Las Vegas Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours, Fees & Lost Pets 2026
For most Las Vegas adoption, lost-pet, found-pet and impounded-animal searches, the main public shelter resource is The Animal Foundation at 655 North Mojave Road.
Las Vegas Animal Shelter searches usually lead to The Animal Foundation, the large single-campus shelter serving Las Vegas-area adoption, lost-and-found pets, impounded animals, rehoming support, pet care assistance, low-cost clinic help, foster programs and volunteer opportunities. This 2026 guide puts the important visitor details in one practical place: official hours, address, phone numbers, adoption fees, QR check-in process, no-hold policy, pet license fee warning, lost-pet 72-hour hold, City vs Clark County animal-control routing, map, video and a simple action planner so you can prepare before using the official website for final live confirmation.
Las Vegas Animal Shelter Quick Details
The Animal Foundation is the main place to start for most Las Vegas adoption, lost-pet, found-pet and impounded-animal questions. Use animal control only when you are reporting an animal-related concern, complaint, public-safety issue or jurisdiction-specific enforcement matter.
| Need | Best starting point | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Adopt a pet | The Animal Foundation Adoption Center | 655 North Mojave Road, Las Vegas, NV 89101. |
| Public shelter hours | The Animal Foundation Location & Hours page | Tuesday through Sunday, 11am to 7pm. |
| Main phone | The Animal Foundation | 702-955-5932. |
| Adoption department | Adoptions team | 702-955-5901 or adoptions@animalfoundation.com. |
| Lost/found pet support | Pet Support Hotline | 702-760-PETS. |
| City of Las Vegas animal concern | City Animal Protection Services | 702-229-6444, option 2. |
| Clark County animal concern | Clark County Animal Protection Services | 702-455-7710. |
Official Las Vegas Animal Shelter Links
Use these official links for live pet listings, current hours, adoption fees, lost-pet tools, found-pet steps, rehoming help and jurisdiction-specific animal-control reporting. This guide explains what to do, but official pages are the final source before you drive or call.
Las Vegas Animal Shelter Hours and Best Time to Visit
The Animal Foundation lists public hours as Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 7pm. Adoption counseling and paperwork can take a few hours in many cases, so arriving close to 7pm is a bad plan if you want to meet pets, ask questions and complete a same-day adoption.
Las Vegas Animal Shelter Adoption Fees 2026
The Animal Foundation lists everyday adoption fees by animal type. Fees can change during promotions and some large adult dogs may be fee-waived after being adoptable for three days or more. City of Las Vegas and City of North Las Vegas residents may also have a $10 pet license fee.
| Animal type | Listed adoption fee | What to ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|
| Puppies under 6 months | $250 | Ask about vaccine schedule, spay/neuter timing, training and first-month cost. |
| Adult large dogs, 6+ months, 30 lbs+ | $50 | Large dogs adoptable for 3+ days may be fee-waived; verify current status. |
| Adult small dogs, 6+ months | $100 | Small dogs can move quickly; check availability before leaving home. |
| Kittens under 6 months | $100 or two for $150 | Kitten availability changes quickly; bring carrier and ask about care needs. |
| Adult cats, 6+ months | $25 | Ask about temperament, litter habits, carrier transport and household fit. |
| Rabbits | $25 | Confirm housing, diet, handling and rabbit-savvy vet care. |
| Ferrets | $75 | Confirm legal/housing needs and long-term care. |
| Chickens and ducks | $5 | Check zoning, HOA rules and predator-safe housing. |
| Snakes | $25 and up | Confirm species, enclosure, heat, feeding and handling needs. |
| Guinea pigs | $10 | Plan cage size, social needs, diet and safe handling. |
| Hamsters, rats and gerbils | $5 | Ask about expected lifespan, enclosure and handling. |
The adoption fee includes spay/neuter surgery, current vaccinations and a microchip. Campus dog and cat adopters may also receive transition food and wellness-exam voucher benefits listed by the shelter. Verify current benefits and promotions at checkout.
How to Adopt from The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas
The Animal Foundation uses a digital check-in process. Visitors scan QR codes at the entrance to join the line and receive text updates. Staff can help with manual check-in if needed.
Search adoptable pets online
Use the official adoption search and filter by pet type, location, age, size or fee-waived status. Save the animal name and ID. Have backup IDs ready because the shelter does not place holds.
Visit during public hours and check in
When you arrive, scan the posted QR code to join the digital check-in system. If you do not have a phone, ask staff for manual help.
Meet with an adoption counselor
The counselor can help with known animal notes, personality, household fit, lifestyle, behavior questions and realistic first-week planning.
Bring required ID and proof
You need proof that you are at least 18, plus picture ID with current address or picture ID with a current utility bill.
Prepare for same-day or next-day pickup
Many pets can go home the same day if already spayed or neutered. Some may need to stay overnight for surgery or medical timing depending on shelter capacity.
Official adoption video: what to expect after adopting
The Animal Foundation adoption page links to this adoption-introduction video for bringing home a new pet. It is embedded here for visitor help only. No VideoObject schema is added because a verified full upload date was not confirmed.
What to Bring Before Visiting the Las Vegas Animal Shelter
A prepared visit is faster and less stressful. Bring practical items before adopting, reclaiming or asking about a specific animal.
Lost Pets, Found Pets and Impounded Animals in Las Vegas
If your pet is missing, act quickly. The Animal Foundation says lost pets picked up in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas or Clark County are brought to The Animal Foundation. Lost pets are held for a 72-hour legal hold unless claimed sooner, then they may be evaluated for adoption.
Las Vegas Animal Control: City vs Clark County
“Las Vegas animal shelter” and “Las Vegas animal control” are not the same job. For adoption, lost pets and impounded animals, start with The Animal Foundation. For animal complaints, barking, neglect concerns, permits, public-safety issues or ordinance enforcement, identify whether the address is inside the City of Las Vegas or unincorporated Clark County.
| Situation | Use this route | Important warning |
|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog, cat or other pet | The Animal Foundation | Search listings and check in at the shelter. |
| Lost/found pet support | The Animal Foundation Pet Support Hotline | Call 702-760-PETS and use official lost/found tools. |
| City of Las Vegas animal concern | City Animal Protection Services | Call 702-229-6444, option 2. |
| Clark County animal concern | Clark County Animal Protection Services | Call 702-455-7710. The Russell Road office does not house or accept animals. |
| Immediate danger, serious bite or active attack | Emergency route | Do not wait for routine adoption or shelter desk help. |
Rehome, Surrender and Pet Care Assistance
If you cannot keep a pet, do not treat surrender as a simple same-day drop-off. The Animal Foundation has rehoming and pet-care assistance resources that may help families avoid shelter surrender when a safe alternative exists.
Las Vegas Shelter Action Planner
Choose your situation and this tool will make a simple next-step plan. It does not search live shelter records; it helps you prepare before calling or visiting.
Select your situation and urgency, then generate a checklist.
Map to The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas
Use this map for directions to 655 North Mojave Road, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Confirm public hours, pet availability and adoption instructions before driving.
Map is for visitor planning only. Official hours, pet status, fees and reporting rules should be confirmed with the official organization.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Call Scripts for Las Vegas Shelter Questions
Las Vegas Animal Shelter FAQs
What is the main Las Vegas animal shelter?
The main Las Vegas shelter and adoption campus is The Animal Foundation at 655 North Mojave Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101.
What are The Animal Foundation hours?
The Animal Foundation lists public hours as Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 7pm. Check the official hours page before visiting near holidays or special events.
What phone number should I call for adoption?
The main shelter phone is 702-955-5932. The adoption department number listed by The Animal Foundation is 702-955-5901.
What do I need to adopt from The Animal Foundation?
You need proof you are at least 18, picture ID with current address or picture ID plus current utility bill, and a meeting with an adoption counselor.
Can I place a hold on a pet?
No. The Animal Foundation says it does not place holds on pets. Adoptions are first-come, first-served for qualified adopters.
Can I bring my current dog for a dog-to-dog meeting?
No. The shelter says it does not allow in-shelter dog-to-dog introductions because the shelter environment is stressful and not a good measure of home behavior.
How much does dog adoption cost 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 adult dogs adoptable for three days or more may be fee-waived.
Where do lost pets picked up in Las Vegas go?
The Animal Foundation says lost pets picked up in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas or Clark County are brought to The Animal Foundation. Search quickly and prepare proof of ownership.
How do I report a City of Las Vegas animal concern?
The City of Las Vegas directs residents to call 702-229-6444, option 2, for animal-related concerns handled by Animal Protection Services.
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 most Las Vegas animal shelter needs, start with The Animal Foundation at 655 North Mojave Road. Use it for adoption, lost pets, found pets and impounded animals. For complaints, barking, cruelty concerns, permits or public-safety issues, use the correct City of Las Vegas or Clark County animal protection route. Before visiting, confirm current hours, pet availability, fees and instructions on official pages.
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.