Plan Your Norco Animal Shelter Visit the Smart Way
Norco Animal Shelter serves the City of Norco with stray animal housing, adoptions, lost-pet reunions, dog licensing, animal-related enforcement, wildlife guidance, and large-animal rescue support through NART.
This guide pulls the official details into one fast page: address, phone, after-hours number, counter hours, $25 dog adoption notice, adoption lottery rule, fee tables, dog licensing, lost/found steps, wildlife protocol, horse/poultry disease alerts, and local Norco tips.
Sixth
Rescue
Safe
Use Norco Animal Shelter for These Situations
The City describes the shelter as a place that houses stray animals, offers pet adoption services and works to reunite lost pets with owners.
Adopt a Pet
Check available dogs, cats, horses, birds, pigs and other animals through the official adopt/find pet links before visiting.
Lost or Found Pet
Use Norco Shelter when the pet was lost or found inside City of Norco service area. Check listings and call with exact location.
Dog Licensing
Norco requires dogs to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed. New city licenses from another city are honored for 30 days.
Large Animal Rescue
For small or large animal rescue or evacuation help, call Animal Services during business hours or the after-hours number for emergencies.
Wildlife Protocol
Norco gives guidance for coyotes, attractants, pet safety, children, and wildlife coexistence.
Biosecurity
Norco posts equine and poultry disease guidance, including report numbers for concerning symptoms and sick birds.
Adopt or Find a Pet at Norco Animal Shelter
Norco’s official Adopt/Find a Pet page links separately to available dogs, cats and other animals. It also notes a special dog adoption fee because the shelter was at full dog capacity.
Norco Animal Shelter Adoption Policy and Official Fee Details
Norco does not take holds, deposits or wait lists. Dogs and cats are initially available by lottery one hour after the shelter opens on the first day they are available. If nobody enters the lottery after one hour, the animal becomes first come, first served.
Adoption rules that matter
- No holds.
- No deposits.
- No wait lists.
- Lottery starts one hour after opening on the first available day.
- After the lottery window, animals become first come, first served if no lottery entrants exist.
- Dogs and cats are spayed/neutered before going home.
- Dogs and cats leaving by adoption or redemption must already have or receive a microchip.
Before you visit
- Save the animal ID/name from the official listing.
- Call if the pet’s status is unclear.
- Ask whether a lottery applies that day.
- Bring safe transport: leash/harness/crate or cat carrier.
- Norco residents should expect possible license deposit rules for dogs.
- Ask which fee components apply if the pet is already altered or microchipped.
Dog adoption fee components
| Dog size | Adoption fee | Vaccination | Alteration fee | Microchip | Norco resident license deposit | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small dog | $41 regular / waived for veteran | $15 | $260 spay / $235 neuter | $52 | $25 | $3 |
| Medium dog | $41 regular / waived for veteran | $15 | $285 spay / $266 neuter | $52 | $25 | $3 |
| Large dog | $41 regular / waived for veteran | $15 | $340 spay / $310 neuter | $52 | $25 | $3 |
Cat adoption fee components
| Cat age | Adoption fee | Vaccination | Alteration fee | Microchip | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1 year old | $28 regular / waived for veteran | $10 | $208 spay / $166 neuter | $52 | $3 |
| 1 year old and over | $28 regular / waived for veteran | $10 | $203 spay / $166 neuter | $52 | $3 |
Norco Dog License Fees and Rules
Norco says all dogs must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed with the City. A current rabies vaccination certificate is required when buying a dog license.
| License type | 1 year | 2 years | 3 years | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altered dog | $25 | $45 | $65 | Proof of spay/neuter lowers the price. |
| Unaltered dog | $115 | $195 | $285 | Rabies vaccination must be valid through the full license period. |
| Senior resident with altered dog | $2 | $5 | $10 | Discount applies to Norco residents age 62+ with an altered dog. |
| Maintenance fee | $3 | $3 | $3 | Required per license. |
| Replacement tag | $8 | — | — | For damaged, worn or lost tags. |
| Late fee | $33 | — | — | Charged when a dog license is 30+ days late. |
Lost or Found Pet in Norco: Micro-Steps
Act quickly, but do not rely on only one website. Pets can be picked up by a neighbor, moved across city borders, taken to a nearby shelter, posted in a community group, or held while the finder looks for the owner.
If your pet is lost
- Search close first: stalls, tack rooms, yards, garages, bushes, trailers, gates and nearby trails.
- Call Norco Animal Services at (951) 737-8972 during counter hours.
- Check official Norco available/impounded pet listings daily.
- Update microchip contact details immediately.
- Post clear photos with cross streets, date, collar, sex, microchip status and contact method.
- Check nearby shelters if the pet may have crossed into Corona, Jurupa Valley or Riverside County service areas.
- Prepare proof: photos, vet records, microchip number, license tag, adoption paperwork and ID.
If you found a pet
- Do not handle aggressive, injured, trapped or unsafe animals.
- Take photos before moving the animal.
- Check tags only if safe.
- Keep the found animal separate from your pets and livestock.
- Ask about microchip scanning.
- Report exact location: street, trail, arena, stable, school, park, business or cross streets.
- Use Norco Animal Services if the animal was found inside the City of Norco.
Norco vs Riverside County vs Corona: Which Shelter Should You Check?
Animal shelter routing is local. Norco Animal Shelter serves the City of Norco. Nearby cities and county areas may route to different agencies.
| Situation | Start here | Why | Next action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet lost/found inside City of Norco | Norco Animal Shelter | Riverside County’s surrounding shelter list identifies Norco Animal Shelter as serving City of Norco. | Call (951) 737-8972 and check Norco listings. |
| Pet lost/found outside Norco city limits | Correct city/county shelter | Nearby jurisdiction may not be Norco. | Check Riverside County Animal Services, Corona Animal Services or another local agency. |
| Western Riverside County animal service question | Riverside County Department of Animal Services | County shelters use a central call center. | Western Riverside: (951) 358-7387; toll free: 1-888-636-7387. |
| Corona city animal issue | Corona Animal Services | Corona has its own animal services route. | Check Corona before assuming the pet is at Norco. |
| Large animal rescue in Norco | Norco Animal Services / NART | NART handles large animal rescue activation after Animal Control assessment. | Business hours: (951) 737-8972. After-hours emergency: (951) 371-1143. |
Norco Animal Rescue Team (NART): Large Animal Rescue and Evacuation
This is one of the most important Norco-specific details. Norco is not a typical city shelter page because the community includes horses, livestock, trails, stables and large animal concerns.
Regular-hours help
For small or large animal rescue or evacuation assistance during regular hours, call Norco Animal Services at (951) 737-8972.
After-hours emergency
Call (951) 371-1143. A Norco Animal Control Officer responds to assess the situation and NART may be activated if needed.
Volunteer route
Norco says NART is accepting dedicated volunteers who can attend monthly trainings and help with large animal rescues in Norco and western Riverside County.
Wildlife, Coyotes and Pet Safety in Norco
Norco says coyote sightings and pet interactions have increased and encourages residents to reduce conflict through education, attractant removal and supervision.
Remove wildlife attractants
- Secure garbage.
- Do not leave outdoor pet food accessible.
- Clean up fallen fruit or berries.
- Manage overflowing bird feeders.
- Report deceased animals for removal.
- Talk to neighbors if someone is feeding wildlife.
Protect pets and children
- Observe pets in backyards.
- Keep pets leashed in natural spaces.
- Do not allow pets to roam at large.
- Watch small children closely outdoors.
- Be aware of coyotes, hawks, owls, raccoons, foxes and roaming animals.
- Call Norco Animal Services for local guidance.
Horse and Poultry Biosecurity Details Norco Residents Should Know
Norco’s official biosecurity page includes equine and poultry disease guidance that matters for barns, stables, ranch homes and multi-day animal events.
| Issue | Official details to know | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Equine herpes concern | Clinical signs may include hind limb weakness, cough, incoordination, diminished tail tone, fever over 101.5 degrees and nasal discharge. | Isolate sick horses and consult a veterinarian. |
| Reportable equine warning | Norco says any fever above 101.5 with neurological signs must be reported to CDFA. | Call CDFA at 909-947-4462. |
| How equine herpes spreads | Direct horse contact, human contact, communal water, shared equipment and exposed animals/insects. | Do not share equipment; isolate and disinfect. |
| West Nile Virus | Spread most commonly by mosquito bites; most infected people have no symptoms, but serious illness can occur. | Use repellent and protective clothing; avoid bare-handling dead animals. |
| Virulent Newcastle Disease | Norco recommends limiting bird movement and interaction during risk periods. | Report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to 866-922-2473. |
Local Norco Insider Tips
Visit on open days only
Counter hours are Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday. Do not plan a Friday, Sunday or Monday visit unless staff gives specific instructions.
Ask about lottery timing
If you want a newly available pet, ask when the one-hour lottery window starts and whether multiple people are interested.
Think beyond dogs/cats
Norco listings can include horses, birds, pigs and other animals. Check the “other animals” link before assuming only dogs and cats are available.
License first
Norco residents adopting or redeeming a dog should be ready for rabies certificate and dog license rules.
Stable hygiene matters
Do not share buckets, tack or equipment with animals showing possible illness. Biosecurity is especially relevant in Norco.
Remove attractants
Outdoor pet food, loose trash and fallen fruit can increase wildlife conflict around homes, stables and backyards.
Call Scripts for Faster Help
Adoption script
Hi, I’m interested in [animal name/ID] listed at Norco Animal Shelter. Is the animal still available, does a lottery apply, and which fees would apply if the animal is already altered or microchipped?Lost pet script
Hi, I lost my [dog/cat/horse/other animal] near [exact location] in Norco on [date]. The animal is [description] and may be microchipped/licensed. Has a matching animal been brought in?Found pet script
Hi, I found a [animal type] near [street/trail/stable/business]. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. Should I bring it to Norco Animal Shelter or wait for Animal Services instructions?Large animal emergency script
Hi, I need assistance with a [horse/livestock/large animal] situation at [location]. The animal is [stuck/injured/loose/evacuation concern]. Is this a NART/Animal Control response?Norco Animal Shelter Map
Use the map for route planning to 98 Sixth Street. Verify open hours and animal status before driving.
Official Norco Animal Shelter Links
The important details are already summarized above. Use these official links for live pet availability, forms, notices and final action.
Norco Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Norco Animal Shelter located?
Norco Animal Shelter is located at 98 Sixth Street, Norco, CA 92860.
What is the phone number for Norco Animal Shelter?
The phone number for Norco Animal Shelter is (951) 737-8972.
What is the after-hours number for Norco Animal Services?
The after-hours emergency number for Norco Animal Services is (951) 371-1143.
What are Norco Animal Shelter counter hours?
Norco Animal Shelter counter hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shelter is closed Sunday, Monday, Friday and most major holidays.
Does Norco Animal Shelter take holds or wait lists?
No. Norco Animal Shelter does not take holds, deposits or wait lists for any animal.
How does the Norco Animal Shelter adoption lottery work?
Dogs and cats are initially available by lottery one hour after the shelter opens on the first day the animal is available for adoption. If there are no lottery entrants after one hour, the animal becomes available on a first come, first served basis.
Are Norco shelter pets spayed or neutered before adoption?
Yes. Norco says all dogs and cats will be spayed or neutered before going home with their adoptive family.
Do dogs and cats leaving Norco Animal Shelter need a microchip?
Yes. Norco says all dogs and cats leaving the shelter by adoption or redemption must already have or receive a microchip.
What number should I call for large animal rescue in Norco?
For small or large animal rescue or evacuation help during business hours, call (951) 737-8972. For an after-hours emergency, call (951) 371-1143.
What should Norco residents do about wildlife attractants?
Norco advises residents to remove attractants such as accessible garbage, outdoor pet food, overflowing bird feeders and fallen fruits or berries, and to keep pets observed or leashed to reduce wildlife conflict.
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.