North Richland Hills Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption 2026
The official city shelter is the North Richland Hills Animal Adoption & Rescue Center (AARC) , operated by North Richland Hills Animal Services at 7301 Iron Horse Boulevard, North Richland Hills, TX 76180 .
If you are thinking about adopting, this is a good time to check the shelter: the City currently says dog and cat adoption fees are being waived. Still, the most important part of the visit is not the price. Spend time with the animal, ask what staff know about behavior and health, and picture an ordinary Tuesday at home—not only the excitement of adoption day.
Verified September 23, 2026
Shelter hours, current free-adoption special, normal fees, impound fees, lost-pet holding periods, field-service hours, after-hours routing and the upcoming 2026 vaccine clinic were checked against current City sources.
This is a City-operated shelter
North Richland Hills Animal Services is a division of the City’s Neighborhood Services Department and operates the Animal Adoption & Rescue Center.
Independent guide
Animal-Shelter.org is not the City of North Richland Hills, AARC, Animal Services, NRH Police, Tarrant County Public Health or an emergency-dispatch service.
Start With the Right North Richland Hills Animal Service
Adoption, lost-pet reporting and an after-hours animal emergency do not use the same route. Choosing correctly saves time and, in urgent situations, can matter for safety.
North Richland Hills Animal Shelter Hours 2026
| Service | Official current timing | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Adoption & Rescue Center |
Tuesday–Saturday Noon–6:00 p.m. |
Use for routine public shelter and adoption visits. |
| Sunday | Closed | Animal-related emergencies are still routed after hours through Police dispatch. |
| Monday | Closed | Do not plan a routine public shelter visit. |
| Animal Services field officers |
Monday–Saturday 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. |
This is field-response timing, not public adoption-center hours. |
| After-hours / Sunday emergency animal response | Outside field hours & all Sunday | Call Police non-emergency dispatch at 817-281-1000. Call 911 for life-threatening situations. |
How to Adopt From North Richland Hills Animal Shelter
The City keeps the process practical: check the current animals, visit during public hours, spend time with the pet, and ask questions before taking a new family member home.
Search current adoptable pets
Start with the official NRH adoptable-pets page. The City says the list is updated daily.
Visit Tuesday through Saturday
Public center hours are Noon to 6 p.m. Give yourself enough time to meet an animal without making the decision feel rushed.
Meet the pet instead of choosing from a picture alone
Ask about energy, handling, behavior, medical notes, other animals and what staff have observed.
Confirm the current promotion
The City’s current pages say dog and cat adoption fees are waived. Ask staff to confirm the offer is still active when you visit.
Review the included medical/preventive care
Current adoption information includes spay/neuter, microchip, vaccinations, dewormer and heartworm testing for pets that are of age.
Prepare a calm ride home
Bring a secure carrier for a cat and a safe leash/harness or crate plan for a dog. A quiet first evening often helps a shelter pet settle.
North Richland Hills Adoption Fees: Current Special vs. Normal Fee
Two official City pages need to be read together: the fee schedule shows the normal baseline, while the current adoption page says those fees are being waived.
| Adoption type | Normal published fee | Current City special |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | $50 | FREE |
| Cat | $25 | FREE |
| Extended-stay pet | $25 | FREE |
What Is Included With an NRH Dog or Cat Adoption?
Spay or neuter
Current City adoption information includes surgical spay or neutering.
Microchip
A microchip for identification is included. Keep your own contact information current after adoption.
Vaccinations
Current City materials say adoption includes rabies and core vaccinations.
Heartworm testing
The adoptable-pets page says heartworm testing is included for pets that are of age.
Dewormer
Deworming is included in the current adoption package.
City registration
Current 2026 City newsletters say the free adoption package also includes the City pet license.
Lost or Found Pet in North Richland Hills
When your pet is missing, an online post helps—but it should not be your only action. NRH specifically recommends visiting the shelter in person every few days because descriptions can differ.
If your pet is missing
- Submit the City’s Lost Pet Report.
- Search animals currently in the NRH shelter.
- Visit AARC in person every few days if your pet remains missing.
- Search Petco Love Lost, which partners with NRH Animal Services.
- Update the pet’s microchip registry phone and email.
- Search surrounding shelters as well, especially when the pet disappeared near a city boundary.
If you found a pet
- Submit the City’s Found Pet Report.
- Safely check for a collar or tag when possible.
- Keep a found pet separate from your own animals until health and behavior are clearer.
- Contact Animal Services at 817-427-6570 during normal routing.
- After hours, call Police non-emergency at 817-281-1000 for assistance.
How Long Does NRH Hold a Lost or Stray Pet?
Owner identified
If an owner is identified and the animal is not reclaimed, NRH says the pet may become available for adoption after 7 days.
No identification
Pets without identification are held for a minimum of 4 days for an owner to claim them before they may become adoptable.
NRH Pet Reclaim, Impound & Boarding Fees
A lost pet brought into AARC can have both an impound fee and daily boarding charges. The amount also changes with repeated impounds.
| Fee | Current published amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| First impound — altered pet | $42 | First impound during a 12-month period. |
| First impound — unaltered pet | $55 | First impound during a 12-month period. |
| Second impound | $102 | Second impound within 12 months, regardless of alteration status. |
| Third impound | $136 | Third impound within 12 months. |
| Impound boarding | $19 / night | Daily impound boarding charge. |
| Quarantine boarding | $24 / night | Quarantine-related boarding. |
Practical reclaim preparation
- Bring clear photos of your pet.
- Bring microchip or registration information.
- Bring rabies/vaccination or veterinary records when available.
- Bring City registration details if applicable.
- Bring a safe carrier, leash or other transport setup.
- Call first if you need the exact current total before visiting.
Owner Surrender Fee for North Richland Hills Residents
North Richland Hills Animal Control & Field Services
NRH calls the department Animal Services rather than maintaining a separate public-facing Animal Control shelter. Officers protect both people and animals and enforce City ordinances.
Lost and stray animals
Animal Services provides a safe haven for pets that are lost or unwanted and works to return lost animals home.
City ordinance enforcement
Animal Services enforces North Richland Hills animal ordinances, including animal-related nuisance and responsible ownership rules.
Field response
Officers respond to field-related calls Monday–Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Emergency & Important Contacts — North Richland Hills
| Contact | Number | Verified purpose |
|---|---|---|
| North Richland Hills Animal Services | 817-427-6570 | Shelter, adoption, routine Animal Services, lost/found, urban wildlife and field-service questions. |
| After-Hours Animal Emergency / Police Non-Emergency Dispatch | 817-281-1000 | Official Animal Services route for animal-related emergencies after hours and all day Sunday, plus after-hours found-pet assistance. |
| Emergency | 911 | Life-threatening situations and immediate danger. |
| NRH Police Department | 817-427-7000 | Police Department general contact. Do not substitute it for the published 817-281-1000 after-hours animal dispatch route. |
| Tarrant County Public Health | 817-248-6299 | General Tarrant County public-health information. For an animal bite, report the animal incident through NRH Animal Services / dispatch and seek appropriate medical care. |
Animal Bite or Possible Rabies Exposure in North Richland Hills
A bite is not only an Animal Services issue. It may also need medical evaluation. North Richland Hills wildlife guidance says anyone bitten should seek medical attention immediately.
Get away from immediate danger
Do not continue trying to catch or handle an animal when doing so creates another bite risk.
Seek appropriate medical attention
The City’s wildlife guidance specifically tells people bitten by an animal to seek medical attention immediately.
Contact Animal Services
Call 817-427-6570 during routine service routing and give the exact incident location and animal description.
Use after-hours dispatch when needed
Outside normal Animal Services response hours, use 817-281-1000. Use 911 for an immediate life-threatening emergency.
Upcoming 2026 Low-Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic
As of this September 23 update, the City calendar lists another low-cost vaccination clinic at the AARC in October. This is an event-based service in partnership with the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection—not a permanent public veterinary hospital operated by the shelter.
Date
Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Time
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Rabies shot
Official event listing: $5.
Microchip
Official event listing: $30, plus free City registration.
Local Rabies, License & Leash Rules
North Richland Hills uses animal licensing and rabies vaccination as part of responsible ownership and lost-pet identification.
Keep rabies vaccination current
Current City reminders tell residents to keep dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies. City ordinance materials also address dogs, cats and ferrets.
City license tag
Current City information reminds residents that dogs and cats should wear the required City license tag.
Dogs must be controlled
North Richland Hills’ 2026 resident guidance says dogs should be leashed and under the owner’s control outside the home or enclosed yard.
Coyotes, Skunks, Snakes & Urban Wildlife in NRH
North Richland Hills is part of an urban landscape where wildlife still moves through parks, yards and open space. The City’s guidance emphasizes coexistence and prevention, not automatically removing every wild animal seen in a neighborhood.
Do not approach or feed wildlife
The City warns residents not to approach, chase, capture, feed or harm wild animals.
Protect pets
Keep dogs leashed or securely fenced. The City’s wildlife page advises keeping cats indoors.
Remove attractants
Pet food, standing water, unsecured garbage, brush piles and shelter spaces can attract wildlife.
Volunteer or Foster With NRH Animal Services
You do not have to adopt to change a shelter animal’s day. Volunteers help with the unglamorous work—cleaning, feeding and laundry—as well as the moments animals need most: walking, socialization and quiet attention.
Kennel volunteer
Official duties include cleaning kennels, washing bowls and dogs, laundry, feeding support and animal socialization.
General shelter support
General-support volunteers may help with donations, cleaning, adoption counseling, clerical work and animal socialization.
Foster
NRH identifies orphaned puppies/kittens and animals recovering from medical issues among foster needs.
Donate to the Shelter or Injured Animal Fund
Injured Animal Fund
The City says this fund helps pay for emergency veterinary care for injured or ill stray animals.
Shelter Fund
Shelter Fund donations support operation of the Animal Adoption & Rescue Center.
Supply donations
Current accepted items include selected cat litter, pet food, cleaning supplies, newspapers and gift cards for stores selling pet food.
North Richland Hills Animal Services Manager
Keane Menefee
The current City staff directory identifies Keane Menefee as Animal Services Manager.
This is an administrative/Animal Services role. The City source does not identify the manager as a veterinarian, so this page does not attach veterinary credentials or doctor schema to that name.
What to Bring Before You Visit
Adoption visit
- The pet’s name, photo or listing screenshot.
- Government-issued ID as sensible visit preparation.
- Rental/HOA pet approval if your housing has restrictions.
- Safe carrier for cats.
- Safe leash, harness or crate plan for dogs.
- Questions about behavior, vaccines, microchip, heartworm status and first-week care.
Lost-pet reclaim
- Clear photographs proving identity.
- Microchip details.
- Veterinary and vaccination records.
- City-license information where applicable.
- Payment method for applicable impound/boarding fees.
- Safe transport setup for the trip home.
Map: North Richland Hills Animal Adoption & Rescue Center
Verified address: 7301 Iron Horse Boulevard, North Richland Hills, TX 76180 . The City describes the center as being near Iron Horse Boulevard and Mid Cities Boulevard.
Official North Richland Hills Animal Services Resources
Use these City pages for current animals, same-day service changes, official forms and fee updates.
North Richland Hills Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is North Richland Hills Animal Shelter?
The City-operated Animal Adoption & Rescue Center is at 7301 Iron Horse Boulevard, North Richland Hills, TX 76180.
What is the North Richland Hills Animal Shelter phone number?
North Richland Hills Animal Services lists 817-427-6570 as its main phone number.
What are North Richland Hills animal shelter hours?
The Animal Adoption & Rescue Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from Noon to 6 p.m. It is closed Sunday and Monday.
Are pet adoptions free in North Richland Hills right now?
Yes. The current official City adoption pages say dog and cat adoption fees are being waived. Confirm the special is still active before visiting because promotions can change.
What are the normal North Richland Hills adoption fees?
The City’s normal fee schedule lists dogs at $50, cats at $25 and extended-stay pets at $25. The current adoption special waives those dog and cat fees.
What is included with an NRH adoption?
Current City information lists spay/neuter, microchip, vaccinations, dewormer and heartworm testing for pets that are of age. Current 2026 City newsletters also describe the free adoption package as including the City pet license.
How long does NRH hold a stray pet?
Pets without identification are held for at least four days. If an owner is identified and does not reclaim the pet, the animal may be made available for adoption after seven days.
What should I do if I lost my pet?
Submit a City Lost Pet Report, check shelter listings, search Petco Love Lost, update microchip information and visit the shelter in person every few days.
What is the NRH after-hours Animal Control number?
North Richland Hills Animal Services directs after-hours animal emergencies and after-hours found-pet assistance to Police non-emergency dispatch at 817-281-1000.
When should I call 911?
Call 911 for a life-threatening situation or immediate danger. Routine adoption, lost-pet and ordinary Animal Services questions should not use 911.
How much does it cost to reclaim an impounded pet?
The City’s current fee schedule lists the first impound at $42 for an altered pet or $55 for an unaltered pet, plus $19 per night for impound boarding. Repeat impounds cost more.
How much does owner surrender cost?
The current City fee page lists a $19 per-pet surrender fee for North Richland Hills residents. Call Animal Services first for the current intake process.
Who is the North Richland Hills Animal Services Manager?
The current City staff directory identifies Keane Menefee as Animal Services Manager.
Does the North Richland Hills shelter have a public veterinary clinic?
The City hosts periodic low-cost vaccination clinics in partnership with the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection, but the current official pages do not describe AARC as a permanent full-service public veterinary clinic or publish a regular public shelter veterinarian.
When is the next listed 2026 low-cost vaccine clinic?
As of the September 23, 2026 update, the City calendar lists a clinic on October 10, 2026 from 10 a.m. to Noon at AARC. The event lists a $5 rabies vaccination, $30 microchip and free City registration. Verify the City calendar before attending.
What should I do after an animal bite?
Seek appropriate medical attention and report the animal incident through North Richland Hills Animal Services. Call 817-427-6570 during routine routing, 817-281-1000 after hours, or 911 for immediate life-threatening danger.
Does NRH Animal Services handle wildlife?
The City provides urban-wildlife education and guidance. Residents are advised not to approach or feed wild animals. Questions and reports of abnormal or aggressive wildlife may be directed to Animal Services at 817-427-6570.
Can I volunteer or foster?
Yes. North Richland Hills Animal Services lists kennel, general-support and foster opportunities. Current foster needs can include orphaned puppies or kittens and animals recovering from medical conditions.
Is Animal-Shelter.org the official City shelter website?
No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide. Use the official City of North Richland Hills pages for current animals, hours, fees, forms and emergency instructions.
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.