Las Vegas Animal Shelter: Adoption Hours, Fees, Lost Pets and Animal Control Help
If you are searching for the Las Vegas animal shelter, the main public-facing shelter and adoption campus most residents use is The Animal Foundation at 655 North Mojave Road. For animal control complaints, barking dogs, cruelty concerns, stray animal issues, permits, licensing, or jurisdiction questions, you may need City of Las Vegas Animal Protection Services or Clark County Animal Protection Services instead.
Quick Details for Las Vegas Animal Shelter Visitors
The Animal Foundation
655 North Mojave Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
Tuesday through Sunday, 11 AM to 7 PM
Call 702-760-PETS for the Pet Support Hotline.
Call 702-229-6444, option 2, for City of Las Vegas animal-related concerns.
Important distinction: “Las Vegas animal shelter” and “Las Vegas animal control” are not always the same office. The Animal Foundation is where many people go for adoption, lost pets, found pets, community pet resources, and shelter services. City of Las Vegas Animal Protection Services and Clark County Animal Protection Services handle animal-control-style concerns depending on jurisdiction. If you are outside city limits, check whether you are in Clark County jurisdiction before calling.
Who to Call First: Shelter, City Animal Control, or Clark County Animal Protection?
Las Vegas pet issues can be confusing because the correct contact depends on what you need and where the animal is located. A person trying to adopt a dog should not call the same number as someone reporting a dangerous stray animal. A person looking for a lost cat should not assume a government animal-control office has animals housed at its administrative location.
| Need | Best starting point | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog, cat, rabbit, or small animal | The Animal Foundation | The adoption campus is located at 655 North Mojave Road and lists adoptable animals through its official adoption resources. |
| Lost or found pet help | The Animal Foundation Pet Support Hotline | The shelter prominently lists 702-760-PETS for lost and found pet support. |
| Animal complaint inside City of Las Vegas | City of Las Vegas Animal Protection Services | The city asks residents to call 702-229-6444, option 2, to report animal-related concerns. |
| Animal complaint in unincorporated Clark County | Clark County Animal Protection Services | Clark County lists 702-455-7710 for Animal Protection Services and notes the Russell Road location does not house or accept animals. |
| Pet license or permit questions | Your city or Clark County jurisdiction | License rules can depend on whether you live in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, or unincorporated Clark County. |
Las Vegas Animal Shelter Adoption Hours and What to Expect
The Animal Foundation is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM. For most adoption visitors, this means you should avoid arriving close to closing time. The adoption process can include choosing an animal, checking current availability, speaking with an adoption counselor, verifying identification, asking medical or behavior questions, and completing the final adoption steps.
The shelter’s official adoption information says adopters should be at least 18 years old, bring picture identification with a current address, or bring picture ID plus a current utility bill if the address is different. The Animal Foundation also explains that a meeting with a pet adoption counselor is part of the adoption process.
Earlier in the day is usually better, especially on weekends. You get more time to meet pets, ask questions, and complete paperwork before closing.
The shelter describes a welcoming adoption approach with fewer outdated barriers, but staff can still deny an adoption when it is not the right fit for the pet or adopter.
Many pets can go home the same day if already spayed or neutered. If surgery is still needed, the pet may need to stay overnight.
The Animal Foundation says it does not place holds on specific pets. Qualified adoptions are generally handled first-come, first-served.
Local adoption tip: Screenshot the animal ID numbers of several pets before you go. The Animal Foundation specifically advises listing more than one animal ID in case your first choice is already being considered by another guest.
Las Vegas Animal Shelter Adoption Fees in 2026
Adoption fees at The Animal Foundation vary by animal type, age, and size. The official adoption page explains that fees help reduce barriers while still supporting shelter care, and it lists separate prices for puppies, adult dogs, kittens, adult cats, rabbits, ferrets, chickens, ducks, snakes, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, and gerbils.
| Animal type | Listed adoption fee | What to know before visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Puppies under 6 months | $250 | High-demand puppies may move quickly. Check the official adoptable pet listings before driving. |
| Adult large dogs, 6 months and older, 30 pounds or more | $50 | Large dogs adoptable for three days or more may be fee-waived according to the shelter’s adoption information. |
| Adult small dogs, 6 months and older | $100 | Small dogs can receive a lot of interest, so bring backup animal ID numbers. |
| Kittens under 6 months | $100 or two for $150 | Young kittens may have special health or handling limits and may not always be available for full meet-and-greets. |
| Adult cats, 6 months and older | $25 | Adult cats are often a good fit for adopters who want a clearer sense of personality and energy level. |
| Rabbits | $25 | Ask about housing, diet, handling, and whether the rabbit is a good fit for children or other pets. |
| Ferrets | $75 | Check local rules and prepare a safe enclosure before adopting. |
| Chickens and ducks | $5 | Confirm your local zoning, HOA, and animal-keeping rules first. |
| Snakes | $25 and up | Ask about enclosure size, heat, handling, feeding, and species-specific care. |
| Guinea pigs | $10 | Prepare bedding, diet, safe housing, and enrichment before bringing one home. |
| Hamsters, rats, gerbils | $5 | Small animals still need proper habitat, safe handling, and ongoing supplies. |
License fee note: The Animal Foundation states that a $10 pet license fee applies for pet adoptions for residents living in the City of Las Vegas and City of North Las Vegas. Always confirm the final fee at the shelter because promotions, discounts, jurisdiction rules, and licensing requirements can change.
The adoption fee includes important basics such as spay/neuter surgery, current vaccinations, and microchip, according to the shelter’s adoption information. For dogs and cats adopted at the campus Adoption Center, the shelter also describes additional transition support such as a starter food bag, a discount coupon, and a complimentary wellness exam voucher through a participating veterinary hospital partner.
Step-by-Step: How to Adopt a Pet in Las Vegas
Search official adoptable pets first
Start with The Animal Foundation’s official adoption page and adoptable animal listings. Do not rely only on old screenshots, social media reposts, or third-party listings because availability can change fast.
Write down more than one animal ID
Pick a first choice, but keep several backup pets in mind. The shelter specifically recommends listing more than one animal ID because your first choice may already be under consideration.
Bring ID and proof of address
Bring picture identification with your current address. If your ID address is not current, bring picture ID plus a current utility bill.
Ask the right questions at the shelter
Ask about medical notes, spay/neuter status, vaccination status, behavior observations, known bite or fear history, energy level, and whether the pet has been around children, cats, or dogs.
Prepare your home before you fall in love
Have food, bowls, bedding, a crate or carrier, leash, collar, litter, and a quiet transition space ready. Same-day adoption can happen when a pet is already cleared to go home.
Lost and Found Pets in Las Vegas: What to Do First
If your pet is missing in Las Vegas, act quickly. The Animal Foundation places its lost/found hotline at the top of its website and tells visitors to call 702-760-PETS for Pet Support Hotline help. You should also search official shelter listings, check recent found-pet posts, contact nearby veterinary clinics, and post clear photos in neighborhood groups.
Call 702-760-PETS, search The Animal Foundation lost/found tools, check daily, update your microchip company, and visit the shelter if you believe your pet may be there.
Do not assume the animal was abandoned. Scan for a microchip, check collars and tags, walk the immediate area if safe, and contact the Pet Support Hotline for guidance.
Bring photos, vet records, license information, microchip number, adoption paperwork, or any proof that can help match the animal to you.
Shelter populations change every day. Checking once is not enough; search daily and follow official reclaim instructions.
Do not abandon animals outside a building after hours. If you found a pet, follow official shelter or animal-control instructions. Leaving an animal unattended can create danger for the pet and may violate local rules.
Las Vegas Animal Control: City vs Clark County Help
For animal-control-style issues inside City of Las Vegas jurisdiction, the city’s Animal Protection Services page tells residents to call 702-229-6444, option 2, to report animal-related concerns. The city also explains that animal impoundment is treated as a last course of action and that officers focus first on education, compliance, minimum care standards, and public safety.
If your issue is in unincorporated Clark County, Clark County Animal Protection Services lists 702-455-7710 and the email AnimalProtectionServicesInfo@clarkcountyNV.gov. Clark County also makes an important point that its 4701 W. Russell Road administrative location does not house or accept animals. This matters because visitors sometimes drive to the wrong place expecting an animal shelter.
| Office | Phone / location | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| City of Las Vegas Animal Protection Services | 702-229-6444, option 2 | Animal-related concerns inside City of Las Vegas jurisdiction, barking complaints, animal welfare concerns, permits, licensing, and city ordinance questions. |
| Clark County Animal Protection Services | 702-455-7710; 4701 W. Russell Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89118 | Animal protection concerns in Clark County jurisdiction. The county specifically says no animals are housed or accepted at the Russell Road location. |
| The Animal Foundation | 702-955-5932; 655 North Mojave Road, Las Vegas, NV 89101 | Adoptions, lost and found pets, shelter services, pet support, community resources, and low-cost veterinary-related programs. |
Common animal control issues Las Vegas residents search for
- Barking dog complaints and repeat noise concerns.
- Animal neglect, lack of food, lack of water, or inadequate shelter concerns.
- Stray, injured, dangerous, or loose animals.
- Pet licensing, permits, and animal ordinance questions.
- Community cat questions and local free-roaming cat rules.
- Coyote or wildlife concerns, which may need wildlife agency guidance rather than shelter intake.
Jurisdiction tip: Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and unincorporated Clark County may have different animal-control contacts and licensing rules. If you are unsure, use the official jurisdiction tools or call the relevant public agency before driving anywhere.
Before You Visit The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas
A good shelter visit starts before you leave home. The Animal Foundation is a busy Las Vegas campus, and animal availability can change throughout the day. If you are adopting, bring documents and a realistic plan. If you are reclaiming a lost pet, bring proof. If you are surrendering or rehoming, check official support options first.
Adopters need picture identification. Bring proof of current address if your ID is outdated.
Use a carrier for cats or small animals. For dogs, bring or confirm leash/collar needs before leaving.
Even if the shelter does not do landlord checks, you are still responsible for lease, HOA, breed, weight, and pet-limit rules.
Confirm vaccines, microchip, spay/neuter status, surgery timing, medication, and follow-up care.
The Animal Foundation says it does not allow in-shelter dog-to-dog introductions and instead gives guidance for proper introductions outside the shelter environment.
If you are not fully ready to commit, ask about the shelter’s Trial Adoption program, which can help you test fit over a temporary period.
Services Available Through The Animal Foundation
The Animal Foundation is more than an adoption counter. Its official site highlights adoption, lost and found pet support, low-cost veterinary clinic services, pet care assistance, community cat resources, fostering, volunteering, events, and community programs. This makes the Las Vegas shelter useful even for people who are not adopting today.
Find adoptable pets, ask about long-stay animals, review animal ID numbers, and complete the adoption process at the main campus.
Use the Pet Support Hotline, search official resources, and follow reclaim guidance if your pet may be at the shelter.
The shelter site lists clinic-related services such as vaccines, microchipping, and other pet health resources. Check official availability before going.
Programs such as public dog training, pet food pantry support, and community cat help may be useful for owners trying to keep pets safely at home.
Fostering can help kittens, medical pets, shy pets, and overcrowded shelter animals while giving you a temporary way to help.
Residents can support the shelter through volunteering, fostering, donations, events, and community involvement.
Rehoming, Surrender, and Keeping Pets Out of the Shelter When Possible
If you can no longer keep a pet, do not treat shelter surrender as the only option. In a busy city like Las Vegas, shelters can become crowded quickly, and many pets do better when owners use rehoming help, temporary support, food assistance, behavior support, training resources, or family placement before surrendering.
The Animal Foundation’s site includes a rehome-a-pet area under lost and found resources and broader pet care assistance. Before you bring an animal anywhere, check the official shelter instructions, call the support line when appropriate, and ask whether there is a safer, less stressful route for the pet.
Public-helpful advice: If your reason for surrender is food cost, temporary housing instability, behavior, veterinary cost, or short-term crisis, ask about support resources first. A few days of guidance can sometimes prevent a permanent surrender.
Las Vegas Shelter Alternatives and Nearby Research
If you are comparing shelters because a pet is not available, because you live outside the Las Vegas city area, or because you want to understand how different municipal shelters work, it can help to review other large shelter guides. For example, users comparing western U.S. shelter systems may also find the LA Animal Shelter guide useful because it explains big-city adoption and animal-service planning. If you are researching Nevada-area shelter topics, the Valencia County Animal Shelter guide may also help you compare rural versus metro shelter processes.
For a Las Vegas visitor, however, the first official stop for adoption and lost/found pet support should remain The Animal Foundation. For enforcement and complaints, start with the correct city or county animal protection office.
Common Mistakes Las Vegas Pet Owners Should Avoid
- Driving to Clark County Animal Protection Services expecting a shelter: Clark County states that no animals are housed or accepted at the Russell Road location.
- Calling animal control for adoption questions: Adoption questions are better directed to The Animal Foundation’s adoption resources.
- Arriving at the shelter near closing: Adoption can take a few hours in many cases, so leave enough time.
- Assuming a pet can be held: The Animal Foundation says it does not place holds on specific pets.
- Skipping license rules: City of Las Vegas and City of North Las Vegas residents may have a $10 license fee with pet adoptions.
- Forgetting proof when reclaiming a pet: Bring photos, vet records, microchip information, or other ownership evidence.
- Ignoring resident-pet introductions: The shelter does not allow in-shelter dog-to-dog introductions, so ask for guidance on safe home introductions.
Official Las Vegas Animal Shelter and Animal Control Links
Map to The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas
The main shelter campus is located at 655 North Mojave Road, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Use the map below for route planning, but confirm current hours before driving because shelter schedules, holiday closures, special events, and adoption promotions can change.
Las Vegas Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the main animal shelter in Las Vegas?
The main shelter most people mean when they search “Las Vegas animal shelter” is The Animal Foundation at 655 North Mojave Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101.
What are The Animal Foundation adoption hours?
The Animal Foundation lists public hours as Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM.
What phone number should I call for The Animal Foundation?
The main phone number listed for The Animal Foundation is 702-955-5932. For lost or found pet support, the shelter lists 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 in Las Vegas?
The Animal Foundation lists kittens under 6 months at $100 or two for $150, and adult cats at $25.
Does The Animal Foundation place holds on pets?
No. The Animal Foundation says it does not place holds on specific pets. Qualified adoptions are generally first-come, first-served.
Who handles animal control in Las Vegas?
Inside City of Las Vegas jurisdiction, call City of Las Vegas Animal Protection Services at 702-229-6444, option 2. In Clark County jurisdiction, call Clark County Animal Protection Services at 702-455-7710.
Does Clark County Animal Protection Services house animals at Russell Road?
No. Clark County states that no animals are housed or accepted at its 4701 W. Russell Road Animal Protection Services location.
What should I bring to adopt a pet?
Bring proof that you are at least 18, picture identification with your current address, or picture ID plus a current utility bill if your address is different.
Can my adopted pet go home the same day?
In many cases, yes, if the pet has already been spayed or neutered and is cleared to leave. If surgery is still needed, the pet may stay overnight and go home later.
Independent accuracy note: This guide is an independent informational resource and is not the official website of The Animal Foundation, City of Las Vegas, or Clark County. Official pages were checked before writing, but shelter hours, adoption fees, animal availability, promotions, license fees, jurisdiction rules, dispatch hours, and animal-control processes can change. Always confirm current details through the official links before visiting, adopting, reclaiming, surrendering, or reporting an animal concern.
Final Takeaway
For adoption, lost pets, found pets, and shelter services in Las Vegas, start with The Animal Foundation at 655 North Mojave Road. For animal-control complaints inside City of Las Vegas jurisdiction, call 702-229-6444, option 2. For unincorporated Clark County animal protection concerns, call 702-455-7710. The most important step is choosing the right office before you drive or call, because shelter adoption, lost-pet support, and animal-control enforcement are handled through different channels.
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.