Metro Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

Address

3140 Inv Dornell Cousette Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

The shelter also describes its location as on 35th Street near Waste Management.

Shelter phone

205-752-9101.

Use this for adoption, lost/found, foster, volunteer, intake and general shelter questions.

Public hours

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat: 12 PM–6 PM.

Closed: Wednesday and Sunday.

Animal control

Animal-control routing depends on whether the issue is in Tuscaloosa City, Northport or Tuscaloosa County.

Dogs, cats and other animals

Adopters can browse dogs, cats and other animals by pet type and location, including TMAS on-site, foster homes and partner retail locations when listed.

Stray receiving facility

TMAS states it is the only stray receiving facility for Tuscaloosa County, Tuscaloosa City and Northport.

Foster, volunteer and resources

TMAS offers foster opportunities, Happy Hour dog outings, volunteer roles, spay/neuter resources, owner assistance resources and donation options.

Dogs

Ask about heartworm test, vaccines, spay/neuter timing, leash behavior, energy level, other-dog history and whether the dog has been at the shelter long enough for a discount.

Cats

Ask about FELV/FIV test, vaccine status, litter habits, indoor-only transition, shyness, other cats, children and carrier transport.

Home to Home

Use Home to Home as a direct-owner adoption option, but ask the owner for vet records, behavior history and clear transfer expectations.

If your pet is missing

• Call TMAS at 205-752-9101 and ask about recently received animals.
• Check found dogs, found cats and lost/found resources on the shelter site.
• Use Petco Love Lost and local social media lost-pet groups.
• Visit in person if a listed animal might match; shelter photos may not look like your pet at home.
• Bring photos, vet records, microchip information, rabies certificate and any proof of ownership.
• Update microchip contact details immediately.

If you found a pet

• Call TMAS before bringing the animal to confirm space and instructions.
• Check for a collar, tag or visible owner contact information.
• Have the pet scanned for a microchip if possible.
• Report the animal to the correct animal-control agency if pickup or officer help is needed.
• Post a found-pet notice with general location and clear photo.
• Do not permanently rehome a found pet without following local lost/found steps.

Before bringing a stray

• Call 205-752-9101 before driving to confirm space and instructions.
• Use animal control if the animal is aggressive, injured, trapped, in traffic or unsafe to handle.
• Write down the exact found location, time and date.
• Keep yourself safe and do not force-contact a scared animal.
• Ask whether a microchip scan, found report or officer pickup is better.

Before surrendering your own pet

• Call first and ask about current owner-assistance or intake options.
• Prepare age, sex, breed/type, spay/neuter status, vaccine history and medical notes.
• Be honest about bites, aggression, fear, escape history, medications or illness.
• Ask about rehoming, foster, food, spay/neuter help, behavior help or rescue resources.
• Do not leave animals outside the shelter or in the parking area.

Too young

Puppies and kittens under about 8 weeks may need foster care until they are old enough for adoption placement.

Special needs

Some animals need extra care because they are scared, mildly ill, injured, underweight or stressed.

Transport foster

Some pets need short-term foster homes before rescue transport.

General foster

Some animals can live in foster care until adopted, which creates space at the shelter.

Dog outing program

TMAS describes Happy Hour as a way for community members to check out approved dogs between 10 AM and 5 PM on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday through Saturday.

Safety first

Rules include being over 18, never allowing the dog off leash, staying with the dog, one dog per car and returning the dog by 5 PM.

Exercise and exposure

Happy Hour can give dogs exercise, human interaction and a break from the stressful shelter environment.

Open House

TMAS says open houses are held the second and last Saturday of each month at 3 PM to help interested people understand the organization and volunteer work.

GivePulse profile

Volunteers create a profile, complete forms, waivers and code of conduct, then sign up for activities and shifts.

Volunteer roles

Roles can include dog walking, cat cuddling, animal care, maintenance, Petsmart team, Happy Hour, events, playgroups, transport and photography.

Photo ID

Bring identification for adoption, reclaim, foster, volunteer or official records.

Housing approval

If renting, confirm landlord requirements, pet rent, deposits, breed limits, size limits and maximum pet count.

Payment method

Bring a payment method for adoption fees, holds, donations or other applicable shelter charges.

Dog transport

Bring or plan for a leash, collar, harness, crate or secure vehicle setup.

Cat carrier

Bring a secure cat carrier. A loose cat in a car is unsafe and stressful.

Question list

Ask about vaccines, tests, microchip, spay/neuter, behavior, first-week care and vet follow-up.

First 24 hours

• Use a calm starter room or small area.
• Do not introduce every person and pet immediately.
• Use a leash, crate, carrier, baby gate or safe room as needed.
• Expect hiding, barking, pacing, whining, reduced appetite or nervous behavior.
• Keep vaccine, microchip, spay/neuter and adoption paperwork together.

Days 2–7

• Set predictable feeding, potty, walk and rest routines.
• Use slow introductions with resident pets.
• Schedule recommended vet follow-up.
• Watch for coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, limping, refusal to eat or severe anxiety.
• Ask for help early if behavior or medical concerns appear.

Arrive early

Give yourself time to meet animals, ask questions, apply and plan transport before closing.

Call first

Call before bringing a stray, visiting for one specific pet or asking about surrender/intake options.

Use safe transport

Use a leash, collar, harness, crate or carrier before leaving with a pet.

Before visiting

• Do not plan a normal visit on Wednesday or Sunday.
• Do not arrive near closing if you need a full adoption process.
• Do not assume a pet online is still available.
• Do not place a hold without understanding the non-refundable rule.
• Do not bring a stray without calling first.

Before adopting or helping

• Do not adopt without checking landlord rules.
• Do not choose only by photo or breed label.
• Do not ignore vaccines, testing, microchip or spay/neuter notes.
• Do not call the wrong animal-control agency for your location.
• Do not skip first-week decompression planning.