Merced County Animal Shelter: Adoption Hours, Fees & Pet Help 2026
Use this Merced County guide to adopt a pet, view animals online, report a lost or found pet, check adoption fees, prepare reclaim documents, or contact animal control without guessing the wrong office.
Start here: Merced County Animal Services is at 2150 Shuttle Dr., Atwater, CA 95301. Call (209) 385-7436 before driving if you need current availability, adoption status, surrender direction or animal-control routing.
Merced County Pet Help Menu
What Do You Need from Merced County Animal Shelter?
Tap the matching action. This is the fastest way to avoid calling the wrong office.
Merced County Animal Shelter Hours, Address and Contact
Use the official county hours below, but call before visiting if you are trying to adopt a specific animal because listings and availability can change quickly.
| Item | Official detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Physical address | 2150 Shuttle Dr., Atwater, CA 95301 | Use this for shelter visits, adoption viewing and lost-pet search. |
| Main phone | (209) 385-7436 | Call for shelter, adoption, fee, lost/found and current service direction. |
| Fax | (209) 722-3627 | Use only if asked to send documents by fax. |
| Monday-Friday | 8:00 am-4:30 pm | Arrive early enough for paperwork, animal viewing and questions. |
| Saturday | 10:00 am-3:00 pm | Best to call before driving because weekend traffic and pet availability can change. |
| Sunday / holidays | Closed | Use online viewing and emergency/non-emergency animal-control routes if needed. |
Official Merced County Adoption Fees
The county fee schedule lists these adoption fees. Promotional events or special cases may differ, so confirm before visiting.
| Animal type | Official fee | Before adopting, ask |
|---|---|---|
| Cat adoption fee | $75.00 | Spay/neuter status, vaccines, microchip, age, litter habits and any medical notes. |
| Dog adoption fee | $120.00 | Energy level, leash behavior, kids/dogs/cats history, licensing and vaccine status. |
| Large livestock adoption fee | $210.00 | Transport, fencing, feed, veterinary needs and county livestock rules. |
| Small livestock adoption fee | $50.00 | Housing, zoning, feed, fencing and species-specific care. |
| Small animal adoption fee other than dog or cat | $10.00 | Habitat, diet, handling, temperature needs and lifespan. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order if you are looking for Merced County animal shelter adoptions.
Open the official animal listings
Start with the county’s View Animals at the Shelter page, then open the dog, cat or other-animal listing.
Screenshot the pet details
Save the animal ID, species, sex, age, color, kennel note and listing page before you call or visit.
Call before driving far
Ask: “Is this animal still available, and what do I need to bring today?” Availability can change because animals may be adopted, reclaimed, transferred or placed on hold.
Bring ID and payment
Bring government photo ID, payment method, leash/collar for dogs or secure carrier for cats and small animals.
Ask fit questions
Ask about medical notes, behavior, kids, other pets, energy level, diet, vaccines, microchip and first-week setup.
Confirm local rules
Dogs must be licensed in Merced County. If you live in a city, ask whether city-specific animal rules also apply.
Lost or Found Pet in Merced County
The county Lost & Found page is clear: do not rely on phone identification only. Go to the shelter in person to look for your missing pet.
If your pet is lost
- File a lost report with Animal Services.
- Go to the shelter at 2150 Shuttle Dr., Atwater, to look in person.
- Bring recent photos, microchip number, rabies/license records and collar/tag details.
- Check online shelter listings daily.
- Call the City of Merced route if the pet may be inside city limits.
- Post clear photos and cross streets in local lost-pet groups.
If you found a pet
- Keep the animal safe and separate from your pets if you can do so safely.
- Take photos before moving the animal.
- Scan for a microchip at a vet, shelter or animal-control route.
- Report the found pet to the correct shelter or animal-control office.
- For found or trapped cats, City guidance says to call the shelter at (209) 385-7436 option 2 before trapping or bringing cats in.
- For unsafe, injured or aggressive animals, call animal control instead of handling.
Impound, Board and Reclaim Fee Clues
Actual reclaim cost can depend on impound count, board days, rabies status, alteration proof, bite/quarantine issues and other services. Use this table to prepare questions.
| Fee type | Official listed fee | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Small animal board per day, dog/cat | $10.00 | Daily board may add up if you wait to reclaim. |
| Small animal or reptile board per day, other than dog/cat | $5.00 | Applies to certain non-dog/cat animals. |
| Small animal 1st impound | $50.00 | Ask if this applies to your pet’s situation. |
| Small animal 2nd impound or additional impound within 12 months | $100.00 | Repeat impounds can cost more. |
| Small animal impound discount | $25.00 | Only applies to first impound of a dog or cat if proof of spay/neuter eligibility is provided at redemption. |
| Home quarantine fee | $50.00 | Listed under biting animals. |
| Non-vaccinated bite penalty fee | $150.00 | Rabies proof matters. |
Owner Surrender and Release Fees
If you are trying to surrender or release an owned animal, call before arriving. Space, appointment rules and fees can change.
| Owner release type | Official listed fee | Prepare before calling |
|---|---|---|
| Release owned dog or cat to shelter, per animal | $75.00 | Reason for surrender, vet records, behavior notes, bite history, ID and payment. |
| Release owned litter to shelter, 2 months old or less, per litter | $100.00 | Age, mother status, number of animals, health concerns and appointment direction. |
| Release owned small animals such as rabbits, birds or reptiles, per animal | $25.00 | Species, enclosure, diet, health and handling notes. |
| Release impounded small livestock to shelter | $75.00 | Species, transport and ownership proof. |
| Release impounded large livestock to shelter | $150.00 | Transport, fencing, veterinary needs and ownership proof. |
| Pickup of owner release animal or litter in field | $128.00 | Includes release fee and 1 hour at officer WHR according to county schedule. |
Animal Control: County Shelter vs City of Merced Routes
Adoption questions and animal-control reports are different. Use the right route for faster help.
| Need | Best route | Number / action | What to say |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt dogs, cats or rabbits | Merced County Animal Shelter | (209) 385-7436 | “I want to adopt [animal ID/name]. Is the animal still available?” |
| Lost pet inside City of Merced | City Animal Control + County Shelter | (209) 385-4720 and (209) 385-7436 | “My pet is missing near [cross streets]. I will also visit the shelter.” |
| Dangerous animal or snake on property in city | Merced City Animal Control / police route | (209) 385-6905 | “There is a dangerous animal at [address]. I am not handling it.” |
| Animal bite in city | Merced Police / Animal Control route | (209) 385-6905 | “A bite happened at [location]. Medical and rabies follow-up may be needed.” |
| Barking dog complaint in city | Merced City Animal Control | (209) 385-4720 or (209) 385-6905 | “I need to report a barking-dog issue at [location].” |
| Dead animal removal in city | Merced City Animal Control | (209) 385-4720 | “There is a dead animal at [exact location].” |
| Abused pet report in city | Merced City Animal Control | (209) 385-4720 | “I want to report suspected abuse at [location].” |
Merced County License, Rabies and Leash Rules
Do not skip the boring rules. They affect reclaim, fines and public safety.
Dogs must be licensed
Merced County says dogs must be licensed, and fines/penalties for an unlicensed dog may exceed $100 per animal.
Rabies vaccination
All dogs and cats over four months old are required to be vaccinated for rabies.
Leash law
Dogs off their owner’s property must be on a leash or physically restrained.
Open vehicle rule
A dog transported in the rear of an open vehicle must be securely tied to prevent falling out.
More than four pets
Owning or possessing more than four dogs or cats may require a kennel or cattery permit.
Livestock warning
Animals chasing or attacking livestock or poultry can create serious consequences under county rules.
Before You Leave Home
Pet screenshot, ID, payment, leash/carrier, rental approval if needed.
Photos, microchip number, license tag, rabies proof, exact cross streets.
Photo ID, ownership proof, rabies certificate, license records and payment.
Call first, bring ID, vet records, behavior notes and fee readiness.
Map: Merced County Animal Services
Use this map for the shelter location in Atwater. For city animal-control complaints, call the city route first.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption availability
Hi, I am interested in animal ID/name [insert]. Is this pet still available, and what should I bring today for adoption?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets]. I understand I should visit in person, but can you tell me the best lost-report and shelter-check process?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat/other] near [location]. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. Should I bring it in, call animal control, or follow another process?Surrender
Hi, I need owner-release guidance for my [pet/litter/livestock]. What appointment, fee, forms and records are required before I come in?Official Merced County Animal Shelter Links
The important details are summarized above. Use these official links for live listings, final fee confirmation and current service rules.
Merced County Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Merced County Animal Shelter located?
Merced County Animal Services is located at 2150 Shuttle Dr., Atwater, CA 95301.
What is the phone number for Merced County Animal Shelter?
The official county page lists the main Animal Services phone number as (209) 385-7436.
What are Merced County Animal Shelter hours?
The county lists Monday-Friday hours as 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Saturday hours as 10:00 am-3:00 pm, and says the shelter is closed Sundays and holidays.
How do I view adoptable pets at Merced County Animal Shelter?
Use the county’s View Animals at the Shelter page, which links to dogs, cats and other animals through online shelter listings.
How much is a dog adoption at Merced County Animal Shelter?
The Merced County fee schedule lists the dog adoption fee as $120.00.
How much is a cat adoption at Merced County Animal Shelter?
The Merced County fee schedule lists the cat adoption fee as $75.00.
What should I do if my pet is lost in Merced County?
File a lost report with Animal Services and visit the shelter at 2150 Shuttle Dr. in Atwater to look for your pet in person.
Can Merced County Animal Services identify my lost pet by phone?
The county says it cannot reliably identify pets over the telephone because of the number and variety of animals housed at the shelter.
Do dogs need to be licensed in Merced County?
Yes. Merced County says dogs must be licensed and fines or penalties for an unlicensed dog may exceed $100 per animal.
Who do I call for animal control inside the City of Merced?
City of Merced pages list animal-control routes including (209) 385-4720 for reports such as strays, dead animals, barking dogs and abuse, and (209) 385-6905 for dangerous animals or animal bites.
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.