San Bernardino Animal Shelter Guide 2026: Adoption, Hours, Fees & Lost Pets

2026 San Bernardino shelter action guide

San Bernardino Animal Shelter: Adoption Hours, Fees, Lost Pets, Licensing & Animal Control 2026

San Bernardino Animal Shelter is officially the City of San Bernardino Animal Services shelter at 333 Chandler Place, helping with pet adoption, 24PetConnect listings, lost and found pets, dog licensing, foster help, animal bites, quarantine, and city animal-control questions.

If you are searching for San Bernardino Animal Shelter in 2026, start with the City of San Bernardino Animal Services shelter at 333 Chandler Place before relying on social posts or old third-party listings. This guide gives you the key visitor details in one place: adoption hours, meet-and-greet cutoff, dog and cat fees, long-stay adoption reductions, 24PetConnect pet search steps, lost-pet reclaim proof, bite quarantine rules, dog license fees, foster support, map directions, and official links so you can adopt, reclaim, report, license, foster, or ask the right question faster.

333 Chandler Place 909-998-4000 Tue–Sun 11am–4pm Meet & greet ends 3:30pm 24PetConnect listings
1
Search online firstUse City pages and 24PetConnect listings.
2
Arrive earlyMeet-and-greets end before closing.
3
Bring proofID, pet records, photos, microchip, payment.
4
Use the right routeAdoption, lost pet, license, bite, foster, control.
City vs county warning: This guide is for the City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter. San Bernardino County Animal Care, Devore Animal Shelter, Fontana, Rialto, Loma Linda, Grand Terrace and other nearby jurisdictions may have separate rules. Use the correct agency based on where the animal lives, was found, or was impounded.

San Bernardino Animal Shelter Quick Details

The official City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter is located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, CA 92408. The main shelter phone number is 909-998-4000. The official shelter location page lists adoptions and kennel walk-throughs from Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00am to 4:00pm, with meet-and-greets ending at 3:30pm. The shelter is closed Mondays and major holidays.

Adoption start Search 24PetConnect, save the animal ID, then visit during adoption hours.
Fees to plan Dogs/puppies $75, cats/kittens $55, with reductions for some long-stay pets.
Lost pet start Check 24PetConnect often and bring proof of ownership.
Bite or safety issue Use SB Access Online or call 909-998-4000; emergency danger needs emergency help.

San Bernardino Animal Shelter Hours and Best Visit Time

The shelter’s adoption and kennel walk-through window is listed as Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Meet-and-greets end at 3:30pm, so the real planning cutoff is earlier than the closing time. Arrive early if you want to meet, adopt, ask staff questions or complete paperwork.

Need Official / practical time Why it matters
Adoptions and kennel walk-throughs Tuesday–Sunday, 11am–4pm This is the visitor window to view animals and begin the adoption process.
Meet-and-greet Ends at 3:30pm Arriving after the cutoff can prevent you from meeting the pet that day.
Customer service office Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–4pm Office-type questions may not follow the full adoption walk-through pattern.
Monday / major holidays Closed Use closed days to search listings, prepare documents and call when open.
Long-distance visit Call first Pet availability, medical status, foster placement or event changes can happen quickly.

How to Adopt from San Bernardino Animal Shelter

San Bernardino adoptions are first-come, first-served. That means the best approach is to search several possible matches, save their animal IDs, visit early in the day and prepare for the possibility that your first-choice pet has already been adopted, reclaimed, fostered, rescued or temporarily unavailable.

1

Search pets on 24PetConnect

Open the San Bernardino City Shelter listing and save the animal ID, species, breed mix, sex, age, color, intake date and status. Do not rely only on one old screenshot.

2

Check the official adoption page

Review the current dog and cat fees, included care, reduced-fee notes and spay/neuter deposit rule before budgeting for adoption.

3

Visit during adoption hours

Plan to arrive well before the 3:30pm meet-and-greet cutoff. Bring photo ID, payment method and the pet ID numbers you want to ask about.

4

Ask the right fit questions

Ask about age, health, vaccines, spay/neuter timing, microchip, behavior notes, other pets, children, energy level, kennel stress and first-week adjustment.

5

Prepare transport and the first 72 hours

Bring a carrier for cats and small pets. For dogs, bring leash, collar, harness or crate plan. At home, use a quiet decompression space and avoid immediate dog parks or crowded introductions.

San Bernardino Animal Shelter Adoption Fees and Included Care

The official adoption page lists dog and puppy adoptions at $75 and cat and kitten adoptions at $55. Pets in care for 60+ days may have a $0 adoption fee. Fees and reductions can change during events, shelter campaigns or capacity needs, so verify before visiting.

Adoption / fee item Official listed amount What to verify before adopting
Dog or puppy adoption $75 Confirm current availability, included care, spay/neuter status, medical notes and take-home timing.
Cat or kitten adoption $55 Confirm carrier requirement, current fee, age, vaccines, microchip and any medical/behavior notes.
Animals in care 60+ days $0 adoption fee Ask if the animal qualifies today and whether all normal adoption rules still apply.
Limited pre-surgery release cases $42 refundable deposit Ask when surgery must be completed and how the refund process works.
Included care Included with adoption Spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccines, microchip, dewormer and flea/tick treatment are listed as included.

Before You Visit: San Bernardino Adoption and Reclaim Checklist

San Bernardino shelter visits go better when you arrive prepared. Use this checklist for adoption, lost-pet reclaim, licensing or animal-service questions.

Search 24PetConnect and save the animal ID numbers you want to ask about.
Check the official City page for current hours and holiday closures.
Arrive before the 3:30pm meet-and-greet cutoff.
Bring government-issued photo ID and a payment method.
Bring a carrier for cats or small animals.
Bring leash, collar, harness or crate plan for dogs.
If reclaiming, bring photos, vet records, microchip details, license records and proof of ownership.
If renting, confirm landlord rules, pet limits, breed rules, pet rent and deposits before adopting.

Lost Pet in San Bernardino: 24PetConnect, Reclaim Proof and 4-Business-Day Hold

If your pet is missing, act quickly. The City lost-pet page explains that stray pets are held for at least four business days under California law, and after that they may become available for adoption or transfer. Search 24PetConnect often because photos update and shelter lighting can make pets look different.

Bring proof of ownership Useful proof includes photos, vet records, adoption papers, license details, microchip number, rabies certificate and your photo ID.
Do not rely on one search Check online repeatedly and visit quickly if a possible match appears.

Lost pet first-day plan

Search 24PetConnect for City of San Bernardino animals.
Use Petco Love Lost and local lost/found pet tools where helpful.
Update the microchip company with your current phone and email.
Visit the shelter quickly if the listing looks like your pet.
Prepare reclaim fees, license proof and vaccination records if required.
Check nearby shelters in county/city border areas if the pet may have traveled.

Found a Pet or Stray Animal in San Bernardino?

If you found a pet, the right first step depends on safety, location and whether you can temporarily hold the animal. A friendly animal with a collar, tag or microchip may be reunited faster if you act safely and report through the right route. A sick, injured, aggressive or traffic-endangered animal needs animal-control or emergency help.

If the pet is friendly Check for collar/tag, take clear photos, keep it separate from your pets and contact the shelter route.
Microchip scan Ask a vet clinic, shelter or animal service route about scanning for a chip if it is safe.
If unsafe or injured Do not handle an aggressive or badly injured animal. Use official animal-control or emergency help.

Animal Control, Bites, Quarantine and Community Safety

San Bernardino Animal Control is not the same as a normal adoption visit. Use animal-control routing for bites, loose animals, leash-law issues, aggressive dogs, nuisance complaints, suspected cruelty and other community-safety concerns.

Situation Best official route What to prepare
Animal bite that breaks skin Report promptly through SB Access Online or call 909-998-4000 Victim details, animal description, owner info if known, location, photos and medical urgency.
Quarantine question Animal Control determines quarantine location Vaccination status, ownership proof, bite circumstances and current animal location.
Loose dog or leash-law issue Animal Control / SB Access route Exact location, animal description, repeat pattern, safety risk and owner address if known.
Suspected cruelty or neglect Official city animal-control report Address, dates, photos/video if safe, condition of animal and urgency level.
Immediate danger Emergency response first Location, injuries, active threat and whether people or animals are in danger now.
Bite quarantine note: The City says any dog or cat that bites a person and breaks the skin must be placed under quarantine under California law, regardless of rabies vaccination status. Do not treat bite cases like normal shelter questions.

San Bernardino Dog Licensing: Fees, DocuPet and Required Documents

City of San Bernardino residents must license dogs 4 months and older within 30 days, and new residents must also license within 30 days. A current rabies certificate is required. Cats are listed as voluntary for licensing, though rabies vaccination is strongly recommended by the City.

License category One year Two years Three years
Regular / unaltered dog $96 N/A N/A
Altered dog with certificate $24 $42 $54
Senior owner age 60+, altered dog $12 $24 $36
Required Current rabies vaccination certificate for dogs.
For altered pricing Proof of spay/neuter is required.
Senior pricing Proof of age is needed for senior altered licenses.

Owner Surrender and Rehoming Caution

Do not assume an owned pet can be surrendered as a walk-in. Space, health, behavior, jurisdiction, staffing and current shelter capacity can affect intake. Call 909-998-4000 first and ask what the current process is for your situation.

If the issue may be solvable Ask about low-cost help, training, licensing, foster, family support, rescue options or direct rehoming before surrendering.
If the pet has bitten or is unsafe Use the animal-control and bite-report route, not a normal surrender question.

Foster, Volunteer and Donate to Help San Bernardino Shelter Pets

The City says it urgently needs foster homes and that temporary foster placement helps pets decompress, recover and become visible to adopters. The foster page lists basic requirements, including being at least 18, having valid government ID, living in Southern California, quarantining foster pets for 3–14 days, staying in contact with the shelter and promoting the foster pet for adoption.

Foster Large dogs, long-stay pets, medical fosters, bottle babies and confidence-building cases may need help.
Contact Foster questions can be sent to fosterpet@sbcity.org.
Donate or volunteer Use official City pages so help reaches the correct shelter program.

San Bernardino Animal Shelter Action Planner

Select your situation and get the correct first steps before calling, visiting or filling out a form.

Adoption plan:

Search 24PetConnect, save several animal IDs, check the official adoption page, arrive Tuesday–Sunday between 11am and 4pm before the 3:30pm meet-and-greet cutoff, and bring ID, payment and safe transport.

Map to San Bernardino City Animal Shelter

The City shelter is listed at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, CA 92408. Use this map for directions only. Verify today’s hours, holiday closures and pet availability before leaving.

Map is for travel planning only. Official shelter rules, hours, fees and availability must be checked with the City of San Bernardino.

San Bernardino Animal Shelter FAQs

Where is San Bernardino Animal Shelter located?

The official City shelter is at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, CA 92408.

What is the San Bernardino Animal Shelter phone number?

The main phone number listed by the City is 909-998-4000.

What are San Bernardino Animal Shelter adoption hours?

Adoptions and kennel walk-throughs are listed Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Meet-and-greets end at 3:30pm. The shelter is closed Mondays and major holidays.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog?

The official adoption page lists dog and puppy adoption at $75, with some long-stay animals in care 60+ days listed at $0 adoption fee.

How much does it cost to adopt a cat?

The official adoption page lists cat and kitten adoption at $55. Confirm current fees and promotions before payment.

What is included with the adoption fee?

The City lists spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccines, microchip, dewormer and flea/tick treatment as included with adoption.

Where do I search available pets?

Use the City’s adoption page and the San Bernardino City Shelter 24PetConnect listings. Save the animal ID before visiting.

What should I do if I lost a pet?

Search 24PetConnect frequently, act quickly, visit if you see a possible match and bring proof of ownership such as photos, vet records, microchip information, license records and ID.

How long are stray pets held?

The City’s lost-pet page says California law requires shelters to hold stray pets for at least four business days before they may become available for adoption or transfer.

Who do I call for an animal bite?

Report bites promptly through SB Access Online or call 909-998-4000. If there is immediate danger or serious injury, use emergency response first.

Do San Bernardino dogs need a license?

Yes. The City says dogs 4 months and older must be licensed within 30 days, and a current rabies certificate is required.

Can I foster a pet from San Bernardino Animal Services?

Yes. The City foster page says foster homes are needed and lists basic requirements such as being 18+, having valid ID, living in Southern California and staying in contact with the shelter.

Final Takeaway

San Bernardino Animal Shelter is the City of San Bernardino Animal Services shelter at 333 Chandler Place. Start with the official City pages and 24PetConnect, visit Tuesday through Sunday between 11am and 4pm, arrive before the 3:30pm meet-and-greet cutoff, and call 909-998-4000 for current shelter questions. For lost pets, act fast and bring proof. For bites, quarantine, loose animals and safety concerns, use the official animal-control route.

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.

0% completed

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.