Providence Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

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Verified Providence Shelter Guide

Providence Animal Shelter & Control Guide: Adoption Hours, Fees, Lost Pets, Rescue Help & Contact

Providence Animal Care & Control Center is the official City shelter and animal-control resource for Providence, Rhode Island. Use this guide for adoption appointments, lost and found pets, reclaim steps, fees, animal-control reporting, map directions, and emergency routing.

Adoption Info Call 401-243-6040 Open Map
Official shelter address 200 Terminal Road, Providence, RI 02905
Phone 401-243-6040
Public hours shown by City Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Quick Answer: What is the official Providence animal shelter?

The official Providence animal shelter and animal-control location is Providence Animal Care & Control Center at 200 Terminal Road, Providence, RI 02905. The City lists public hours as Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with phone contact at 401-243-6040 and adoption email PACadoptions@providenceri.gov.

Important adoption note: Providence Animal Control says adoptions are by appointment only after an adoption application has been received and approved. The City also states it does not operate strictly on a first come, first served basis.

Choose what you need today

Most users arrive with one specific need. Pick the section below and go directly to the right action.

Adopt a pet Applications, approval, fees, appointment-only visits. Adoption fees Dog, puppy, cat and kitten fee table. Lost my pet Five-business-day hold, reclaim proof, fees. Found a pet Found dog/cat instructions and dispatch number. Animal control concern Report concerns, dispatch, cruelty and emergencies. Watch video Rescue/control context before calling. Map and visit Address, directions and visit checklist. FAQs Hours, phone, fees, lost dog, surrender, no-kill.

Verified Providence Animal Care & Control Center facts

Official entityProvidence Animal Care & Control Center
Address200 Terminal Road, Providence, Rhode Island 02905
Phone401-243-6040
Adoption emailPACadoptions@providenceri.gov
HoursTuesday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Official websiteCity of Providence Animal Control
Before you go: hours, available pets, fees, appointment rules, reclaim steps, and emergency instructions can change. Confirm with the City page or call the shelter before driving.

Video Guide: Providence animal-control rescue context before you call

An official City adoption video was not clearly available from the public search results during review. For this page, the video below was selected because it directly mentions Providence Animal Control involvement in a real rescue situation and helps users understand why animal-control calls must be routed correctly.

How to use this video: watch it for rescue and animal-control context only. For adoption applications, fees, animal availability, reclaim rules, and official reporting instructions, use the City of Providence links on this page.

Providence Animal Shelter adoption process

Providence Animal Control does not use open walk-through adoption browsing in the same way many private shelters do. The City says adoptions are by appointment only after an adoption application has been received and approved. This helps reduce stress for animals and lets staff manage conversations with serious adopters.

Check available animals first.
The City directs users to its Adopt-a-Pet page for available animals. Read the pet profile carefully before emailing or applying.
Email the adoption team.
Use PACadoptions@providenceri.gov to begin the adoption conversation or ask about a pet listed online.
Submit the right application.
Providence provides separate application links for cats, dogs and small animals. Use the correct one.
Prepare proof of housing.
If you own your home, a utility bill or property tax statement with your name and address may be used. If you rent, have landlord permission such as a notarized letter or lease agreement.
Wait for approval before appointment.
Do not assume you can walk through and pick a pet. Appointment timing depends on application approval and shelter response.
Pay the adoption fee and sign the agreement.
The City states adoption fees are not refundable if the pet does not work out, but it may offer trainer recommendations or behavior advice by phone.
Best-match note: Providence says approval depends on ownership history, current vaccines and spay/neuter status on resident animals, and proof of home ownership or written landlord permission. It is not purely first come, first served.
Official Adoption Page Adopt-a-Pet Listings

Providence Animal Shelter adoption fees

The City lists the following adoption fees. Confirm before applying because fees, specials, animal availability and policy details may change.

Animal type Official listed fee What the City says is included / what to ask
Dogs under 50 pounds $240 Dog adoptions include rabies and distemper shots good for one year, microchip, heartworm test, deworming and spay/neuter.
Dogs over 50 pounds $270 Ask about energy level, leash behavior, resident dog compatibility and training needs.
Puppies 6 months or younger $300 Puppies receive age-appropriate vaccinations and may need additional vaccinations after adoption.
Adult cats $125 Cat adoptions include rabies and FVRCP shots good for one year, microchip, FIV/FeLV test, deworming and spay/neuter.
One kitten $175 Kittens receive age-appropriate vaccinations and may need more vaccines after adoption.
Two kittens $275 Ask whether both kittens are ready to leave together and what follow-up vaccines remain.
Payment note: The City adoption page says Providence Animal Control accepts money orders only and no refunds. Confirm accepted payment before your appointment.

What to bring before a Providence adoption appointment

Photo IDYou must be at least 18 years old to adopt. If you are 18 and live with parents, the City asks for parent permission or a parent visit.
Proof of housingOwners should prepare proof such as a utility bill or property tax statement. Renters should prepare landlord permission.
Resident pet recordsApproval may depend on current vaccines and spay/neuter status for animals already in your home.
Application detailsUse accurate phone, email, address and household details so the shelter can contact you.
Transport planBring a leash for dogs or a secure carrier for cats and small animals.
Questions listAsk about known medical care, behavior, adjustment period, return policy and training support.

Lost pet in Providence: what to do in the first 24 hours

If your pet is missing, act fast. Providence says only you can identify your pet, and unidentified animals are held for five business days. Animals not claimed within that period may be made available for adoption or transferred to a rescue or another shelter.

Call Providence Animal Control.
Call 401-243-6040 if you believe your missing pet may have been found or impounded.
Send a photo and description.
The City asks owners to send a photo and description to the Providence Animal Care & Control Center Facebook page for lost-pet identification.
Check sick or injured animals too.
The City notes sick or injured animals may be treated at an animal hospital or kept off public view in a separate section of the shelter.
Update microchip information.
Use the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup and contact the registry if your pet is microchipped.
Search physically nearby.
Check porches, yards, garages, alleys, under vehicles, sheds and quiet hiding spots. Indoor cats may stay very close to home.
Prepare reclaim proof.
For dogs, the City says proof of current rabies vaccination and dog license is required. Bring photos, vet records, license documents and microchip registration if available.
Reclaim fees: Providence says reclaiming a pet may involve fees such as impoundment, daily board, vaccination, medical and licensing fees. Fees should be itemized and explained to you.
Official Lost + Found Page AAHA Microchip Lookup

Found a dog or cat in Providence: what to do safely

Finding a pet does not mean the animal was abandoned. A dog may have escaped minutes ago, and a cat may be indoor/outdoor, feral, abandoned or injured. Use the official City process before keeping, rehoming or posting the animal as available.

Found a lost dogIf the dog has no ID and it is safe, the City says to bring the dog to Providence Animal Control. If unsafe or uncomfortable, call police dispatch at 401-272-1111.
Found a catThe City says there is no leash law for cats in Providence. Call dispatch so an Animal Control Officer can assess the situation.
Do not give away a found petRequire proof of ownership and involve the shelter route. Posting can help, but it should not replace official reporting.
Document the locationWrite down the exact street, cross street, time found, condition, collar/tag details and photos.
Found-pet call script: “Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [street/intersection] in Providence. The animal is [description], has [tag/no tag/collar], and I can send photos. Should I bring the animal in or wait for an officer?”

Providence Animal Control: report concerns, cruelty, bites and non-emergency issues

For City animal-control concerns, use Providence’s official reporting routes. For emergency danger, call 911. For non-emergency City concerns, Providence’s pages link users to PVD 311, and found-pet instructions also mention Providence Police Dispatch at 401-272-1111 for dispatching an Animal Control Officer when appropriate.

Immediate dangerCall 911 for attacks, serious injuries, in-progress cruelty or life-threatening situations.
Found dog or catCall 401-272-1111 if you are unsure or uncomfortable handling the animal.
General shelter contactCall 401-243-6040 for shelter/adoption/lost-and-found questions.
Do not use this website for emergencies. Animal-Shelter.org is not animal control, not police and not an emergency dispatcher.

Call scripts for common Providence shelter needs

Use a clear script so the shelter or dispatcher can route your situation faster.

Adoption script: “Hi, I’m interested in adopting [pet name or animal type]. I saw the animal on your Adopt-a-Pet page. Can you tell me which application I should submit and what proof I need before an appointment?”

Lost pet script: “Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [street/intersection]. The pet is [description], has [tag/microchip/collar], and I can send photos. Has a matching animal been brought in?”

Found pet script: “Hi, I found a [dog/cat] at [location]. The animal is [condition/description]. Is it safe for me to bring the animal in, or should an Animal Control Officer be dispatched?”

Concern script: “Hi, I need to report [bite/cruelty/stray/injured animal/nuisance issue] at [address or cross street]. Is this a 311, police dispatch or animal-control matter?”

Providence Animal Shelter map and visit planning

The official shelter address is 200 Terminal Road, Providence, RI 02905. Before visiting, confirm current hours and appointment requirements. For adoption, start by email/application first. For lost pets, call and send photos quickly.

Visit checklist: bring photo ID, proof of housing, landlord permission if renting, proof of rabies/dog license for reclaiming dogs, photos/vet records/microchip proof for lost pets, and a secure leash or carrier.

Official Providence animal shelter links

Animal Control homepageCity of Providence Animal Control
Adoption pageOfficial adoption instructions and fees
Lost + FoundOfficial lost/found and reclaim page
Hours + LocationOfficial hours and location page
Adopt-a-Pet listingsAvailable Providence Animal Control pets
Friends support nonprofitFriends of Providence Animal Care & Control Center

Common mistakes that slow people down

Trying to walk through without approvalThe City says adoption visitation is by appointment only after an approved application.
Forgetting landlord permissionIf you rent, prepare written permission or lease proof before applying.
Waiting on a lost petUnidentified animals are held for five business days, so act quickly.
Not bringing reclaim proofFor impounded dogs, proof of rabies vaccination and dog license is required.
Using the wrong Providence shelterDo not confuse Providence, Rhode Island Animal Control with Providence Animal Center in Pennsylvania.
Assuming payment methodsThe City adoption page says money orders only and no refunds. Confirm before your appointment.

Providence Animal Shelter FAQs

The official phone number for Providence Animal Care & Control Center is 401-243-6040.

The official address is 200 Terminal Road, Providence, RI 02905.

The City lists hours of operation as Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Confirm before visiting because adoption visits are by appointment after application approval.

No. The City says adoptions are by appointment only after an adoption application has been received and approved.

The City lists dog adoption fees as $240 for dogs under 50 pounds, $270 for dogs over 50 pounds and $300 for puppies 6 months or younger.

The City lists adult cats at $125, one kitten at $175 and two kittens at $275.

Call 401-243-6040, send a photo and description to the shelter’s Facebook page, update microchip information and check the shelter quickly because unidentified animals are held for five business days.

The City says unidentified animals are held for five business days. Animals not claimed within that period may be made available for adoption or transferred to rescue or another shelter.

If safe, bring the dog to Providence Animal Control. If you are unsure or uncomfortable, call Providence Police Dispatch at 401-272-1111 so an Animal Control Officer can be sent.

The City says it generally does not impound healthy free-roaming cats due to limited space, but Animal Control Officers assess cat situations and may pick up sick or injured cats and healthy, sick or injured kittens.

No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent directory guide. The official source is the City of Providence Animal Control website.

Emergency routing and independent-site disclaimer

Life-threatening or in-progress cruelty: call 911. Pet poisoning: call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435; a fee may apply. Crisis for the handler or owner: call or text 988. For urgent wildlife or emergency animal help, use a qualified emergency veterinarian, municipal authority or Animal Help Now where appropriate.

Animal-Shelter.org is an independent animal shelter and animal control directory. We are not Providence Animal Care & Control Center, not animal control, not an emergency dispatcher, not a shelter, not a humane society, not an SPCA, not a veterinarian, not a wildlife rehabilitator, not a microchip registry, not a pet poison hotline, not police and not an attorney. Always confirm current hours, fees, policies, animal availability and emergency instructions with the official organization.

Final summary

For Providence Animal Shelter searches, the official local entity is Providence Animal Care & Control Center at 200 Terminal Road. Start with the official City adoption page, email PACadoptions@providenceri.gov for adoption questions, call 401-243-6040 for shelter contact and act quickly if your pet is missing.

USA-wide shelter helper • adoption, lost pets, found pets, surrender and animal control

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.

Lost Pet PlanSearch, microchip, shelter checks, flyers
Found Pet HelpSafety, scanning, reporting, holding
Adoption PlannerReadiness, questions, supplies, budget
Visit ChecklistDocuments, call script, official links

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.

Important: Shelter rules vary by city, county, agency, and animal type. Always confirm hours, intake rules, fees, appointment requirements, and proof-of-ownership rules with the official shelter or animal control agency before visiting.

Lost pet recovery checklist

Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.

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Found pet safety decision helper

Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.

Safety first: Do not approach an aggressive, injured, trapped, or traffic-endangered animal if doing so could put you or others at risk. Contact animal control, emergency services, or a qualified professional when needed.

Adoption readiness checker

This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.

0% readiness signals checked

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.

Helpful reminder: Ask the shelter about pet food pantries, low-cost vet care, behavior support, temporary foster options, and safe rehoming resources before making a final decision.

Animal control contact decision helper

Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.

Emergency warning: If there is immediate danger to a person, a serious bite, traffic hazard, or active attack, contact local emergency services or animal control according to local rules.

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.

USA-wide Shelter user intent Official-source focused

Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.

Independent shelter-help tool. Not affiliated with any animal shelter, humane society, rescue, animal control agency, city, county, state agency, veterinarian, or microchip company. Always confirm current rules, hours, fees, and requirements directly with the official organization.