog/cat-to-cat introductions happen before adoption.
✓Prepare backup pet choices because animals cannot be held and may be adopted before you arrive.

Lost pets, found pets and reclaim help in Guilford County

If your pet is missing, check the official lost-pet gallery quickly. Guilford County says the gallery updates every 1–3 hours and is the most accurate way to search for a lost pet that may be at the shelter. The county also says all animals that come in as strays are posted in that gallery.

If you lost a pet Search the stray/lost pet gallery, email or call if you see a match, and come to the shelter during reclaim business hours with proof of ownership.
If you found a stray pet Guilford County says you do not need an appointment to bring a found stray pet to the shelter, but you should still check official guidance before transporting an injured, aggressive or unsafe animal.

Proof to bring for reclaim

  • Current government-issued ID.
  • Vet records, adoption paperwork, bill of sale or other ownership papers.
  • Photos taken at least six months before the reclaim date, digital or printed.
  • Microchip number, tag number, license details or rabies certificate if available.
  • Animal listing screenshot, animal ID or description if you found the pet in the gallery.
  • Payment for reclaim fees and any Animal Control citation or fine if applicable.

Reclaim fees listed by Guilford County

Reclaim item Published amount What it means
Boarding and care $15 per evening This can increase with each night your pet is at the shelter.
Rabies vaccine fee $10 if no proof can be provided Bring rabies proof to avoid surprises and speed reclaim.
Citations / fines Separate from reclaim fees If Animal Control issued a citation, payment may be due at pickup.
Official Lost Pet Page Reclaim Your Pet

Owner surrender rules in Guilford County

Owner surrender is appointment-only and triaged. Guilford County says you must be a Guilford County resident with proof of residency and a valid government-issued ID to surrender a pet. The county also asks owners to consider surrender as a last resort and try support or safe rehoming first.

Appointment required Fill out the owner surrender application if you are experiencing an emergent situation. Staff will follow up by email with directions.
Do not abandon animals Guilford County states it is unlawful to abandon animals or falsify documents.
County residency matters The shelter says it is unable to accept pets from other counties for owner surrender.
Food assistance may help The county says temporary food assistance is available by visiting the shelter.

Before applying to surrender

✓Prepare proof of Guilford County residency and valid government-issued ID.
✓Write down pet age, sex, spay/neuter status, vaccine status and medical history.
✓Be honest about behavior, bite history, fear, aggression, anxiety and training needs.
✓Ask whether food assistance, veterinary assistance, low-cost wellness options or training resources could keep the pet safely in the home.
✓Try safe rehoming options before surrender if the situation is not urgent.
Owner Surrender Page Email GCASInfo

Guilford County Animal Control: when to call

Animal Control is not the same as the adoption desk. Use Animal Control for field-service issues like stray or injured animals, animal cruelty or neglect concerns, citations, public nuisance issues and safety-related animal complaints in covered areas.

Call 336-641-5990 for Animal Control emergencies, questions or comments during Monday–Saturday office hours, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
After hours Call your local non-emergency police department. Guilford County contact guidance also lists Guilford Metro at 336-373-2222, option 3, for after-hours non-emergency routing.
Call 911 for Immediate danger, active attack, serious injury, life-threatening animal emergency or public-safety threat.

Animal Control service examples

  • Enforcing animal laws and county ordinances.
  • Issuing citations where applicable.
  • Picking up stray and injured animals.
  • Animal cruelty or neglect concerns.
  • Public nuisance animal complaints.
  • Sick, injured or vicious after-hours animal situations where response rules apply.
Official Animal Control Page Call Animal Control

Foster, volunteer, donate and community pet help

Adoption is not the only way to help. Guilford County Animal Services lists foster, volunteer, donate, events, rabies clinic, spay/neuter voucher, transfer partner and other support routes. These programs can help animals leave the shelter safely or help owners keep pets at home.

Foster Foster homes help animals that are too young, stressed, recovering, or waiting for a better adoption pathway.
Volunteer Volunteers support shelter operations, enrichment, events and community help.
Donate / supply help Donations and donation drives can support animal care and shelter operations.
Foster a Pet Volunteer Donate

Guilford Shelter action planner

Use this quick helper before calling or driving. It does not search live pet inventory or contact the shelter; it gives you the right prep list for your situation.

Select a situation and create your plan.

Map to Guilford County Animal Services

Guilford County Animal Services is located at 980 Guilford College Road, Greensboro, NC 27409. Use this map for directions, but verify official hours before visiting for adoption, reclaim, owner surrender or animal-control questions.

Map is for route planning only. Official hours, fees, availability and service rules should be verified through Guilford County.

Related North Carolina animal shelter guides

If you are comparing shelters in the Triad or searching for a lost pet near a county line, check nearby official shelter systems too. Use these internal guides for planning, then confirm details with each official shelter.

Randolph County Animal Shelter Guide Nearby county shelter planning for adoption, lost pets and animal-control routing. Rockingham County Animal Shelter Guide Useful if your lost pet or adoption search extends north of Guilford County. No-Kill Animal Shelter Near Me Understand no-kill searches, public shelters, private rescues and adoption expectations.

Common Guilford County shelter mistakes to avoid

Going on Tuesday for adoptionPublic adoptions are open every day except Tuesday.
Expecting a pet holdGuilford County says pets cannot be held and adoptions are first come, first served.
Trying to see unavailable petsOnly pets listed as available can be seen for adoption; stray-wait and rescue-only pets are not available.
Forgetting vaccine proof for your dogDog-to-dog introductions require proof of up-to-date vaccines for your dog.
Walking intake to search lost petsThe county says citizens cannot walk through intake; use the lost-pet gallery and reclaim process.
Showing up for owner surrenderOwner surrenders are appointment only and require residency proof.

Call and email scripts for faster help

Clear messages help staff route your question faster.

Adoption call “Hi, I’m interested in [pet name/ID] from the Guilford County adoption gallery. Is the pet still listed as available, and what should I bring if I visit today?”
Lost pet call “Hi, I saw a possible match for my lost [dog/cat] in the stray gallery. I can bring photos, microchip information, vet records and ID. What is the reclaim process today?”
Found pet call “Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [location] in Guilford County. The animal appears [safe/injured/aggressive]. Should I bring the pet in or call Animal Control?”
Surrender email “Hello, I am a Guilford County resident and need guidance about surrendering my [dog/cat]. The pet is [age/sex/medical/behavior]. What appointment steps or support resources are available?”

Guilford County Animal Shelter FAQs

Where is Guilford County Animal Shelter located?

Guilford County Animal Services is located at 980 Guilford College Road, Greensboro, NC 27409.

What is the phone number for Guilford County Animal Shelter?

The main shelter phone number is 336-641-3400.

What are Guilford County Animal Shelter adoption hours?

Adoption walk-up registration is open from noon to 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The shelter is closed for public adoptions on Tuesdays.

Do I need an appointment to adopt a pet?

No. Guilford County says no appointment is required to see available pets for adoption, but there may be a wait time after walk-up registration.

Can I place a pet on hold?

No. Guilford County says pets cannot be held and adoptions operate on a first-come, first-served system based on walk-in order.

How much are dog and cat adoption fees?

Published fees are $75 for kittens, puppies, adult dogs and adult cats; $25 for senior dogs; $10 for senior cats; and $25 for rabbits or guinea pigs. Other animal fees vary.

What is included with dog and cat adoptions?

Guilford County says dog and cat adoptions include age-appropriate vaccines, rabies vaccine when applicable, microchip, spay/neuter, full body checkup and flea/tick treatment for the month.

What should I do if I lost my pet in Guilford County?

Search the official lost-pet gallery, which the county says updates every 1–3 hours. If you recognize your pet, go to the shelter during reclaim hours with ID and proof of ownership.

Do owner surrenders require an appointment?

Yes. Owner surrenders are appointment-only and require proof of Guilford County residency and a valid government-issued ID.

Who handles Animal Control in Guilford County?

Guilford County Animal Control can be reached at 336-641-5990 Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Use 911 for emergencies.

Can I bring a found stray pet to the shelter without an appointment?

Guilford County contact guidance says you do not need an appointment if you found a stray pet, but you should check official guidance before transporting an injured, aggressive or unsafe animal.

Is Animal-Shelter.org the official Guilford County website?

No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent guide. Use official Guilford County pages for final live details.

Final takeaway

For Guilford County Animal Shelter, start with the official adoption or lost-pet gallery, visit during the noon–4 p.m. adoption window on any day except Tuesday, bring ID and transport supplies, and remember that pets cannot be held. Use 336-641-3400 for shelter services, 336-641-5990 for Animal Control during office hours, and 911 for immediate danger.

Official Shelter Page Back to Top
USA-wide shelter helper • adoption, lost pets, found pets, surrender and animal control

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This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.

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Pet reclaim document checklist

If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.

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Independent shelter-help tool. Not affiliated with any animal shelter, humane society, rescue, animal control agency, city, county, state agency, veterinarian, or microchip company. Always confirm current rules, hours, fees, and requirements directly with the official organization.