Pittsburgh Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
“Pittsburgh animal shelter” can mean two different services. Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) handles public shelter adoptions at its East Side and North Side campuses, while the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Animal Care & Control handles municipal animal-control calls, loose animals, enforcement, wildlife situations and after-hours animal emergencies.
If City Animal Control impounds a stray dog or cat, the City’s current policy points owners to HARP East Side, 6926 Hamilton Avenue. That is different from simply visiting either HARP campus to adopt.
Which Pittsburgh Animal Service Do You Need?
Adoption, city Animal Control, shelter intake and veterinary care are related but separate tasks. Start with your actual problem.
Adopt a dog, cat or small animal
Use Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh. Both East Side and North Side run public adoption programs.
Loose or roaming dog in Pittsburgh
Contact City Animal Care & Control. Dogs are not allowed to run loose within Pittsburgh.
Your pet may have been impounded
Search HARP’s animals/reports and contact HARP East Side quickly, especially if City Animal Control may have picked up the pet.
You can no longer keep your pet
HARP owner surrender is appointment-based. Complete the correct form and schedule before transporting the pet.
Animal bite or rabies exposure
Seek medical help when needed, report the incident to the proper animal-control route, and use Allegheny County Health Department rabies guidance.
Low-cost veterinary care
HARP operates public veterinary medical centers at its East Side and North Side campuses. They are not emergency hospitals.
Pittsburgh Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
HARP publishes the same shelter-service adoption schedule for its East Side and North Side campuses.
| Day / service | Published time | What matters before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Monday adoption | Closed | Do not plan a normal public adoption visit Monday. |
| Tuesday–Friday adoption | 12:00 PM–6:00 PM | Last adoption meet-and-greet must begin by 5:00 PM. |
| Saturday–Sunday adoption | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Last adoption meet-and-greet begins by 3:00 PM. |
| HARP admissions/intake |
Appointment only Tue–Fri 11 AM–5 PM Sat–Sun 10 AM–4 PM |
Intake is not the same as an adoption walk-in. Schedule first. |
How to Adopt From Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh
HARP’s current adoptions are in-person and first come, first served. The shelter does not place holds on specific animals. Foster-home animals use a separate meeting request.
Browse current HARP pets
Start with the official HARP adoption page . Filter by type, age, size or location and note whether the animal is at East Side, North Side or in foster care.
Check the pet’s actual location
Do not assume every animal is at Hamilton Avenue. HARP adopts animals from both Pittsburgh campuses and also places animals in foster homes.
If the pet is in foster, use the foster meeting form
Foster animals are not waiting in a public kennel. Use the meeting form linked from the official HARP adoption page and wait for the shelter team to coordinate the visit.
Bring valid photo ID and confirm housing permission
Adopters must be 18 or older. HARP says applicants need permanent housing that permits pets and it does not adopt to people living in student housing. Renters should confirm landlord and breed/species restrictions.
Bring important household members when practical
HARP encourages people who will regularly interact with the new pet to participate in the match, including children and a resident dog when adopting a dog. Rabbit adopters may also be encouraged to consider a rabbit introduction.
Start the meet-and-greet before the cutoff
Weekday dog meetings must start by 5 p.m.; weekend meetings by 3 p.m. Starting earlier gives you time to discuss medical history, behavior, home fit and first-week adjustment.
Complete the adoption if the match works
HARP adoptions are first come, first served and specific pets cannot be reserved through a normal hold. Bring a non-check payment method because HARP says checks are not accepted for adoption fees.
HARP Adoption Fees 2026
These are the regular fees currently published by Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh. Temporary adoption events or neighborhood programs can change what a particular adopter pays.
| Animal | Current regular fee | Age / note |
|---|---|---|
| Kitten | $140 | Up to 6 months |
| Adult cat | $100 | 6 months–7 years |
| Senior cat | $35 | 7+ years |
| Bonded adult cats | $100 | Published bonded-adult fee |
| Bonded senior cats | $35 | Published bonded-senior fee |
| Puppy | $385 | Up to 6 months |
| Adult dog | $200 | 6 months–7 years |
| Senior dog | $130 | 7+ years |
| Rabbit | $55 | Small mammal adoption |
| Guinea pig | $25 | Small mammal adoption |
| Ferret | $75 | Small mammal adoption |
| Chinchilla | $100 | Small mammal adoption |
| Snake | $55 | Exotic adoption |
| Turtle | $10 | Exotic adoption |
Lost Pet in Pittsburgh: Search and Reclaim Fast
Pittsburgh’s hold rules differ depending on how the animal entered the shelter and whether identification is present. If City Animal Control picked up your pet, waiting several days before searching is risky.
| City impound situation | Current Pittsburgh policy | Owner action |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed dog or ID-tagged cat | City says owner is contacted and animal is held 10 days at HARP East Side. | Call HARP, search current reports/pets and reclaim promptly. |
| Unlicensed dog or cat without collar ID | City says the animal may become available for adoption or euthanasia after 3 days following impoundment. | Search immediately rather than waiting for outreach. |
Open HARP’s Lost and Found Pets page
Start with HARP Lost and Found Pets . Search pets in care and current lost/found reports.
Submit a lost-pet report
Include a clear photo, ZIP code, exact lost location, approximate time, sex, color, breed/type, microchip status and distinctive features.
Call HARP East Side if City Animal Control may have the pet
HARP’s main number is 412-345-7300. City stray policy specifically identifies the East Side shelter at Hamilton and N. Dallas avenues for City-impounded pets.
Bring proof you own the animal
Prepare photo ID plus useful proof such as microchip registration, veterinary records, license information and clear photographs showing you with the pet.
Found a Stray Dog or Cat in Pittsburgh?
Call City Animal Care & Control
Pittsburgh does not allow dogs to run loose. During regular office hours, call 412-255-2036.
If a loose dog presents an immediate danger to a person, call 911.
Animal Control can help in specific situations
City FAQ says officers can pick up a friendly unidentified cat when the cat is safely contained in a carrier, cage or humane trap.
City Animal Control does not normally respond simply because an uncontained cat is roaming outdoors.
Pittsburgh Animal Control: Office, After-Hours & Emergency
| Need | Contact | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Care & Control office | 412-255-2036 | Routine City Animal Control questions and requests. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 7 AM–3 PM. |
| After-hours animal emergency | 412-255-2935 | City-published after-hours Animal Control emergency route. |
| Immediate threat to human life | 911 | Active attack, serious immediate danger, or another emergency requiring police/fire/EMS response. |
| HARP shelter / adoption | 412-345-7300 | Adoption, shelter pet, veterinary-center and general HARP routing. |
Animal Bite or Rabies Exposure in Pittsburgh
A bite can require both medical care and animal-control/public-health follow-up. Do not wait for the shelter to make a medical decision for you.
Get urgent care first
For severe bleeding, serious injury or immediate danger, use emergency medical services.
Report the animal incident
Pittsburgh Animal Care & Control investigates animal-bite incidents and related quarantine requirements.
Allegheny County rabies questions
Weekdays 8:30 AM–4:30 PM: 412-578-8062.
Evenings, weekends and holidays: 412-687-2243.
Report Animal Cruelty or Neglect in Pittsburgh
Old online listings can be misleading here. HARP’s current 2026 cruelty page says it does not currently have an active Humane Society Police Officer and cannot directly conduct humane investigations at this time.
Inside Pittsburgh city limits
For an animal welfare concern, City Animal Care & Control can be contacted at 412-255-2036 during normal office hours. Give the exact property/location and explain what you personally observed.
Immediate life-threatening cruelty
HARP’s current cruelty guidance says to call 911 when the situation is urgent or life-threatening. Current HARP guidance otherwise directs cruelty reports to the proper local police or authorized Humane Society Police Officer.
How to Surrender a Pet to HARP
Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh does not treat owner surrender as an unplanned walk-in drop-off. The published process uses forms, a scheduling call and an appointment.
Open HARP’s surrender page
Start with HARP Need to Surrender and complete the appropriate dog or cat form.
Call the admissions scheduling line
Call 412-345-0348 and leave a voicemail. HARP says staff return calls in priority order. The shelter is closed Mondays.
Gather medical and behavior information
Bring available veterinary records, medication information, honest bite/behavior history and valid photo identification.
Complete the intake paperwork
HARP provides species-specific intake forms and requests that completed forms be emailed to pethelpline@humaneanimalrescue.org or brought to the appointment.
Go only to the scheduled campus
Your appointment may be at East Side or North Side. Dogs should be securely leashed and pets requiring carriers should arrive in a secure carrier.
City of Pittsburgh Dog License Fees & Steps
Dogs age three months and older living in the City of Pittsburgh require a City dog license.
| Dog status | 1 year | 3 years | 12 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spayed / neutered | $10 | $25 | $75 |
| Not spayed / neutered | $20 | $50 | $175 |
Open the City dog-license page
Use the official Pittsburgh Dog Licenses page and download the current application.
Prepare sterilization proof for the reduced fee
The City requires written proof from a veterinarian or acceptable written verification if you want the spayed/neutered rate.
Mail the signed application and payment
Make the check or money order payable to Treasurer, City of Pittsburgh and follow the mailing instructions published by the Pet License Department.
HARP Veterinary Medical Centers
Unlike many shelters, HARP operates public low-cost veterinary medical centers for dogs and cats at both Pittsburgh campuses. These clinics are available to community pets, not only HARP adoptees.
6926 Hamilton Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15208
Veterinary business hours: Tue–Fri 8 AM–5 PM, Saturday 8 AM–5 PM, Sunday 9 AM–5 PM.
Appointment hours: Tue–Fri 10 AM–5 PM, Saturday 8 AM–4 PM, Sunday by appointment.
1101 Western Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Veterinary business hours: Tue–Fri 8 AM–5 PM, Saturday 8 AM–5 PM, Sunday 9 AM–5 PM.
Appointment hours: Tue–Fri 10 AM–5 PM, Saturday 8 AM–4 PM, Sunday by appointment.
Services currently listed by HARP
- Annual wellness and pre-surgical examinations
- Vaccinations
- Spay and neuter surgery
- Dentistry
- Microchipping
- Fecal and urinalysis
- Feline leukemia / FIV testing
- Minor uncomplicated surgery
- Illness and injury care within clinic capability
- End-of-life services
- Onsite pharmacy
2026 City of Pittsburgh Spay & Neuter Program
Pittsburgh’s 2026 City spay/neuter programs are open to qualifying, verified City residents and operate in partnership with Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh. Funding is limited for the calendar year.
Pet program
The City’s 2026 program provides an application route for qualifying resident-owned dogs and cats. Applicants must submit the residency and program documentation required by the City.
Community-cat program
Pittsburgh also publishes a separate community-cat sterilization program. The two programs have different eligibility and application requirements, so use the correct form.
Start with the official City of Pittsburgh Spay/Neuter Program page and verify that program funding is still available before arranging care.
What to Prepare Before You Leave Home
- Valid photo ID
- Pet name/profile screenshot
- Landlord permission if renting
- Household member availability
- Safe carrier or dog transport setup
- Non-check payment method
- Photo ID
- Microchip information
- Veterinary records
- Dog license details
- Clear ownership photos
- Payment readiness for applicable City costs
- Confirmed appointment
- Medical records
- Medication list
- Accurate behavior history
- Bite history
- Photo ID
HARP Pittsburgh Shelter Locations
Both locations offer adoption services. City of Pittsburgh stray-animal policy specifically references the East Side location for City-impounded animals.
Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh
6926 Hamilton Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15208
412-345-7300
Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh
1101 Western Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
412-345-7300
Official Pittsburgh Animal Resources
This page summarizes the practical steps. Use the links below for live pet availability, current forms, appointment scheduling and same-day service changes.
Pittsburgh Animal Shelter & Control FAQ
1. What is the main animal shelter in Pittsburgh?
Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh is a major nonprofit shelter and adoption organization with East Side and North Side campuses. The City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Animal Care & Control is a separate municipal field and enforcement agency.
2. What are Pittsburgh HARP adoption hours?
HARP lists adoption hours Tuesday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m., with the last meet-and-greet starting by 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday adoption hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last meet-and-greet starting by 3 p.m. Public adoption is closed Monday.
3. Where are the HARP Pittsburgh shelters?
HARP East Side is at 6926 Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208. HARP North Side is at 1101 Western Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Both use the main number 412-345-7300.
4. How much does it cost to adopt a dog from HARP?
HARP currently lists puppies up to six months at $385, adult dogs six months through seven years at $200, and senior dogs age seven or older at $130. Temporary promotions can differ.
5. How much does it cost to adopt a cat from HARP?
Current regular fees are $140 for kittens up to six months, $100 for adult cats six months through seven years, and $35 for senior cats age seven or older.
6. What number do I call for Pittsburgh Animal Control?
The City of Pittsburgh lists 412-255-2036 for the Animal Care & Control office. The City publishes 412-255-2935 as its after-hours animal emergency number.
7. Where does Pittsburgh Animal Control take stray pets?
Current City stray-animal policy identifies Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh East Side, at 6926 Hamilton Avenue, as the facility where City-impounded dogs and cats are held.
8. How long does Pittsburgh hold an impounded stray animal?
The City’s current policy says licensed dogs and ID-tagged cats are held 10 days after owner notification. Unlicensed dogs and cats without collar identification may become available for adoption or euthanasia after three days following impoundment.
9. Can I surrender a pet to HARP without an appointment?
HARP publishes an appointment-based owner-surrender process. Complete the appropriate form and call 412-345-0348 to schedule before bringing the pet.
10. Does Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh have a public veterinary clinic?
Yes. HARP operates veterinary medical centers at its East Side and North Side campuses for community dogs and cats. Services include wellness care, vaccines, spay/neuter, microchips, dentistry and certain illness/injury services. HARP states that the clinics are not emergency hospitals.
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.