Phoenix Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this Phoenix animal-help dashboard for adoption hours, dog fees, lost/found pets, stray or aggressive dog reports, bite reports, dog licensing, surrender appointments, heat safety and official shelter links.
Start here: Phoenix’s public county shelter route is Maricopa County Animal Care & Control West Valley Animal Care Center, 2500 S. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009. Main phone: 602-506-7387.
Choose What You Need
Clickable Phoenix Animal Help Cards
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Who to Call or Click First
Use this before driving, reporting, or approaching an animal in Phoenix.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog or cat | Search pets + 602-506-7387 | “Is A#[number] still available and which location is the animal at?” | Arrive early with valid ID and safe transport. |
| Lost pet | Lost/found guide | “My pet is missing near [cross streets]. I’m checking West/East shelters in person.” | Register with Petco Love Lost and contact microchip company. |
| Found pet | 602-506-7387 | “I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location]. It is/is not safe to hold.” | Scan for microchip and report via official tools. |
| Stray dog in neighborhood | Report a stray dog | “There is a stray dog at [address/cross streets].” | Do not chase or corner the dog. |
| Dog bite or altercation | Report animal issue | “A bite/altercation happened at [location] on [date/time].” | Seek medical/veterinary advice and document details. |
| Animal cruelty in Phoenix | Phoenix Animal Crimes | “I need to report neglect/abandonment/tethering/animal in car.” | Use Phoenix cruelty report route or emergency services if urgent. |
Phoenix Animal Shelter Hours and Locations
Phoenix users usually need the West Valley Animal Care Center, but MCACC has multiple service points.
| Location | Address | Hours | Use for |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Valley Animal Care Center | 2500 S. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009 | Adoptions 11am-7pm daily; intakes/other services 12pm-6pm daily. | Main Phoenix shelter route. |
| East Valley Animal Care Center | 1920 S Lewis, Mesa, AZ 85210 | Adoptions 11am-7pm daily; intakes/other services 12pm-6pm daily. | East Valley shelter option. |
| PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center | 4380 N. Miller Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 | Adoptions 11am-7pm daily. | Adoption-only location. |
| Call center | Phone support | 8am-5pm | Questions before visiting. |
MCACC Adoption Fees and What They Include
Special events can temporarily reduce fees, but these are the standard fees listed by MCACC.
| Animal | Standard fee | Included | Ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large dogs over 25 lbs | $50 | Spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate vaccines and listed dog services. | How long has the dog been at MCACC? Any behavior notes? |
| Small dogs 25 lbs and under | $250 | Spay/neuter, microchip and age-appropriate vaccines. | Any medical, handling or home-fit notes? |
| Senior dogs over 8 years old | $25 | Core adoption services and age-appropriate care. | Ask about senior comfort, medication and activity needs. |
| Puppies under 6 months | $300 | Core adoption services and puppy vaccine timing. | Ask about boosters, training and safe transport. |
| Cats | $50 | Spay/neuter, microchip and age-appropriate vaccines. | Ask about litter, quiet room and stress reduction. |
| Kittens under 6 months | $200 | Core adoption services and kitten vaccine timing. | Ask about booster schedule and kitten-proofing. |
Phoenix Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this route to avoid wasted trips and wrong-location visits.
Search pets and save the A#
Open the MCACC adoptable-pet search and write down the animal’s A#. Check again about one hour before leaving because availability changes quickly.
Confirm the location
Make sure the animal is at West Phoenix, East Mesa, Scottsdale PetSmart, or an event before driving.
Do not bring your own pets
MCACC says personal pets are not permitted in shelters and animal-animal meet-and-greets are not conducted.
Bring valid ID
MCACC asks visitors to bring a valid form of ID.
Plan safe transport
Adopted animals must be transported safely inside a vehicle. Bring a crate, carrier or leash setup.
Ask final questions
Ask about vaccines, behavior notes, dog license/tag, heat sensitivity, medications, food and first-week setup.
Lost or Found Pet in Phoenix
Phoenix heat and distance make fast action important. Use shelter visits, microchip, tags, flyers and online reports together.
If your pet is lost
- Search the neighborhood immediately: shade, garages, under vehicles, alleys and nearby yards.
- Visit MCACC West and East shelters in person to search for your pet.
- Register your lost pet with Petco Love Lost.
- Check 24PetConnect and MCACC lost/found resources.
- Contact your microchip company and update your phone/address.
- Post flyers with photo, cross streets and current phone number.
- Check again often; MCACC says pet population changes frequently.
If you found a pet
- Catch and contain only if safe.
- Take the animal to a nearby vet clinic for microchip scanning.
- If the dog has a Maricopa County tag, call 602-506-7387 and report through DocuPet.
- Register the found pet with Petco Love Lost.
- Post signs and social posts in the found area.
- If you cannot find the owner, schedule an appointment at MCACC to bring the dog to West or East shelter.
Phoenix Animal Control, Bites and Animal Crimes
Phoenix animal issues can route through MCACC, Phoenix Police Animal Crimes, Arizona Humane Society support, or emergency services depending on the situation.
| Issue | Official route | Use when | Do next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stray, aggressive/vicious dogs, dog bites, rabid animals | MCACC supports Phoenix Police | Animal-control response in Phoenix. | Call 602-506-7387 or use official report forms. |
| Animal bite / altercation | MCACC animal issue report | Human bite, pet bite or altercation. | Report details, date/time, location and animal description. |
| Neglect, abandonment, medical neglect, tethering, hoarding, animals in cars | City of Phoenix Animal Crimes Detail | Animal cruelty or welfare crime concern. | Use the Phoenix cruelty report route; call emergency services if urgent. |
| Dead animal pickup | City where deceased animal was found | MCACC says it does not take dead-animal reports. | Contact Phoenix city service route for dead animal pickup. |
| Barking dog / leash issue | MCACC animal issue report | Barking dog complaint or leash law violation. | Use the official Maricopa report page. |
Maricopa County Dog Licensing for Phoenix
Dog licensing matters in Phoenix because it can help a lost dog get home faster and avoid shelter delays.
| Dog license item | Official detail | Practical action |
|---|---|---|
| Who must license | Dogs 3 months or older must be licensed. | License as soon as rabies vaccination is current. |
| Rabies proof | Current rabies vaccination is required to apply or renew. | Upload or keep the rabies certificate ready. |
| Spayed/neutered dog | $22 licensing fee listed. | Make sure the profile reflects altered status. |
| Unaltered/intact dog | $55 licensing fee listed. | Update after spay/neuter to qualify for altered renewal rate. |
| Senior owner discount | $10 for each spayed/neutered dog for owners 65+. | Use DocuPet / county instructions for documentation. |
| Lost dog benefit | Licensed dog hold-notify minimum is longer than minimum stray hold. | Keep tag attached and profile updated. |
Dog Surrender and Rehoming in Phoenix
MCACC is not an instant drop-off solution. Review alternatives first and use the appointment process.
Owner surrender process
- Review rehoming and support options first.
- Consider alternatives that may help you keep the dog.
- If surrender is still needed, request an appointment online.
- Select the option for surrendering or returning a dog adopted from MCACC.
- Schedule separate appointments if surrendering multiple pets.
- Bring valid photo ID and payment.
Fees and cats
- MCACC lists a $75 surrender fee per pet.
- Payment is collected at the appointment.
- Accepted payment methods: cash or card.
- MCACC says it does not accept owned, stray or community cats.
- For cats, use community cat and rescue resources listed by MCACC.
Phoenix Heat Safety for Pets
Phoenix animal care is different because heat can become life-threatening fast.
Do not leave pets in cars
City of Phoenix lists animals confined in cars as an animal-crimes issue. Treat hot-car situations as urgent.
Use current ID
MCACC recommends current ID tags, microchips and updated microchip contact information.
Keep pets indoors
During fireworks, storms or heat, keep pets inside and create a safe hiding place.
Shade and water
If a pet must go outside briefly, use secure fencing, shade, water and a leash.
Pavement caution
Walk dogs early or late; hot pavement can burn paws quickly in Phoenix summers.
Update contacts
Before July 4th or monsoon noise, confirm license, tag and microchip information is current.
Before You Leave Home
A#, valid ID, safe transport, location check, early arrival.
Photo, microchip number, tag/license, cross streets, in-person shelter plan.
Photo, exact location, safe containment status, microchip scan plan.
Address, date/time, animal description, photos/video if safe, urgency level.
Local Phoenix Tips That Save Time
Confirm location
Do not assume every adoptable pet is at the Phoenix West shelter. Check the A# location before driving.
Arrive early
Adoption visits take time. Avoid arriving near closing and expecting a full dog meet.
Transport safely
Bring a crate, leash or carrier. MCACC requires adopted animals to be transported safely inside a vehicle.
No pet meet-greets
MCACC does not conduct animal-animal meet-and-greets at the shelter.
License helps reunion
Current tag and DocuPet profile can help a found dog get home faster.
Heat changes plans
Plan shelter visits, dog pickup and neighborhood searches around extreme heat windows.
Map: MCACC West Valley Animal Care Center in Phoenix
Use this map for the Phoenix West Valley Animal Care Center. Call first if you need a specific service or animal.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I’m interested in A#[animal number]. Is this animal still available, and which location should I visit today?Lost pet
Hi, my pet is missing near [cross streets] in Phoenix. Description: [color/size/breed/collar/tag/microchip]. What is the fastest way to check MCACC records and shelters?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location]. The animal is [safe/scared/injured/aggressive]. I can/cannot safely hold it. What should I do next?Animal issue
I need to report [stray dog/bite/aggressive dog/neglect/tethering/animal in car] at [address/cross streets]. The animal is [description]. The situation is [urgent/not immediate].Official Phoenix / Maricopa Animal Links
The important details are summarized above. Use these official links for final verification and action.
Phoenix Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the main public animal shelter for Phoenix?
The main public county shelter route for Phoenix is Maricopa County Animal Care & Control West Valley Animal Care Center at 2500 S. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009.
What is the Phoenix animal shelter phone number?
The Maricopa County Animal Care & Control phone number is 602-506-7387.
What are Phoenix animal shelter adoption hours?
MCACC lists West Valley Animal Care Center adoption services as 11am to 7pm daily.
What are MCACC intake and other service hours in Phoenix?
MCACC lists intakes and other services at the West Valley Animal Care Center as 12pm to 6pm daily.
How much are MCACC adoption fees?
Standard MCACC adoption fees include $50 for large dogs over 25 pounds, $250 for small dogs 25 pounds and under, $25 for senior dogs over 8 years, $300 for puppies under 6 months, $50 for cats and $200 for kittens under 6 months.
What is included with an MCACC adoption?
MCACC says adoptions include spay/neuter, microchip and age-appropriate vaccines. Dog adoptions also list items such as 4-in-1 canine vaccine, Bordetella, flea/tick treatment, rabies vaccine and county dog license/tag for dogs 3 months and older.
Can I bring my own dog for a meet-and-greet?
No. MCACC says personal pets are not permitted in the shelters and animal-animal meet-and-greets are not conducted.
How do I report a stray dog in Phoenix?
Use the Maricopa County report-an-animal-issue route or call 602-506-7387. MCACC supports Phoenix Police with stray, aggressive or vicious dogs, dog bites and rabid animals.
Do Phoenix dogs need a county dog license?
Yes. Maricopa County says dogs 3 months or older must be licensed and must have a current rabies vaccination to apply or renew.
Can I surrender a cat to MCACC?
MCACC says it does not accept owned, stray or community cats. For cats, use the cat rescue and community cat resources listed on the official surrender page.
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.