Richardson Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

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Verified Richardson Shelter Guide

Richardson Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours, Fees, Lost Pets, Surrender Help & Map

Richardson Animal Shelter is the City of Richardson Animal Services shelter at 1330 Columbia Drive in Richardson, Texas. Use this guide for adoption hours, fees, lost and found pets, surrender appointments, animal control concerns, volunteer support, a video guide, official links, and a mobile-friendly map.

Adoptable Animals Call 972-744-4480 Watch Video Guide
Official shelter address 1330 Columbia Dr., Richardson, TX 75081
Main shelter phone 972-744-4480
Public hours listed Mon–Fri 12–6 PM; Sat–Sun 12–5 PM

Quick Answer: What should you know before visiting Richardson Animal Shelter?

Richardson Animal Shelter is located at 1330 Columbia Dr., Richardson, TX 75081. The main shelter phone number is 972-744-4480. The City lists public shelter hours as Monday–Friday 12 p.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday 12 p.m.–5 p.m., with animal visitations ending 30 minutes before closing.

Fast visitor tip: if you are visiting for a specific adoptable pet, call first. The City says newly available animals can appear daily, the online list updates often, and interested adopters should call to make sure a pet is still at the shelter and available.

Choose what you need today

Most visitors are trying to solve one practical problem. Tap the matching section and use the official link when you are ready.

Adopt a pet Fees, requirements, first-come process and what to bring. Lost my pet Reports, shelter visit, microchip and reclaim steps. Found a pet Found report, microchip scan and safe next steps. Surrender a pet Appointments, residency proof and fees. Animal control Bites, cruelty, nuisance and emergency routing. Services Microchip, traps, volunteer, foster and donations. Map & parking Address, directions and arrival checklist. FAQs Hours, fees, phone, no-kill and lost dog questions.

Verified Richardson Animal Shelter facts

Official departmentCity of Richardson Animal Services
Shelter address1330 Columbia Dr., Richardson, TX 75081
Main phone972-744-4480
Public hoursMon–Fri 12–6 PM; Sat–Sun 12–5 PM
Visit cutoffAll animal visitations end 30 minutes before closing
Official sitecor.net Animal Services
Source-check note: hours, animal availability, fees, holiday schedules, service requests, appointment rules and adoption procedures can change. Confirm with the official City of Richardson Animal Services page before driving.

Video Guide: See Richardson Animal Shelter adoption context before you visit

This video is included because users searching for Richardson Animal Shelter often want to understand the shelter environment, adoptable animals and the local adoption process before visiting. Use it as a visual guide, then rely on the City’s official adoption page for current fees, availability, requirements and procedures.

How to use this video: watch it for adoption context, then check the official City page and call the shelter before visiting for a specific pet. Videos can become outdated quickly, but the shelter phone number, official pet list and City pages are the correct source for current status.
If you are adoptingWrite down the pet type, size, budget, schedule, landlord limits, household agreement and medical or behavior limits you can realistically handle.
If you are helpingUse the video to understand why shelters need adopters, fosters, volunteers, donors, enrichment supplies and community support.

Richardson Animal Shelter adoption process: how it works

Richardson Animal Shelter lists adoptable dogs, cats and other animals online, but the City warns that the website updates often and interested users should call if they want a particular pet. Adoption is listed as first-come, first-served, and pets cannot be held. That makes timing and preparation important.

Check the official pet list first.
Use the City’s adoptable animals page for dogs, cats and other animals. Pets may appear daily, and some animals may not show online for health, legal or immediate adoption reasons.
Call before driving for a specific pet.
If you saw a pet online, call 972-744-4480 to ask whether the pet is still there and available.
Arrive early for high-demand pets.
The City describes adoption as first-come, first-served and notes that the first person in the parking lot may have first claim when an animal becomes available.
Bring approved identification.
Adopters need a current U.S. government-issued photo ID and must be at least 18 years old.
Make sure the household agrees.
The long-term caretaker must be present. Adult household members should agree before the adoption is completed.
Read the contract carefully.
The City states adopters sign a legally binding contract and accept risk and responsibility. If a vaccine or spay/neuter addendum applies, ask exactly what proof and deadline are required.
Official Adoptable Animals Animal Services Home

Richardson Animal Shelter adoption fees

The City says adoption fees partially cover care such as spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip, boarding, feeding and cleaning. Use the table below for planning and confirm current fees directly before adoption day.

Animal type Official fee listed What to ask before adoption
Adult dogs$25Ask about energy level, leash manners, known behavior notes and spay/neuter status.
Puppies under 6 months$35Ask about vaccine schedule, future size, training needs and spay/neuter timing.
Adult cats$15Ask about litter habits, temperament, medical notes and comfort with pets or children.
Kittens under 6 months$20Ask whether the kitten is old enough, medically cleared and ready for pickup.
Guinea pig$15Ask about cage size, diet and handling comfort.
Rabbit$15Ask about indoor housing, diet, spay/neuter status and handling needs.
Hamster$5Ask about cage setup, bedding and handling expectations.
Parakeet$5Ask about cage setup, diet and whether the bird is hand-tame.
Cockatiel$30Ask about noise level, handling, cage requirements and diet.
Ferret$30Ask about legal ownership, odor control, vaccines, cage and enrichment needs.
Budget tip: the adoption fee is only the first cost. Plan for food, crate or carrier, leash, litter, bowls, bedding, medication, vet care, city requirements, training and emergency savings.

What to bring for Richardson Animal Shelter adoption

Government photo IDBring a current U.S. government-issued photo ID. The City lists examples such as driver’s license, non-driver photo ID, U.S. passport, military ID and tribal card.
Adult adopter presentThe person who will be the long-term caretaker must be present. Do not try to adopt on behalf of someone else as a surprise gift.
Household agreementMake sure adult household members agree before you arrive. The City says household opposition can result in denial.
Pet transportBring a safe carrier for cats and small animals. For dogs, bring a leash setup and safe vehicle plan.
Rental permissionIf you rent, bring proof that pets are allowed and confirm breed, size, deposit and limit rules.
Questions listAsk about health, behavior, spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip, return/credit policy and adjustment support.

Lost dog or cat in Richardson: what to do in the first 24 hours

The City says owners are responsible for stopping by the shelter, making a lost report and calling to make sure their pet is not at the shelter. Staff scan for microchips and try to contact owners when there is a tag or chip, but you should not wait passively.

Call Richardson Animal Shelter.
Call 972-744-4480. Give your pet’s species, name, color, breed/mix, sex, collar, microchip status and last-known location.
Post an official lost report.
Use the City’s lost/found report tools for dogs, cats or other animals. This gives Animal Services a matching record.
Visit the shelter in person.
Descriptions can be wrong. A frightened animal may look different in photos or be listed under a different breed or color.
Update microchip contact information.
Check the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup and contact the registry to update your phone and email.
Post daily and search physically.
The City recommends social posting daily so the post is not lost in feeds. Also check nearby shelters, streets, alleys, porches, garages and hiding spots.
Bring proof of ownership.
Bring photos, vet records, license records, microchip registration or adoption paperwork if you believe your pet is at the shelter.
Stray-hold warning: the City says stray cats or dogs without identification are held 3–5 days depending on circumstances, while stray cats or dogs with identification are held 5–10 days depending on circumstances. Do not delay.
Official Lost / Found Page AAHA Microchip Lookup

Found a pet in Richardson: safe next steps

If you found a pet in Richardson, do not assume the animal is abandoned. Many lost pets are frightened, dirty, hungry or hiding close to home. The safest route is to report the found animal, check for identification and avoid giving the pet away without proof of ownership.

Report itUse the City’s found animal report tools for dogs, cats or other animals.
Scan for a microchipA shelter or veterinary clinic can often scan the animal and help identify the owner.
Do not give away too quicklyRequire proof of ownership and involve the shelter when appropriate.
Use safe handlingDo not handle aggressive, injured, sick or frightened animals if it puts you at risk.
Found-pet call script: “Hi, I found a dog/cat near [street/intersection] in Richardson. The pet is [description] and has [collar/no collar]. Can I file a found report and ask what the correct next step is?”

Surrendering a pet to Richardson Animal Shelter

Richardson Animal Shelter asks owners to stay open to solving the problem before surrendering. If surrender is still needed, the City lists required items and says an appointment is required. Surrender is for City of Richardson residents, and proof of residency is required for ZIP codes 75080, 75081 and 75082.

Appointment warning: the official surrender page says you must schedule an appointment and may be asked to reschedule if you are more than 10 minutes late. Do not arrive expecting guaranteed intake without an appointment.
RequiredValid state picture ID or driver’s license, proof of Richardson residency and a scheduled surrender appointment.
Helpful recordsRabies vaccination information, veterinary records, toys or blankets, microchip information and medications.
Adult animal fee$20 per animal age 6 months or older. The City lists $10 waived with written proof of rabies vaccination and $10 waived if spayed/neutered.
Puppy or kitten fee$5 per puppy or kitten, according to the official surrender page.
Official Surrender Page Book Appointment

Animal control, bites, cruelty, wildlife and non-emergency concerns

Richardson Animal Services lists concerns such as lost and found animals, microchips, rabies control, vaccination requirements, stray or abandoned animals, unsanitary conditions, neglected or abused animals, public education, enforcement of laws and other animal-related issues.

Animal Control OfficersThe City lists officers on duty for service requests during public service hours.
On-call emergenciesThe City lists on-call emergencies from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday–Sunday.
BitesUse official bite reporting guidance and seek medical help if a person is bitten.
Cruelty in progressCall 911 for active cruelty, attacks, or immediate danger.
Wildlife or trapsThe shelter maintains humane box traps for certain animals; residents should contact the shelter.
PoisoningCall ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435. A fee may apply.
Important: Animal-Shelter.org is not animal control and cannot dispatch officers. Use Richardson Animal Services or 911 depending on urgency.

Pet services, microchipping, volunteer help and donations

Richardson Animal Services provides more than adoption. The City mentions microchipping, animal ordinances, humane traps, volunteer opportunities, foster support, donations and public education. Use the official City pages for current availability and rules.

MicrochippingThe City says the shelter chips pets for $15. Keep your registry contact details updated after the chip is placed.
VolunteerVolunteer opportunities are coordinated through Friends of Rescue Animals. Some roles have age and supervision requirements.
Doggy Day OutThe City describes Doggy Day Out through its volunteer partner. Requirements may apply before participation.
FosterFostering may help kittens, puppies or other animals until they are ready for adoption.
DonationsUse official City or shelter-linked donation pages. Do not drop off items that are expired, opened, unsafe or not requested.
Humane trapsResidents may contact the shelter about live capture box traps for certain animals.
Volunteer Opportunities Donation Info

Call scripts for common Richardson Animal Shelter needs

Use these scripts so staff can understand your situation quickly.

Adoption script: “Hi, I saw [pet name/type] on the Richardson adoptable animals page. Is the pet still available, and what time should I arrive if adoptions are first come, first served?”

Lost pet script: “Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [street/intersection]. The pet is [description] and may have [collar/microchip]. I want to file a lost report and check whether a matching animal is at the shelter.”

Surrender script: “Hi, I am a Richardson resident in ZIP [75080/75081/75082]. I need help with possible surrender or alternatives. What appointment, records and fees are required?”

Richardson Animal Shelter map and visit planning

The shelter is listed at 1330 Columbia Dr., Richardson, TX 75081. Before leaving, confirm the current hours, bring ID, and remember that animal visitations end 30 minutes before closing.

Arrival tip: for adoption, arrive prepared with ID and household agreement. For lost pets, bring proof of ownership. For surrender, do not arrive without an appointment.

Official Richardson Animal Shelter links

Animal Services homeCity Animal Services
Adoptable animalsDogs, cats and other pets
Lost or found animalsLost/found reports
Surrendering a petOwner surrender info
Animal bitesBite information
Additional informationHours, ordinances and FAQs

Common mistakes that slow people down

Arriving after visitation cutoffAnimal visitations end 30 minutes before closing, so do not arrive at the last minute.
Expecting a pet to be heldThe City says pets are first-come, first-served and cannot be held.
Skipping the phone callCall before driving for a specific animal because the online listing can change.
Waiting on a lost petPost a report, call, visit in person and check neighboring shelters.
Missing surrender requirementsSurrender requires appointment, Richardson residency proof and ID.
Assuming every issue is shelter-onlyUse 911 for immediate danger and the correct municipal route for non-emergency concerns.

Richardson Animal Shelter FAQs

The main Richardson Animal Shelter phone number is 972-744-4480.

The shelter is located at 1330 Columbia Dr., Richardson, TX 75081.

The City lists public hours as Monday–Friday 12 p.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday 12 p.m.–5 p.m. Animal visitations end 30 minutes before closing.

Yes. The City’s adoption page says adoptions are first come, first served and pets cannot be held.

Listed fees include adult dogs $25, puppies under 6 months $35, adult cats $15, kittens under 6 months $20, guinea pigs $15, rabbits $15, hamsters $5, parakeets $5, cockatiels $30 and ferrets $30. Confirm current fees before visiting.

You need a current U.S. government-issued photo ID and must be at least 18 years old.

Call the shelter, post a lost report, visit the shelter in person, update microchip information, post daily and check neighboring shelters.

The City says stray cats or dogs without identification are held 3–5 days depending on circumstances, and stray cats or dogs with identification are held 5–10 days depending on circumstances.

Richardson residents may request surrender by appointment. You must provide a valid state picture ID or driver’s license, proof of residency in ZIP codes 75080, 75081 or 75082, and follow the appointment process.

The City lists $20 per adult animal age 6 months or older, with possible $10 waivers for written rabies proof and spay/neuter status, and $5 per puppy or kitten.

The City says the shelter chips pets for $15. Contact the shelter to confirm current availability and appointment requirements.

No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent animal shelter and animal control directory. The official website is the City of Richardson Animal Services page on cor.net.

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. Emergency vet or urgent animal help: use a qualified emergency veterinarian or Animal Help Now where appropriate.

Animal-Shelter.org is an independent animal shelter and animal control directory. We are not Richardson Animal Shelter, 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, not a federal regulator, and not an attorney. Always confirm current hours, fees, pet availability, appointment rules and emergency instructions with the official City of Richardson Animal Services department.

Final summary

For Richardson Animal Shelter, start with the official City page, call 972-744-4480 for current pet status or urgent shelter questions, visit 1330 Columbia Dr. during public hours, and arrive early if you want a first-come, first-served adoption. If your pet is missing, file a report, call, visit in person and check microchip records immediately.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.