Las Vegas Animal Shelter: Adoption Hours, Fees, Lost Pets, Reclaim, Surrender & Animal Control 2026
Las Vegas Animal Shelter usually means The Animal Foundation at 655 North Mojave Road, but adoption, lost pets, found pets, animal control, licensing, community cats and Clark County jurisdiction questions are handled through different routes.
If you are searching for Las Vegas Animal Shelter in 2026, start with The Animal Foundation for adoption, lost/found pets and shelter services, but use City of Las Vegas or Clark County Animal Protection Services for animal-control concerns. This guide gives you the practical details in one place: shelter hours, phone numbers, adoption fees, ID rules, no-hold policy, lost-pet 72-hour hold, reclaim documents, jurisdiction fee differences, animal-control numbers, surrender and rehoming help, community cat support, low-cost clinic links, map directions and the right official page for each next step.
Quick Answer: Las Vegas Animal Shelter Details
The main shelter most people mean by “Las Vegas Animal Shelter” is The Animal Foundation, located at 655 North Mojave Road, Las Vegas, NV 89101. The main shelter phone number is 702-955-5932. The public hours listed by The Animal Foundation are Tuesday through Sunday, 11am to 7pm.
Official Las Vegas Shelter and Animal Control Links
Use these official pages for live availability, hours, adoption rules, lost-pet reclaim, found-pet steps, animal-control complaints, community cats, rehoming and support services.
Independent guide note: this page is not the official website of The Animal Foundation, City of Las Vegas or Clark County. Always confirm current hours, animal availability, fees, reclaim rules, surrender options and jurisdiction before visiting.
Who to Call First: Shelter, City, Clark County, North Las Vegas or Henderson?
Las Vegas pet problems are often misrouted. Adoption questions, lost-pet reclaim, barking complaints, stray cats, aggressive dogs and county jurisdiction issues do not all go to the same number.
| Need | Best starting point | Phone / route | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog, cat, rabbit or small pet | The Animal Foundation | 702-955-5932 | The adoption campus and pet listings are handled through The Animal Foundation. |
| Ask adoption team a detailed question | Adoptions Department | 702-955-5901 or adoptions@animalfoundation.com | Use this for pet-specific adoption process questions. |
| Lost or found pet support | Pet Support Hotline | 702-760-PETS | The Animal Foundation puts this hotline at the top of lost/found resources. |
| City of Las Vegas animal complaint | City Animal Protection Services | 702-229-6444, option 2 | Use this for city animal-related concerns and ordinance questions. |
| Unincorporated Clark County animal protection | Clark County Animal Protection Services | 702-455-7710 | County office does not house animals at Russell Road; sheltering goes to The Animal Foundation. |
| Henderson lost/found or shelter issue | Henderson Animal Protection Services | 702-267-4970 | Henderson is a separate city shelter route, not the same as Mojave Road. |
How to Adopt from The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas
The Animal Foundation uses a digital check-in process and adoptions are first-come, first-served. The shelter does not place holds on specific pets, so arrive with more than one animal ID in case your first choice is already being considered by another guest.
Search adoptable animals before you arrive
Use the official adoptable pet search and filter by species, size, location, status and age. Save several animal IDs, not just one. The search can show animals at the Campus Adoption Center, in foster, offsite or other statuses.
Check in when you reach the campus
The adoption page says visitors can scan a posted QR code to join the digital check-in system. No app is required. Staff can manually check you in if you do not have a phone or need help.
Bring ID and proof of address
Adopters need proof they are at least 18, a picture ID with current address, or picture ID plus a current utility bill if the ID address is not current.
Meet with an adoption counselor
Ask about medical notes, spay/neuter timing, vaccines, microchip, behavior observations, energy, fear, handling, children, cats, dogs and first-week decompression. Staff can deny an adoption if it is not best for the pet or adopter.
Plan transport and first-week care
Many pets can go home the same day if already spayed or neutered. If surgery is still needed, the pet may stay overnight. Bring or prepare a carrier, leash, collar, crate, food, bowls, bedding and a quiet transition space.
Las Vegas Animal Shelter Adoption Fees 2026
The Animal Foundation lists separate fees by animal type, age and size. A $10 pet license fee may apply for residents of City of Las Vegas and City of North Las Vegas. Promotions and discounts can change, so confirm the final amount before payment.
| Animal type | Official listed adoption fee | What to know before visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Puppies under 6 months | $250 | High-demand puppies may move quickly. Bring backup IDs and be ready for training needs. |
| Adult large dogs, 6 months+, 30 lbs+ | $50 | Large dogs adoptable for three days or more are listed as fee-waived by the shelter. |
| Adult small dogs, 6 months+ | $100 | Small dogs often receive fast interest; check availability the same day. |
| Kittens under 6 months | $100 or two for $150 | Very young kittens may not always be candidates for full meet-and-greets. |
| Adult cats, 6 months+ | $25 | Adult cats can be a good fit if you want a clearer idea of personality. |
| Rabbits | $25 | Prepare housing, diet, handling plan and rabbit-savvy vet care. |
| Ferrets | $75 | Confirm local housing and species-specific care needs. |
| Chickens and ducks | $5 | Check zoning, HOA and animal-keeping rules first. |
| Snakes | $25 and up | Ask about species, heat, enclosure, feeding and handling. |
| Guinea pigs | $10 | Prepare enclosure, bedding, hay, vitamin C and safe handling. |
| Hamsters, rats, gerbils | $5 | Small animals still need proper habitat, diet and enrichment. |
The adoption fee includes spay/neuter surgery, current vaccinations and microchip. For dogs and cats adopted at the campus Adoption Center, The Animal Foundation also describes a transition food bag, a food coupon and a complimentary wellness exam voucher through a participating veterinary partner.
Before You Visit The Animal Foundation
A Las Vegas shelter visit can take longer than expected. Prepare before you drive so you do not lose time, miss a pet, or arrive without the proof needed for adoption or reclaim.
Lost Pet in Las Vegas: 72-Hour Hold, Reclaim Proof and Hotline
If your dog or cat is missing, move fast. The Animal Foundation says lost pets brought from City of Las Vegas, City of North Las Vegas or Clark County are generally under a 72-hour legal hold, then may be evaluated for adoption. Stray cats without identification may be exempt from that hold in many cases.
Lost dog or lost cat first-day checklist
Reclaim Fees: City of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Clark County
Reclaim fees are set by the jurisdiction, not by The Animal Foundation. Ask staff to confirm your jurisdiction and final total before pickup. If fees create hardship, The Animal Foundation says to talk with the team because reduction or waiver may be possible.
| Jurisdiction | Common reclaim-related fees listed | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| City of Las Vegas | Impound $25; sterilized license $10; unsterilized license $25; microchip $25; boarding $10/day; rabies $12 | Current license status, rabies proof, microchip status, spay/neuter rule and boarding days. |
| City of North Las Vegas | Impound $25; sterilized license $10; unsterilized license $25; boarding $10/day; rabies $12 | Whether your address is North Las Vegas jurisdiction and whether senior license rules apply. |
| Clark County | Sterilized impound $25; unsterilized impound $100; microchip $25; boarding $10/day; rabies $12 | County fee category, repeat impound status, spay/neuter charges and reclaim timing. |
Found a Pet in Las Vegas? Keep Friendly Pets Out of the Shelter When Safe
The Animal Foundation encourages finders to keep healthy, friendly pets out of the shelter whenever possible because direct community reunification is often faster, safer and less stressful. That does not mean ignoring legal steps; it means following found-pet guidance, scanning for a microchip, posting clearly and contacting the right support route.
Las Vegas Animal Control: City vs Clark County
For animal-control-style issues, identify the jurisdiction before calling. The Animal Foundation is where many animals are sheltered; Animal Protection Services handles enforcement, complaints, permits and field response depending on city or county.
| Issue | Best route | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Animal concern inside City of Las Vegas | City Animal Protection Services: 702-229-6444 option 2 | Address, animal description, owner if known, photos/video if safe, date/time and public safety risk. |
| Unincorporated Clark County animal protection | Clark County Animal Protection Services: 702-455-7710 | Exact location, jurisdiction, animal type, condition and whether the animal is contained. |
| Animal picked up by Clark County APS | The Animal Foundation for shelter/reclaim | Photos, ID, microchip details, rabies records and reclaim fee questions. |
| Barking, neglect, inadequate shelter, permits or ordinance questions | City or county APS based on address | Repeated dates/times, address, condition, photos if safe, and whether people or animals are at risk. |
| Immediate danger, attack or serious injury | Emergency response first | Location, injuries, active threat, animal description and whether the animal is loose. |
Rehoming, Surrender and Pet Care Assistance
If you can no longer keep a pet, do not treat surrender as the only option. The Animal Foundation has rehome, pet care assistance, pet food pantry, public dog training, community cat and resource support that may help keep pets safely with families or move them directly to a new home.
Community Cats, Stray Cats and Kittens in Las Vegas
Las Vegas cat situations can be confusing. A friendly lost indoor cat, a healthy outdoor community cat, orphaned kittens, a sick cat and a trapped cat may all need different action. The Animal Foundation has a Community Cats Program and lost/found guidance; North Las Vegas and other jurisdictions may also have separate cat rules.
Helpful Adoption Prep Video
The Animal Foundation adoption page links to a YouTube video about what to expect when adopting a shelter pet and how to set up introductions after you go home. This embed is included for visitor education only; no VideoObject schema is added because a verified upload date was not confirmed here.
Las Vegas Animal Shelter Action Planner
Select your situation and get the right first steps before calling, driving or filling out a form.
Search official adoptable pets, save more than one animal ID, bring proof of age and address, check in by QR code when you arrive, meet with an adoption counselor, and bring safe transport supplies.
Map to The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas
The main shelter campus is at 655 North Mojave Road, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Use this map for travel planning, but verify current hours and pet status before leaving.
Map is for directions only. Official hours, listings, fees, reclaim rules and animal-control routing should be verified through the official pages above.
Las Vegas Animal Shelter FAQs
What is the main animal shelter in Las Vegas?
The main shelter most people mean is The Animal Foundation at 655 North Mojave Road, Las Vegas, NV 89101.
What are The Animal Foundation hours?
The Animal Foundation lists public hours as Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 7pm.
What is The Animal Foundation phone number?
The main phone number is 702-955-5932. For lost or found pet support, call 702-760-PETS.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog in Las Vegas?
The Animal Foundation lists puppies under 6 months at $250, adult large dogs at $50, and adult small dogs at $100. Large dogs adoptable for three days or more may be fee-waived.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat?
The Animal Foundation lists kittens under 6 months at $100 or two for $150, and adult cats 6 months and older at $25.
What is included in the adoption fee?
Adoption fees include spay/neuter surgery, current vaccinations and a microchip. Campus dog and cat adopters may also receive transition support listed by the shelter.
Can I place a hold on a pet?
No. The Animal Foundation says it does not place holds on specific pets. Qualified adoptions are first-come, first-served.
What should I bring to adopt?
Bring proof you are at least 18, picture ID with current address, or picture ID plus a current utility bill if your address is different.
Does the shelter allow dog-to-dog introductions?
No. The Animal Foundation says it does not allow in-shelter dog-to-dog introductions and gives guidance for introductions outside the shelter environment.
How long are lost pets held?
Lost pets brought from City of Las Vegas, City of North Las Vegas or Clark County are generally under a 72-hour legal hold unless claimed sooner. Some stray cats without identification may be exempt.
Who handles animal control inside City of Las Vegas?
Call City of Las Vegas Animal Protection Services at 702-229-6444, option 2, for animal-related concerns inside city jurisdiction.
Does Clark County Animal Protection Services house animals at Russell Road?
No. Clark County says there are no animals housed or accepted at the 4701 W. Russell Road Animal Protection Services location.
Final Takeaway
For Las Vegas animal shelter help, start with The Animal Foundation for adoptions, lost/found pets, reclaim, pet support, clinic resources, foster and volunteer options. Use City of Las Vegas Animal Protection Services for city animal-related concerns at 702-229-6444 option 2, and Clark County Animal Protection Services for county jurisdiction issues at 702-455-7710. The key is choosing the right route before you drive.
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.