Irvine Animal Care Center Adoption Hours, Animal Services, Pet Fees, Lost Pets, Licensing, Foster & Owner Relinquishment
Use official City of Irvine Animal Care Center resources to check adoption hours, operating hours, address, phone numbers, adoptable pets, adoption fees, lost and found pets, animal services, barking dog and leash-law help, pet licensing, owner relinquishment, foster care, volunteer opportunities, donation rules, wildlife guidance, Pets for Vets, Seniors Helping Seniors and special adoption programs.
If you are searching for irvine animal shelter, choose the task closest to what you need. This finder points users to the correct official Irvine route for adoption, shelter hours, pet listings, lost pets, found pets, animal services, pet licensing, adoption fees, owner relinquishment, foster care, volunteer help, donations and wildlife questions.
Choose one option. The official action card below updates for Irvine adoption, hours, lost pets, found pets, animal services, licensing, fees, surrender appointments, foster care, volunteering, donations and wildlife questions.
🐶 Adopt a pet — start with official Irvine adoptable animals
Use this for: adoptable dogs, cats, rabbits, puppies, kittens and other animals at Irvine Animal Care Center.
Best official path: view pets online, visit during adoption hours, check in with the front office, complete the Adoption Interest Form and Interaction Waiver, then wait for an Adoption Counselor.
Before you go: the center may not be able to service all adoption interests on a given day. Have more than one pet in mind and avoid relying on old pet photos.
Irvine Animal Shelter Quick Facts Before You Visit
Irvine Animal Care Center is located at 6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA 92618. The main center phone number is 949-724-7740, the fax number is 949-724-7749, and the official email is animalcare@cityofirvine.org. For field animal services, Irvine lists 949-724-7092.
Operating hours are weekday open days from noon to 6:00 p.m. and weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. The center is closed on Tuesdays and holidays. Adoption hours end one hour before closing: weekday open days from noon to 5:00 p.m. and weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m..
What This Irvine Animal Shelter Guide Covers
Irvine Animal Care Center Hours, Address and Contact Numbers
Irvine Animal Care Center is located at 6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA 92618. The center’s public contact phone is 949-724-7740, fax is 949-724-7749, and email is animalcare@cityofirvine.org.
Operating hours and adoption hours are not the same. Operating hours are the broader public service window. Adoption hours end one hour before closing. The center is closed to the public on Tuesdays and holidays, so a user searching “Irvine animal shelter open today” should always check the exact day before driving.
6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA 92618
Use this location for adoption visits, licensing assistance during operating hours, donation drop-off, scheduled appointments and official center services.
Weekday open days: noon to 6:00 p.m.
Weekends: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed: Tuesdays and holidays.
Weekday open days: noon to 5:00 p.m.
Weekends: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Adoption hours end one hour before closing.
Phone: 949-724-7740.
Fax: 949-724-7749.
Email: animalcare@cityofirvine.org.
Animal Services: 949-724-7092.
How to Adopt From Irvine Animal Care Center
Irvine Animal Care Center is open for first-come, first-served adoptions during adoption hours. That does not mean every interested visitor will be served every day. The official adoption process depends on visitor volume, staff availability, animal availability and the order in which forms are received.
When you arrive, check in with the front office, complete the Adoption Interest Form and Interaction Waiver, and submit both in person. Customer Care timestamps the forms and contacts an Adoption Counselor. Adoption Counselors review forms in the order received and complete each adoption counseling before moving to the next.
View pets online before you drive
Use the official Adopt a Pet page to review available dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals. Have more than one possible match in mind because availability can change quickly.
Visit during adoption hours
Visit during weekday open-day adoption hours from noon to 5:00 p.m. or weekend adoption hours from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The center is closed Tuesdays and holidays.
Check in and submit adoption forms
Check in with the front office, complete the Adoption Interest Form and Interaction Waiver, and submit them in person so they can be timestamped by Customer Care.
Meet with an Adoption Counselor
An Adoption Counselor reviews your interest form, helps you meet and interact with the pet, answers training questions, and may involve clinic or behavior staff when a pet has medical or behavioral notes.
Understand lottery and same-animal interest rules
If multiple parties are waiting when doors open for the same animal, the official process says all present will be entered in a lottery and the adoption process begins with the first name drawn.
Irvine Animal Shelter Adoption Fees and What Is Included
Irvine Animal Care Center posts adoption fees by animal type and age. These regular fees can be affected by special adoption promotions, Pets for Vets, Seniors Helping Seniors or other programs, so always confirm the current fee before visiting with a fixed budget.
Kitten, up to 5 months and younger: $200.
Adult cat, age 5 months and older: $150.
Senior dog or cat: $100.
Special needs dog or cat: $75.
Puppy, up to 5 months and younger: $280.
Adult dog, age 5 months and older: $150.
Senior dog or cat: $100.
Special needs dog or cat: $75.
Rabbit: $50.
Other animals: fee varies.
Ask staff before assuming a small pet fee from another shelter applies in Irvine.
Spay/neuter, general veterinary exam, age-appropriate vaccinations, flea treatment, basic deworming, microchip with lifetime registration, sample bag of Science Diet for dogs/cats or hay for rabbits, and a free vet check at a participating veterinarian.
Before paying any Irvine adoption fee
- Ask whether a current adoption promotion changes the regular fee.
- Ask whether the pet is senior, special needs, puppy, kitten, adult dog, adult cat, rabbit or another animal type.
- Ask for vaccination, microchip, spay/neuter and medical records.
- Ask whether any licensing fee or puppy wellness requirement applies.
- Confirm housing rules, pet limits, landlord approval and long-term budget before adopting.
- Do not assume an older event price is still active.
How to View Irvine Adoptable Dogs, Cats, Rabbits and Other Pets Online
The official Adopt a Pet page is the safest starting point for current adoptable animals. It links users to available pets online and explains the first-come, first-served adoption process, adoption hours, adoption fees and included care.
Online listings are not reservations. A pet can be adopted, moved, temporarily unavailable, medically reviewed, transferred, or updated after you last viewed the listing. If one specific pet is the reason for your trip, check the official page close to your visit and be ready with backup choices.
Search Official Listings
Use the City of Irvine Adopt a Pet page before relying on screenshots, social posts, old event pages or third-party pet pages.
Official inventory firstBring Patience
Forms are reviewed in order, counseling can take time, and the center may not serve every adoption interest on a busy day.
Process mattersIrvine Lost Pets, Found Pets and the Irvine-Only Service Area Rule
Irvine Animal Care Center has official lost and found pet pages for dogs, cats, other pets and wildlife. The found-pets page includes a clear service-area warning: the center provides services for residents of Irvine. Anyone outside the City of Irvine should contact their local animal service provider.
This distinction is important because nearby Orange County cities may use a different animal service provider. A user in Tustin, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Newport Beach or unincorporated Orange County should not automatically assume Irvine Animal Care Center is the correct intake or lost-pet route.
Use the official Lost and Found Pets page for lost dogs, lost cats and lost pets other than dogs or cats.
Call the center at 949-724-7740 if you need current guidance.
Use the Found Pets page for found dogs, found cats and found other pets.
Remember that the center provides services for Irvine residents.
For questions relating to barking dogs, leash laws, permits, ordinances, or to report a lost or found dog, use Irvine Animal Services.
Animal Services Unit: 949-724-7092.
Contact your local animal service provider if the animal was found outside Irvine or if you do not live in the City of Irvine.
Lost pet steps that actually help in Irvine
- Check the official Irvine Lost and Found Pets page immediately.
- Call Irvine Animal Care Center at 949-724-7740 for current shelter guidance.
- Update microchip and license contact information right away.
- Post clear photos with date, location, cross streets, color, markings, collar and contact method.
- Check nearby neighborhoods, trails, parks, garages, storage areas and hiding spots.
- Do not chase a frightened pet; calm handling is safer and more effective.
Irvine Animal Services, Dispatch, Barking Dogs, Leash Laws and Wildlife Calls
Irvine Animal Services is part of the Irvine Police Department field operation. It works to protect people and animals, promote responsible pet ownership, respond to calls for service, patrol the city, and address animal welfare concerns through education and enforcement.
For calls for service, Irvine lists IPD Dispatch at 949-724-7200. The Animal Services Unit number is 949-724-7092. The Animal Services Supervisor number is 949-724-7091. The City page says Animal Services serves seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m..
949-724-7092
Use for Irvine animal services questions, field concerns and local animal service routing.
949-724-7200
Use for calls for service, including barking dog complaints when appropriate.
7 days a week: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Use emergency services for immediate public-safety danger.
Barking dogs, leash laws, permits, ordinances, lost or found dogs, coyotes, bobcats, ducks, fledgling birds, opossums and raccoons.
Irvine Pet Licensing, PetHub Tags and What Documents You Need
Irvine Animal Care Center’s licensing page explains that pet licensing helps reunite lost pets with owners faster. Irvine has partnered with PetHub to create a pet ID tag linked to owner-controlled online information. A finder can scan the QR code or call the toll-free phone number on the tag.
Users can choose online pet licensing or visit the Irvine Animal Care Center during operating hours for assistance. The official page says not to bring your pet to the center for licensing help.
Valid photo identification such as a driver’s license, current rabies vaccination certificate, spay/neuter certificate if applicable, qualifying documentation for senior or disabled licensing rates if applicable, address and contact information, and licensing fee.
Licensed pets get returned home sooner. Licensing plus microchipping gives finders and Animal Services a faster route to the owner.
The license tag includes a QR code and phone number linked to the pet’s online profile, with owner-controlled contact settings.
The licensing page tells users not to bring their pet to the center when visiting for licensing assistance.
Irvine Owner Relinquishment Process, Required Appointment and Fees
Irvine Animal Care Center offers owner relinquishment service for Irvine residents who are no longer able to care for their pets. This is not a walk-in drop-off. The center requires documentation to confirm residency, ownership and information about the pet, and all owner relinquishments must be scheduled in advance.
The process begins by completing the appropriate owner relinquishment form for a dog, cat or rabbit. Staff review forms within one to two business days and notify the owner if more information is needed. Once information is reviewed, staff contact the owner to review the pet’s information and schedule a time to bring the pet to the center.
All owner relinquishments must be scheduled in advance.
Do not arrive with a pet without approval and appointment instructions.
Forms are reviewed by staff within one to two business days.
Staff may request more information before scheduling.
Dog: $175.
Unlicensed dog fee: $100 additional.
Cat: $175.
Rabbit: $100.
Other animals: fee varies.
Phone: 949-724-7740.
Email: animalcare@cityofirvine.org.
Irvine Foster Care, Volunteer Requirements, Transport Help and Shelter Support
Foster volunteers provide a temporary home for kittens, puppies, animals recovering from injury or medical procedures, and dogs needing extra care before adoption. Irvine says foster volunteers contribute time, energy and a quiet, secure indoor space completely separate from other pets. The center provides training, equipment, supplies and veterinary care.
Volunteer help supports important tasks including keeping the facility clean, helping visitors, providing animal care and socializing adoptable animals. Areas of service include cat, dog, rabbit, foster care, animal transport and community events or outreach.
Foster homes may help kittens, puppies, animals recovering from injury or procedures, and dogs needing extra care before adoption.
Volunteers must be at least 18, able to commit to a weekly assigned shift in animal care or at least two foster assignments per year, available for a one-year commitment, comfortable online and not volunteering for court-mandated reasons.
The official volunteer page lists foster care and animal transport among current volunteer opportunities.
Irvine accepts new items such as canned pet food and gently used items such as towels, but does not accept dog beds, pillows, comforters or open containers of treats or pet food.
Irvine Pets for Vets, Seniors Helping Seniors and Puppy Wellness Training Credit
Irvine Animal Care Center supports special adoption programs that may reduce or waive adoption fees for eligible adopters. These programs can make adoption more accessible, but users still need to verify eligibility, licensing costs and any extra costs that may apply.
Under Pets for Vets, the City of Irvine supports a state law requiring animal shelters to waive cat and dog adoption fees for military veterans. Irvine also says rabbit adoption fees are waived for veterans. To qualify, adopters must bring current valid driver’s license or identification card imprinted with the word “veteran.” Certain licensing and puppy wellness fees may still apply.
The Seniors Helping Seniors program waives adoption fees for individuals age 62 and older when they adopt a senior animal. Other costs, such as licensing fees, may still apply depending on the animal adopted. Irvine also lists a Puppy Wellness Program, offering a $50 training credit if a puppy adopter completes a puppy training or basic obedience class within the first six months of adoption.
Cat and dog adoption fees are waived for qualifying veterans, and Irvine also waives rabbit adoption fees for veterans. Valid veteran-marked ID is required.
Individuals age 62 or older may have adoption fees waived when adopting a senior animal. Other costs may still apply.
Irvine offers a $50 training credit if a puppy adopter completes a puppy training or basic obedience class within the first six months of adoption.
Bring required ID, ask about licensing, and confirm whether a pet qualifies before assuming a waived or discounted fee.
Irvine Wildlife, Coyotes, Found Wildlife, New Pet Resources and Low-Cost Care Links
Irvine has separate resources for wildlife such as baby ducks, opossums, raccoons, bobcats, coyotes and fledgling birds. The Found Wildlife page points users to Irvine Police Department Animal Services wildlife information. Do not treat every wildlife sighting as a shelter intake issue.
The Resources page also sends users to Animal Services for barking dogs, leash laws, permits, ordinances, and lost or found dog reports. It includes broader resources such as local dog parks, shelters and humane societies, low-cost spay/neuter resources in Orange County, pet-sitter search help and poison-control information.
Use Irvine Police Department Animal Services wildlife resources for coyotes, bobcats, ducks, fledgling birds, opossums and raccoons.
For questions about care of a new pet adopted from the center, contact 949-724-7740 or animalcare@cityofirvine.org.
Irvine strongly encourages adopters to attend puppy or basic obedience class using humane, positive reinforcement methods.
Use a veterinarian or animal poison-control resource immediately for suspected toxin exposure. Do not wait for a routine shelter reply.
Irvine Animal Shelter vs OC Animal Care, Irvine Police Animal Services, Private Rescues and Nearby Cities
The phrase “irvine animal shelter” can lead users to Irvine Animal Care Center, Irvine Police Department Animal Services, OC Animal Care, private rescues, nearby city shelters, PetHub licensing, adoption event pages and old fee pages. These sources are not interchangeable.
Irvine Animal Care Center at 6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA 92618.
Irvine Animal Services is part of the Irvine Police Department and handles field-service concerns such as barking dogs, leash laws, permits, ordinances and animal welfare calls.
OC Animal Care, Tustin, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, private rescues or unincorporated Orange County service routes.
Confirm the official cityofirvine.org page, Oak Canyon address, 949-724-7740 shelter number and 949-724-7092 Animal Services number.
Official Irvine Animal Shelter, Adoption, Lost Pet, Licensing and Animal Services Links
Use these official resources first. This protects users from old hours, outdated fees, expired adoption events, wrong Orange County service routing, copied pet photos and private pages that do not control Irvine Animal Care Center operations.
🏠 Irvine Animal Care Center
Main City of Irvine Animal Care Center page with service overview and department information.
Open Animal Care Center⏰ Contact, Hours & Location
Official address, phone, email, operating hours, adoption hours and tour request information.
Open Hours & Location🐾 Adopt a Pet
Official adoption process, adoption hours, fees, included care and available pet links.
Open Adopt a Pet🔎 Lost & Found Pets
Official Irvine lost dog, lost cat, found dog, found cat, found other pet and wildlife paths.
Open Lost & Found📍 Found Pets
Official found-pet page with Irvine service-area warning for residents.
Open Found Pets🚨 Animal Services
Official City of Irvine Animal Services page for field service, dispatch and wildlife resources.
Open Animal Services📄 Licensing
Official pet licensing, PetHub tag, required documents and owner contact update information.
Open Licensing🤝 Owner Relinquishment
Official owner surrender process, forms, appointment requirement and relinquishment fees.
Open Owner Relinquishment🏠 Foster Care Program
Official foster care information for kittens, puppies, medical recovery animals and dogs needing extra care.
Open Foster Care🙋 Volunteer
Official volunteer requirements, volunteer opportunities, foster care and animal transport options.
Open Volunteer🎁 Donate & Support
Official donation rules, wish list information, support options and accepted item guidance.
Open Donate & Support⭐ Special Programs
Official Pets for Vets, Seniors Helping Seniors and other program information.
Open Special ProgramsPhone, address and contact details
6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: 949-724-7740.
Fax: 949-724-7749.
Email: animalcare@cityofirvine.org.
Animal Services Unit: 949-724-7092.
IPD Dispatch: 949-724-7200.
City main phone: 949-724-6000.
Civic Center: 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606.
Irvine Animal Care Center Map and Visit Location
Irvine Animal Care Center is located at 6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA 92618. Use this location for adoption visits during adoption hours, licensing assistance during operating hours, approved appointments, donation drop-off, foster and volunteer questions, and official Animal Care Center services.
Irvine Animal Care Center
Address: 6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA 92618
Irvine Animal Shelter FAQs
What are Irvine Animal Shelter adoption hours in 2026?
Irvine Animal Care Center adoption hours are noon to 5:00 p.m. on weekday open days and 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends. The center is closed Tuesdays and holidays.
Where is Irvine Animal Care Center located?
Irvine Animal Care Center is located at 6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA 92618.
What is the Irvine Animal Care Center phone number?
The main phone number is 949-724-7740. The official email is animalcare@cityofirvine.org. For Irvine Animal Services field questions, use 949-724-7092.
Is Irvine Animal Care Center closed on Tuesdays?
Yes. The center is closed Tuesdays and holidays. Adoption hours also end one hour before closing on days the center is open.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from Irvine Animal Care Center?
The official adoption fee table lists puppies up to 5 months and younger at $280 and adult dogs age 5 months and older at $150. Senior dog or cat adoption is listed at $100, and special needs dog or cat adoption is listed at $75.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from Irvine Animal Care Center?
The official adoption fee table lists kittens up to 5 months and younger at $200 and adult cats age 5 months and older at $150. Senior dog or cat adoption is listed at $100, and special needs dog or cat adoption is listed at $75.
What is included with an Irvine shelter adoption?
Adoptions include spay/neuter, general veterinary exam, age-appropriate vaccinations, flea treatment, basic deworming, microchip with lifetime registration, a sample bag of Science Diet for a dog or cat or hay for a rabbit, and a free vet check at a participating veterinarian.
Can I bring my own pet to Irvine Animal Care Center?
The official contact page says no pets are allowed on-site except for scheduled appointments. Do not bring your current pet unless the center has scheduled or instructed it.
What should I do if I found a pet in Irvine?
Use the official Found Pets page and contact Irvine Animal Care Center or Irvine Animal Services as appropriate. The found-pets page says Irvine Animal Care Center provides services for residents of Irvine; anyone outside the City of Irvine should contact their local animal service provider.
Who do I call for barking dogs or leash-law problems in Irvine?
Use Irvine Animal Services for barking dogs, leash laws, permits, ordinances and lost or found dog reports. The Animal Services Unit number is 949-724-7092, and IPD Dispatch is 949-724-7200.
Does Irvine require dogs to be on a leash?
Yes. Irvine requires dogs off the owner’s property to be on a leash six feet or shorter and held by a person who can completely control the dog.
How do I surrender a pet to Irvine Animal Care Center?
Owner relinquishment is by advance scheduling. Irvine residents must complete the proper form and provide documentation. Staff review forms within one to two business days and then contact the owner about next steps and appointment scheduling.
What are Irvine owner relinquishment fees?
The official owner relinquishment page lists dog relinquishment at $175, with an additional $100 unlicensed dog fee when applicable. Cat relinquishment is $175, rabbit relinquishment is $100, and other animal fees vary.
Does Irvine Animal Care Center waive adoption fees for veterans?
Yes. Under Pets for Vets, qualifying military veterans can have cat and dog adoption fees waived, and Irvine also waives rabbit adoption fees for veterans. A current valid driver’s license or identification card with the word “veteran” is required, and some licensing or puppy wellness costs may still apply.
Can seniors adopt senior pets for free at Irvine Animal Care Center?
The Seniors Helping Seniors program waives adoption fees for individuals age 62 and older when adopting a senior animal. Other costs, such as licensing fees, may still apply.
How do I volunteer or foster with Irvine Animal Care Center?
Use the official Volunteer and Foster Care Program pages. Volunteers must be at least 18, able to commit to required service expectations and comfortable working with people and animals. Foster volunteers provide a secure indoor space and care for eligible animals while the center provides training, equipment, supplies and veterinary care.
Best Way to Use Irvine Animal Care Center in 2026
The best path is simple: use official City of Irvine pages first, verify whether you need the Animal Care Center or Irvine Animal Services, check adoption hours before visiting, understand that adoption hours end one hour before closing, and use the correct official page for adoption, lost pets, found pets, licensing, surrender, foster, volunteering or wildlife concerns.
For the focus keyword irvine animal shelter, this guide covers the full user intent: adoption hours, operating hours, address, phone number, adoptable pets, adoption fees, included care, lost pets, found pets, Irvine-only service area warning, animal services, barking dogs, leash laws, pet licensing, PetHub tags, owner relinquishment, surrender fees, foster care, volunteering, donations, special programs, wildlife resources, map and official links.
Important Notice: This article is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Irvine, Irvine Animal Care Center, Irvine Police Department, Irvine Animal Services, PetHub, a veterinarian, law enforcement, or a legal authority. Adoption availability, adoption fees, pet licensing fees, operating hours, adoption hours, holiday closures, owner relinquishment scheduling, foster needs, volunteer requirements, donation needs, field-service routing, wildlife guidance and shelter operations can change. Always verify urgent or official matters directly with Irvine Animal Care Center, Irvine Animal Services, emergency services, or the appropriate official agency before acting.