Salem Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

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Verified Salem Shelter Guide

Salem Animal Shelter Visitor Guide: Adoption Hours, Fees, Lost Pets, Animal Control & Map

Use this Salem Animal Shelter guide for the official address, phone number, public hours, adoption fee, lost and found pet steps, animal control routing, surrender rules, video guidance, and map before you visit or call.

Official Shelter Page Call 540-375-3038 Watch Video Guide
Official address 1301 Indiana Street, Salem, VA 24153
Shelter phone 540-375-3038
Animal Control phone 540-375-3078

Quick Answer: What is Salem Animal Shelter?

Salem Animal Shelter is the City of Salem, Virginia shelter located at 1301 Indiana Street. The shelter cares for homeless dogs and cats, supports adoptions, handles lost and found reports, works closely with Salem Animal Control, and also serves as the contract housing facility for Craig County animals.

Fastest path: call the shelter at 540-375-3038 for adoption, lost pet, found pet, and shelter questions. For animal-related emergencies or immediate public safety concerns, use 911 or Salem Animal Control at 540-375-3078.

Choose what you need today

Most visitors searching for “Salem animal shelter” want one specific action. Pick your task below and use the matching section.

Adopt a pet Fee, paperwork, same-day process, and what to bring. Lost my pet Walk-through advice, report steps, and microchip checks. Found an animal Safe handling, reporting, and what not to do. Surrender / admit Who can turn in animals and what to ask first. Animal control Emergency, bites, stray dogs, cruelty, and licensing. Fees and licenses Adoption fee, city license fees, and rabies rules. Watch video Dog Day Out and adoption preparation context. Map and visit Address, directions, and arrival checklist.

Verified Salem Animal Shelter facts

Official shelter nameSalem Animal Shelter
City / stateSalem, Virginia
Address1301 Indiana Street, Salem, VA 24153
Shelter phone540-375-3038
Animal Control540-375-3078
Emergency911
Day Public shelter hours shown by City of Salem Planning note
Monday 10 AM to 4:30 PM Good day to call early before visiting.
Tuesday 10 AM to 4:30 PM Bring ID and adoption payment questions.
Wednesday Closed Use phone/official pages when available; do not assume walk-in access.
Thursday 10 AM to 4:30 PM Best to confirm animal availability before driving.
Friday 10 AM to 4:30 PM Ask whether the animal you saw online is still available.
Saturday 10 AM to 3:30 PM Arrive earlier because the public window is shorter.
Sunday Closed Use emergency routing only for true emergencies.
Last reviewed: June 4, 2026. Hours, fees, animal availability, adoption rules, and animal-control routing can change. Always confirm on the official City of Salem pages before driving.

Video Guide: Salem Animal Shelter Dog Day Out and adoption preparation

This video is included because people searching for Salem Animal Shelter often want to understand available dogs, shelter life, adoption preparation, and community programs before visiting. The selected video is not a replacement for the official city page, but it helps explain a real shelter-user intent: meeting shelter dogs and helping them get adopted.

How to use this video: watch it for adoption and community-program context, then verify current animals, fees, and hours directly with Salem Animal Shelter. Video content can become outdated faster than official city pages.
If you plan to adoptThink about your schedule, home setup, children, current pets, transport, and whether you can handle training or medical follow-up.
If you want to helpAsk the shelter about volunteer, donation, foster, and enrichment opportunities before arriving.

Salem Animal Shelter adoption process

Salem Animal Shelter’s official FAQ says there is no lengthy application process for standard adoptions. You visit the animals, choose the pet you want to adopt, complete paperwork, pay the adoption fee, and can take the animal home after the required paperwork is finished.

Check current animals.
Use the official shelter page and the City of Salem Animal Shelter Facebook page for adoptable animal photos, but call or visit to confirm availability.
Visit during public hours.
Go during posted hours and allow enough time to meet animals, ask questions, and complete paperwork before closing.
Meet the animal carefully.
Use the shelter’s meet-and-greet spaces when available. Ask about behavior, history, handling, and whether the animal has met other pets.
Ask about spay/neuter rules.
State and local rules may require adopted animals from a local pound to be spayed or neutered within a set timeframe if not already altered.
Pay the adoption fee.
The official FAQ lists a $30 adoption fee and says cash, checks, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted.
Take the pet home safely.
Bring a carrier for cats, a leash setup for dogs, and a quiet home plan for the first few days.
Adoption limit note: The official FAQ says Virginia regulates that there can only be two adoptions per household every 30 days. Ask the shelter if you are trying to adopt more than one animal.
Adoption Readiness Page Official Shelter Page

Salem Animal Shelter adoption fees and city pet license rules

The official Salem FAQ lists the adoption fee as $30. The animal-control page also lists city licensing rules for dogs and cats, including proof of current rabies vaccination.

Fee / rule Official amount or requirement What to confirm
Adoption fee $30 Confirm before adoption day and ask whether any special case applies.
Payment methods Cash, checks, credit cards, debit cards Ask if card processing or exact payment rules have changed.
Male dog / female dog license $10 License rules apply to Salem residents; rabies certificate required.
Spayed/neutered dog license $5 Ask where to purchase or renew the city license.
Male cat / female cat license $10 Salem requires dog and cat licensing by January 31 each year.
Spayed/neutered cat license $5 Bring proof of rabies vaccination when licensing.
Practical money tip: Do not arrive with only one payment option. Even if a city page lists several methods, payment systems can change or be temporarily unavailable.

What to bring when adopting from Salem Animal Shelter

Valid IDBring government-issued photo identification. The shelter may need it for paperwork and adoption records.
Payment methodBring a payment method accepted by the shelter and ask whether card systems are working before you arrive.
Carrier or leashBring a secure cat carrier or a safe leash setup for a dog. Do not transport a new pet loose in a vehicle.
Landlord permissionIf you rent, confirm pet rules, breed restrictions, weight limits, deposits, and number-of-pet limits before adopting.
Current pet planIf you already have pets, ask how introductions should be handled and whether a meet-and-greet is recommended.
First-week suppliesPrepare food, bowls, litter, crate or bed, cleanup supplies, and a quiet decompression space.

Lost dog or cat in Salem, VA: what to do first

The official lost and found page says Salem Animal Shelter keeps lost and found reports for 30 days. It also strongly recommends visiting in person to walk through possible shelters because that is the only way to ensure your pet is not there.

Call Salem Animal Shelter.
Call 540-375-3038. Give your pet’s species, name, color, size, sex, collar, microchip status, and last-known location.
Submit lost-pet details.
Use the official email link on the city page or call the shelter to submit information about your missing pet.
Visit in person.
Do a walk-through of the shelter and nearby possible shelters. Photos and descriptions can be wrong, especially when pets are frightened.
Check microchip records.
Use AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup, then contact the registry to update your phone and email.
Contact nearby vets and animal control agencies.
The official lost-pet page recommends checking nearby veterinary hospitals and area animal-control divisions.
Post locally and search physically.
Post on local lost/found pages, check with neighbors, put signs where allowed, and search sheds, porches, garages, and hiding places.
Do not rely only on Facebook. Social media helps, but official shelter reports, in-person checks, microchip updates, and calls to nearby agencies give you a better chance of getting your pet home.
Official Lost & Found Page AAHA Microchip Lookup

Found a pet in Salem: safe next steps

If you found a dog or cat, do not assume the animal was abandoned. It may be a lost indoor pet, a recently escaped dog, or a pet whose owner is already calling the shelter.

Call before transportingCall the shelter or Animal Control for the right next step, especially if the animal is injured, aggressive, or frightened.
Check for a microchipA shelter or veterinary office may be able to scan the animal and contact the owner.
Do not give the pet awayPosting is helpful, but require proof of ownership. Random rehoming can separate a lost pet from its family.
Use safe handlingDo not corner or chase an animal. Keep children and pets away until you know the animal’s condition and behavior.
Found-pet call script: “Hi, I found a dog/cat near [street/intersection] in Salem. The animal is [description]. It has [collar/no collar]. What is the correct way to report or bring in this pet?”

Surrender or owner-admission rules at Salem Animal Shelter

Salem Animal Shelter is a municipal shelter. The official FAQ says the facility can only take animals being relinquished from City of Salem or Craig County residents, or stray animals found in Salem or Craig County. This helps ensure a missing pet is taken to the place the owner is most likely to check.

Call first: Do not leave an animal outside the facility, and do not assume the shelter can accept every animal immediately. Capacity, residency, species, health, and safety rules can affect the answer.
Before callingWrite down the animal’s age, species, breed, sex, spay/neuter status, vaccines, medical needs, behavior concerns, and reason for surrender.
Residency mattersAsk whether your situation qualifies under Salem or Craig County rules before driving.
Species limitsThe official FAQ says the facility can safely house cats and dogs. Salem residents may call for guidance about other species.
Ask for alternativesIf the shelter cannot take the pet, ask about rescue referrals, rehoming options, food help, training support, or veterinary resources.

Salem Animal Control: emergencies, bites, stray dogs, cruelty and licensing

Salem Animal Shelter shares its facility with Animal Control officers who serve the community. Salem Animal Control officers are sworn officers of the Salem Police Department with animal-control training.

Animal emergencyCall 911 or 540-375-3078 for animal-related emergencies.
Stray dogReport stray dogs to Salem Police / Animal Control. Do not wait until the dog chases or bites someone.
Animal bitesAll animal bites of human beings must be reported to Salem Animal Control immediately.
CrueltyReport suspected cruelty. Virginia law prohibits cruelty to animals.
Rabies vaccineDogs and cats four months of age or older must be vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian.
Pet limitsThe City of Salem FAQ says residents can own three dogs and three cats.
Emergency routing: for life-threatening situations, serious bites, dangerous animals, or cruelty in progress, use emergency channels instead of waiting for a routine shelter response.

Call scripts for common Salem Animal Shelter needs

A clear call script helps the shelter or animal-control team route your question faster.

Adoption script: “Hi, I’m interested in adopting from Salem Animal Shelter. Can you tell me what animals are currently available, whether I should visit today, and what I need to bring?”

Lost pet script: “Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [street/intersection]. The pet is [description] and may have [collar/microchip]. Can I file a lost report and check whether a matching animal has come in?”

Found pet script: “Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [location] in Salem. The animal is [description]. Should I bring it in, wait for Animal Control, or send photos first?”

Animal Control script: “Hi, I need to report [stray dog/bite/cruelty concern/dangerous animal]. This is happening at [location]. Is this a 911 issue, or should I speak with Animal Control?”

Volunteer, donate and support Salem Animal Shelter

If you cannot adopt, Salem Animal Shelter still offers ways to help. The official Get Involved page says donations support animal care, spay/neuter programs, veterinary care, food supplies, and shelter needs.

Donate moneyCash donations can support animal care and shelter programs.
Donate suppliesUse the official wish-list guidance before dropping items off.
Volunteer questionsAsk current requirements, age rules, training, and scheduling before arriving.
Adoption supportSharing official adoptable-pet posts can help animals find homes faster.
Official Get Involved Page Shelter Facebook Page

Salem Animal Shelter map and visit planning

The shelter is located at 1301 Indiana Street, Salem, VA 24153. The official FAQ describes the location as across from Yokohama Tire, beside Salem Rotary Dog Park and the City of Salem Transfer Station.

Before you drive: confirm the current public hours, bring ID, prepare payment, bring a carrier or leash, and call first if you need lost-pet, surrender, animal-control, or reclaim help.

Official Salem Animal Shelter links

Official shelter pageCity of Salem Animal Shelter
Adoption readinessAre You Ready to Adopt?
Lost and foundLost & Found pets
Animal controlAnimal Control Services
Get involvedVolunteer / donate
City FAQSalem Animal Shelter FAQs

Helpful Animal-Shelter.org resources

These internal resources explain how this independent directory verifies shelter information and routes urgent animal situations.

DisclaimerRead our independent-site disclaimer
SourcesHow we verify shelter pages
ContactReport an editorial correction

Common mistakes to avoid

Going on Wednesday or SundayThe official public hours show the shelter is closed on those days.
Assuming online photos are completeCall or visit to confirm what animals are currently available.
Waiting on a lost petCall, file a report, check microchips, visit in person, and contact nearby agencies.
Trying to surrender without callingResidency and intake rules matter. Call first before bringing an animal.
Confusing shelter and emergency dispatchUse 911 for emergencies, bites, dangerous animals, and cruelty in progress.
Forgetting city licensingSalem has licensing rules for dogs and cats, and a current rabies certificate is required.

Salem Animal Shelter FAQs

The Salem Animal Shelter phone number is 540-375-3038.

Salem Animal Shelter is located at 1301 Indiana Street, Salem, VA 24153.

The official public hours show Monday and Tuesday 10 AM to 4:30 PM, Wednesday closed, Thursday and Friday 10 AM to 4:30 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 3:30 PM, and Sunday closed. Confirm before visiting.

The official FAQ lists the adoption fee as $30 and says cash, checks, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted.

The official FAQ says there is no separate application process for standard adoptions. You choose the animal, complete paperwork, pay the fee, and may take the animal home after the process is complete.

No, but the official FAQ says if the animal is intact, you must live in Salem, Craig County, or a bordering jurisdiction so the shelter can follow up on spay/neuter contract requirements.

Call the shelter, submit a lost-pet report, update the microchip, visit in person, contact nearby animal-control divisions, check local vets, and post local alerts.

No. The official FAQ says the shelter can only take animals being relinquished from City of Salem or Craig County residents, or stray animals found in Salem or Craig County.

The official FAQ says staff work hard to place every adoptable animal and that euthanasia of adoptable animals is a last resort. Use the official shelter for current policy details.

Salem Animal Control can be reached at 540-375-3078. For emergencies, call 911.

The official FAQ says residents can own three dogs and three cats in the City of Salem.

No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent animal shelter and animal control directory. The official City of Salem website is salemva.gov.

Emergency routing and independent-site disclaimer

Life-threatening or in-progress cruelty: call 911. Animal-related emergency in Salem: call 911 or Salem Animal Control at 540-375-3078. 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 Salem 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 a federal regulator, not police, and not an attorney. Always confirm current hours, fees, policies, animal availability, and emergency instructions with the official organization.

Final summary

For Salem Animal Shelter in Salem, Virginia, use the official city shelter page for current details, call 540-375-3038 for shelter questions, and call 540-375-3078 or 911 for animal-control emergencies. The shelter address is 1301 Indiana Street, Salem, VA 24153, and the official FAQ lists the adoption fee as $30.

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.

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.