Pomona Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
If you searched for the Pomona animal shelter, the local shelter most people mean is Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. at 500 Humane Way, Pomona, CA 91766. IVHS handles adoption, lost-and-found pets, animal-control field services, cruelty reporting, licensing support and low-cost veterinary services for Pomona and several nearby contracted cities.
This page is written for a real Pomona visit: when to go for adoptions, when to check lost pets, which number to call after hours, what the low-cost clinic can and cannot do, and what information is not published clearly enough to guess.
Verified Pomona Shelter
IVHS publishes its Pomona campus address as 500 Humane Way, with main phone 909-623-9777 and after-hours emergency service 909-594-9858.
Pomona + Contracted Cities
IVHS lists animal care and control service for Pomona plus Azusa, Baldwin Park, Chino Hills, Claremont, Covina, Diamond Bar, Glendora, La Verne and San Dimas, with sheltering services for La Habra.
No Fake Doctor Claims
IVHS has real veterinary staff and a low-cost medical center, but this page does not invent doctor names, doctor hours, emergency vet promises, ratings or public appointment fees that are not published.
Start With the Right Pomona Animal Help Route
A Pomona animal shelter search can mean several different things: adopting a pet, reclaiming a lost animal, reporting a loose dog, reporting cruelty, getting a low-cost vaccine appointment, licensing a pet or asking what to do after a bite. Start with the right route so the animal gets help faster.
Pomona Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
IVHS uses two adoption windows on Monday through Saturday. Morning is not a normal kennel walk-through. Afternoon is the open kennel window.
| Adoption window | Current listed time | What it means for visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Waitwhile queue | Monday–Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. | Use the Waitwhile queue. The last appointment is at 11 a.m. IVHS says there are no kennel walk-throughs during this period; animals are brought out by the Adoptions team. |
| Open kennels | Monday–Saturday, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Open kennel viewing with volunteer docents. Anyone wanting to adopt that day must check in with staff by 5 p.m. |
| Sunday | No regular public adoption window found on the adoption page | Do not assume Sunday adoption service. Check official event or holiday notices before planning a Sunday visit. |
| Special adoption events | Event-specific | Event days can change normal hours or fees. Use the official calendar and adoption page for same-day instructions. |
How Adoption Works at Inland Valley Humane Society
Adoption should feel hopeful, not rushed. IVHS uses a first-come, first-served system, so the best plan is to check current animals, arrive during the right window, and keep an open mind if your first choice is no longer available.
Search current animals first
Use the IVHS “Pets in Our Care” gallery. Write down the animal name or ID, but remember that the online status may not perfectly match the shelter floor.
Choose the correct adoption window
Use 9–11 a.m. for the Waitwhile appointment window or 1–5 p.m. for open kennel viewing. Check in by 5 p.m. if you hope to adopt that day.
Bring valid ID
IVHS requires a valid government-issued ID at the time of adoption. Bring any household decision-maker if possible.
Ask the human questions
Ask about energy level, medical notes, other pets, kids, exercise, behavior, follow-up care and what the first week at home may feel like.
Understand the first-come rule
IVHS says adoptions are first come, first served and are processed within the hour they occur. A pet may be adopted before you arrive.
Prepare safe transport
Bring a carrier for cats and a secure leash/collar plan for dogs. Do not leave a newly adopted pet loose in a vehicle.
Adoption Fee Reality Check
A current universal dog/cat adoption-fee table was not clearly published on the official IVHS adoption page during this check. This page does not guess an adoption fee. Call the Adoption Department or confirm at the desk before payment.
Ask before you drive
Call 909-623-9777 and ask what the current fee is for the exact animal you want to adopt.
Event fees can change
IVHS posts special adoption events, including fee-waived adoption days. Do not treat an event fee as the normal fee.
Ask what is included
Ask whether spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip, training benefits or follow-up paperwork are included for the pet you choose.
No Holds, Stray Holds and Why a Listed Pet May Not Be Available
This is one of the most important parts of the Pomona shelter page. Seeing an animal online does not always mean the animal can go home today.
No adoption holds
IVHS says it does not place animals on adoption holds, including puppies, kittens and other small animals.
Stray hold first
Animals that enter the shelter are automatically placed under a temporary stray hold under state and local laws so owners have time to reclaim them.
Medical or protective custody
Some animals may be under medical hold, protective custody or reunification hold even when a listing appears online.
Emergency & Important Pomona Animal Contacts
Use the right number for the right situation. A routine adoption question should not go to emergency dispatch, and a dangerous animal or active cruelty situation should not wait for a web form.
| Contact / route | Number / timing | Use this for |
|---|---|---|
| IVHS main shelter | 909-623-9777 | Adoption, lost/found pets, licensing questions, normal animal control routing, low-cost veterinary service routing and general Pomona shelter questions. |
| IVHS after-hours emergency service |
909-594-9858 After hours listed as 9:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m. |
IVHS-published after-hours animal emergencies. The cruelty page also directs active abuse or animal distress to this emergency service number. |
| Immediate danger / serious injury | 911 | Immediate human danger, serious injury, a dangerous/vicious animal emergency, active public-safety threat or another urgent emergency. |
| Pomona Police non-emergency dispatch | 909-622-1241 | City police non-emergency dispatch when a situation is not a routine shelter/adoption question and not a life-threatening emergency. |
| Pomona Police business/front desk | 909-620-2155 | Police front-desk or business-line matters. This is not the IVHS adoption phone. |
| LA County Veterinary Public Health | 213-288-7060 | Public-health guidance for animal bites, rabies questions and Veterinary Public Health reporting in Los Angeles County. |
Lost or Found Pet in Pomona
Losing a pet hurts. Move quickly, but keep the steps organized: search nearby, check IVHS listings, file a report, and keep checking because animals can enter the system later.
If your pet is missing
- Search your neighborhood first: alleys, porches, garages, sheds, yards, crawl spaces and quiet hiding areas.
- Check IVHS “Pets in Our Care” and lost/found sections daily.
- If you identify your pet online, include the animal ID when you submit the redemption form.
- Bring proof of ownership such as photos, video, veterinary receipts, license records or microchip information.
- Use Petco Love Lost and local neighborhood groups to spread the word.
- Visit the Animal Receiving Department during lost/found shelter-search hours when needed.
If you found an animal
- Check safely for a collar, license tag, ID tag or owner information.
- Have a veterinarian, shelter or animal-service provider scan for a microchip when safe.
- Call IVHS before transporting a found animal if the found location may be outside Pomona or IVHS jurisdiction.
- Do not assume San Gabriel Valley Humane Society or LA County should receive a Pomona/IVHS-service-area stray.
- For injured, aggressive or urgent public-safety situations, use the emergency route.
- Post a found-pet notice without revealing every identifying detail.
Pomona Humane & Animal Control Services
IVHS Humane and Animal Control Officers handle more than shelter intake. Their work includes public safety, animal welfare and field response.
Animal-law enforcement
IVHS lists local and state animal law enforcement, cruelty investigations and animal-related inspections among officer duties.
Rescue and transport
Officers rescue domestic and wild animals in distress and transport animals for medical treatment and sheltering when needed.
Nuisance and deceased animals
IVHS lists barking/animal nuisance abatement and deceased animal removal as animal-control services.
Animal Bites and Rabies Reporting in Pomona / LA County
An animal bite is not just a shelter question. It can involve medical care, animal-control response and public-health reporting. Treat the injury first, then report the incident through the correct route.
Get medical advice
Wash the wound if you can do so safely and contact a healthcare provider. Bites can involve infection, tetanus and rabies-risk decisions.
LA County Veterinary Public Health
LA County Veterinary Public Health handles animal-bite and rabies reporting guidance. The public contact listed for the program is 213-288-7060.
Use emergency help if severe
Call 911 if someone is seriously injured, a dangerous animal is actively threatening people, or there is an immediate public-safety emergency.
Low-Cost Veterinary Services at IVHS
IVHS operates the Alex & Elisabeth Lewyt Medical Center for community veterinary services. This is a verified veterinary-care service, but it is not a 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital.
Appointments required
Community Clinic appointments can be made by calling 909-623-9777 ext. 669. Vaccine appointments are limited and may fill.
Published service types
IVHS lists low-cost exams, vaccinations, microchipping, flea preventative, deworming, spay/neuter surgeries, dental evaluation, X-rays, blood/urine analysis and basic sick care.
No emergency care
IVHS specifically states that it is unable to provide emergency care. For a life-threatening owned-pet medical issue, use an emergency veterinary provider.
Spay/Neuter, Vaccine and Microchip Fee Notes
These are veterinary-service fees, not adoption fees. Always confirm the final amount during scheduling because eligibility, weight, species, breed program and service area can change the total.
| Service / program | Current published detail | Important caution |
|---|---|---|
| Cats spay/neuter update | $100, including vaccines and flea treatment | Microchipping is not included in that updated pricing note. |
| Dogs spay/neuter update | $150 | Vaccines and flea treatment may be separate on request. Dogs over 60 lb may incur an additional $50 fee. |
| Microchips | $25 | Strongly encouraged for lost-pet reunification; confirm whether a separate registration or service fee applies. |
| Breed-specific programs | $150 listed for Chihuahua Challenge, Pit Stop, Shepherd Shuffle and Husky Hustle | These programs are service-area and eligibility based. Confirm before booking. |
| Vaccine appointments | Weekday appointment scheduling; one pet per appointment | IVHS says appointments are limited and late arrival may require rescheduling. |
| Saturday vaccine/microchip clinic | Second Saturday of the month, 7–8 a.m. | IVHS says this is well attended and people arriving after 8 a.m. must schedule an appointment or return another time. |
Pomona Pet Licensing and DocuPet
IVHS partners with DocuPet for pet licensing services in participating communities. Licensing is not the same thing as adoption, and city rules can differ by where the pet lives.
DocuPet support
IVHS announced DocuPet as a licensing and lost-pet reunification partner, including HomeSafe-style lost-pet support and linked ID tags.
Rabies proof matters
Licensing normally depends on current rabies vaccination records. Keep your vaccination certificate before you renew or register.
City-specific rules
Pomona, Azusa, Baldwin Park and other service cities may have different fees or requirements. Check your city or the official IVHS/DocuPet route before paying.
Service Area Changes Around Pomona
In 2026, IVHS expanded animal care and control services for Azusa and Baldwin Park. It also continues to serve Pomona and several other nearby contracted cities. This matters because stray intake, field response, licensing and reclaim rules depend on where the animal was found.
| Area / city | Current IVHS-related note | What residents should do |
|---|---|---|
| Pomona | Core Pomona shelter and animal-control route | Use IVHS at 500 Humane Way for local shelter, adoption, lost/found and animal-control routing. |
| Azusa and Baldwin Park | Animal care and control services transition to IVHS beginning July 1, 2026 | Report and process strays through IVHS so animals enter the correct lost-and-found system and legal hold process. |
| Chino, Montclair and Ontario | Transitioned away from IVHS animal-control service to ARC-related routing in 2025 | Use the current ARC or local city route for animal-control issues; residents may still access some IVHS community services. |
| La Habra | Sheltering services are listed for La Habra | Contact the local city animal-control route first if the issue is field response, then confirm sheltering instructions. |
Remote Cat Adoption Centers
Not every adoptable cat is physically at the Pomona campus. IVHS lists remote cat adoption centers and adoption events, so always check the pet’s current location before driving.
Published remote cat locations
- PetSmart Chino — 11945 Central Avenue, Chino, CA 91710
- PetSmart Chino Hills — 13001 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills, CA 91709
- PetSmart West Covina — 2350 S. Azusa Avenue, West Covina, CA 91792
- PetSmart West Covina — 2851 Eastland Center Drive, West Covina, CA 91791
- PetSmart City of Industry — 21848 Valley Blvd, City of Industry, CA 91789
How to avoid a wasted trip
- Open the pet’s individual listing before you drive.
- Call IVHS if the location is unclear.
- Ask whether the adoption must be completed at the store or the Pomona shelter.
- Check whether the cat is in foster care, offsite care or still being updated online.
Before You Visit 500 Humane Way
Adoption checklist
- Confirm the adoption window for the day: 9–11 a.m. Waitwhile or 1–5 p.m. open kennels.
- Bring valid government-issued ID.
- Check the pet’s current listing and keep backup options in mind.
- Ask whether the animal is available, on hold, in foster, offsite or under medical/protective custody.
- Bring safe transport: carrier, leash, collar and a secure vehicle plan.
- Budget for supplies and future veterinary care beyond the adoption fee.
Lost / found / clinic checklist
- For lost pets, bring photos, video, vet receipts, microchip number and proof of ownership.
- For found animals, call before transporting if the found location may be outside IVHS jurisdiction.
- For clinic appointments, call ext. 669 or use the official appointment form.
- Do not expect emergency veterinary care from the low-cost clinic.
- Use after-hours emergency service or 911 only for appropriate urgent situations.
Simple Call Scripts
When you are worried about a pet, it is easy to forget details. These short scripts help you explain the situation clearly.
Adoption
Hi, I am interested in [pet name or ID]. Is this animal currently
available, and should I use the Waitwhile morning window or the
1–5 p.m. open kennel window? What is the current adoption fee for
this specific animal?
Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing from [street/cross street] in Pomona.
The pet is [description], [microchipped/not microchipped], and was
last seen at [time]. Has a matching animal been brought into IVHS?
Found animal
Hi, I found a [dog/cat/other animal] at [exact location].
The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive/confined]. Is this within
IVHS service area, and should I bring the animal in or request help?
Low-cost vet appointment
Hi, I need information about [vaccines/spay-neuter/microchip/basic
sick care]. I understand IVHS cannot provide emergency care.
What appointment options, fees and eligibility rules apply?
Map: Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A.
Current shelter campus: 500 Humane Way, Pomona, CA 91766. Use this map for travel planning, but confirm the correct service window before leaving.
Official Pomona / IVHS Resources
Use official sources for live pet availability, closures, emergency routing, service-area changes, clinic scheduling and fees.
Pomona Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the main Pomona animal shelter?
The main shelter most Pomona users mean is Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. at 500 Humane Way, Pomona, CA 91766.
What is the Pomona Animal Shelter phone number?
The main IVHS phone number is 909-623-9777.
What is the IVHS after-hours emergency number?
IVHS publishes after-hours emergency service at 909-594-9858.
What are Pomona Animal Shelter adoption hours?
IVHS lists Monday through Saturday adoption windows: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. through the Waitwhile queue system and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for open kennels. Guests must check in by 5 p.m. to adopt that day.
Can I walk through kennels during the morning adoption window?
No. IVHS says there are no walk-throughs during the 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Waitwhile window. Animals are brought out by the Adoptions team.
Does IVHS hold adoptable pets?
No. IVHS states that it does not place animals on adoption holds, including puppies, kittens and other small animals.
Are IVHS adoptions first come, first served?
Yes. IVHS says adoptions are conducted on a first come, first served basis, and a pet may be adopted before you arrive.
Why does an animal appear online but not be available?
The animal may be on stray hold, protective custody hold, medical hold, reunification hold, or the website may not yet reflect a recent adoption.
How much are IVHS adoption fees?
A current universal adoption-fee table was not clearly published on the official adoption page during this check. Call IVHS at 909-623-9777 and ask for the current fee for the specific animal.
What should I do if my pet is missing in Pomona?
Search your neighborhood, check IVHS Pets in Our Care and lost/found listings daily, file the redemption/lost-pet report when appropriate, use Petco Love Lost, and bring proof of ownership.
What are the lost/found shelter-search hours?
IVHS lists kennel hours for lost-pet searching as Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Who handles animal control in Pomona?
Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. lists animal care and control services for Pomona, including field response, cruelty investigations, nuisance abatement and animal rescue.
What should I do for active cruelty or an animal in distress?
IVHS directs active abuse or animal distress to its emergency services number, 909-594-9858. If immediate human danger or serious injury is involved, call 911.
Does IVHS provide low-cost veterinary services?
Yes. IVHS operates the Alex & Elisabeth Lewyt Medical Center and lists low-cost exams, vaccines, microchips, flea preventative, deworming, spay/neuter, dental evaluation, X-rays, blood/urine analysis and basic sick care.
Does IVHS provide emergency veterinary care?
No. IVHS states that it is unable to provide emergency care.
What is the IVHS low-cost vet appointment number?
IVHS lists veterinary-service questions and appointment contact through 909-623-9777 ext. 669.
How much is IVHS spay/neuter pricing?
Current IVHS pricing notes list cats at $100 with vaccines and flea treatment, dogs at $150 with vaccines and flea treatment available separately on request, dogs over 60 lb with an additional $50 fee, and microchips at $25.
Does IVHS publish public doctor names or doctor schedules?
The official low-cost veterinary page refers to staff veterinarians, but a current public appointment doctor roster was not clearly published on the page checked for this article. This guide does not invent doctor names or schedules.
Does IVHS partner with DocuPet?
Yes. IVHS announced DocuPet as a licensing and lost-pet reunification partner. Licensing requirements and fees can vary by city.
Is Animal-Shelter.org the official IVHS website?
No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide. Use official IVHS, City of Pomona and LA County public-health sources for live 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.