Peoria Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

PCAPS is the official route

PCAPS operates the open-admission shelter, handles adoption, reunites lost pets, and enforces animal-control ordinances for Peoria County municipalities and unincorporated areas.

Strays move quickly

PCAPS says strays are held only three full working days before they may be placed for adoption or face another outcome. Start looking immediately.

Identification matters

If a stray has a rabies tag or microchip, PCAPS says it notifies the owner immediately. Keep collar, tag, and microchip information current.

Renters need approval

PCAPS requires landlord approval for adoption if you rent your home.

Vet follow-up

PCAPS asks new owners to take adopted pets to a veterinarian within 10 days of adoption.

After-hours emergency

For animal emergencies after hours or on Sunday, use 309-674-3131 rather than waiting for adoption hours.

If your pet is lost

• Start looking immediately in your neighborhood and at local shelters.
• Check shelters every day because PCAPS says strays are held only three full working days.
• Use the PCAPS lost pet report, lost/found map, and stray animal listings.
• Call PCAPS at 309-672-2440.
• Check Petco Love Lost, Lost Dogs Illinois, and local Peoria lost/found pet groups.
• Update microchip and rabies-tag contact information.
• Bring recent photos, tag number, microchip details, vet records, and proof of ownership if visiting.

If you found a pet

• If safe, keep the animal away from traffic and separate from your own pets.
• Check for collar, rabies tag, and ID tag without putting yourself at risk.
• Use a microchip scanner route when available.
• Report the found pet to PCAPS and use the Lost and Found Pet Map.
• Take clear photos before moving the animal.
• For aggressive animals, animal bites, injured domestic animals, or urgent after-hours issues, call 309-674-3131.

Community scanning stations

PCAPS announced two free community microchip scanning stations at Tower Park in Peoria Heights and City Hall in West Peoria.

Free microchipping

PCAPS says it offers free pet microchipping to help pets have permanent identification.

Finder-to-Foster

PCAPS encourages properly reported finders to temporarily foster lost pets in the neighborhood where found, because many pets are close to home.

How scanning works

A scanner detects a unique microchip number, which can be searched in microchip registries to find owner contact details.

Update contact details

PCAPS says microchip registration information is provided by the owner and should be updated when phone number or address changes.

Stop by for help

If you do not know the chip brand or number, PCAPS says you can stop by the shelter to have your pet scanned.

Email certificate

If your pet is already vaccinated, PCAPS says you can email a rabies certificate photo before online payment is processed.

Mail option

You can mail a rabies certificate copy and check to PCAPS, 2600 NE Perry Ave, Peoria, IL 61603.

10-day rule

PCAPS says local laws require registration within 10 days of vaccination.

Rehome before surrender

• Use PCAPS rehome resources if you need help keeping or rehoming a pet.
• Post the pet on Adopt-a-Pet’s rehome tool.
• Ask friends or family before shelter surrender.
• Ask your veterinarian, church, or local businesses about rehoming flyers.
• Call PCAPS at 309-672-2440 if your situation is not listed.

Admissions and foster

• If all rehoming efforts are exhausted, PCAPS accepts owned animals and says surrender fees apply.
• Call PCAPS for surrender details before arriving.
• PCAPS foster homes are especially needed for nursing mothers and babies, orphaned young animals, and animals recovering from surgery or treatment.
• Potential fosters must submit and pass the required application process.
• For fostering, PCAPS lists Alex Menke, Shelter Services Supervisor, at 309-672-2440.

Pet food help

PCAPS, in partnership with Peoria Humane Society, provides pet food at no cost to pet owners struggling financially. Owners may stop by the shelter during normal business hours.

Low-cost vet help

Peoria Humane Society has a limited-funding program for pet owners who cannot afford life-threatening emergency medical care. A down payment is required and participants must qualify.

Housing and behavior

PCAPS links owners to pet-friendly housing resources and dog behavior help through its rehome support page.

Animal screenshot, ID, payment, landlord approval, leash/carrier, vet plan.

Recent photos, rabies tag number, microchip number, collar details, exact last-seen location.

Safe confinement, clear photos, location found, chip scan route, PCAPS report.

Rabies certificate, spay/neuter status, payment, updated phone/address.

Use exact location

For Animal Control, provide exact address, cross streets, city/village, and whether the animal is loose, contained, injured, or aggressive.

Do not wait 3 days

PCAPS says strays are held only three full working days. Waiting until the weekend can reduce your reclaim window.

Tag plus chip

A rabies tag can help PCAPS trace an owner, while a microchip helps even if the collar comes off.

Neighborhood holding helps

The Finder-to-Foster idea keeps properly reported found pets close to where they were found, increasing reunion chances.

Ask fee status

Adoption fees can change during special events supported by groups such as BISSELL Pet Foundation, so ask before visiting.

Vet within 10 days

Book the first vet appointment before adoption day if you can, especially for puppies, kittens, seniors, and heartworm/FIV/FELV questions.