San Bernardino City Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption 2026

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Verified San Bernardino City Shelter Guide

San Bernardino City Animal Shelter Guide: Adoption, Lost Pets, Animal Control, Fees, Video & Map

Use this guide for City of San Bernardino Animal Services when you need adoption hours, phone number, address, adoption fees, lost-and-found pet steps, animal control reporting, licensing, bite reporting, a map, and a helpful video before visiting.

Official shelter address 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, CA 92408
Main phone 909-998-4000
Adoption hours shown Tuesday–Sunday, 11 AM–4 PM

Quick Answer: What is the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter?

San Bernardino City Animal Shelter is the City of San Bernardino Animal Services shelter at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, CA 92408. The city lists adoption hours as Tuesday through Sunday, 11 AM to 4 PM, with meet-and-greets ending at 3:30 PM. Call 909-998-4000 before visiting if you need a specific pet, lost-pet help, animal control routing, or bite reporting.

Best first step: If you want to adopt, start on the official City of San Bernardino Adopt a Pet page and check available animals before driving. If your pet is missing, search online listings but also visit or call the shelter because photos and intake details may be delayed.

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Verified San Bernardino City Animal Shelter facts

Official agencyCity of San Bernardino Animal Services
Shelter address333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, CA 92408
Main phone909-998-4000
Adoption hoursTuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Meet-and-greet cutoffMeet and greets end at 3:30 PM
ClosedMondays and major holidays
Source-check note: Shelter hours, animal availability, special events, fees, adoption reductions, licensing rules, and service areas can change. Always confirm on the official City of San Bernardino pages before driving or paying a fee.

Video Guide: City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter overview

This video is included because many users want to see the shelter context before visiting, adopting, donating, or asking for help. The official city pages remain the final source for current fees, hours, animal availability, and animal control instructions.

How to use this video: watch it for shelter context, then use the official adoption, lost pet, found pet, animal control, and licensing pages for current next steps. Do not rely on a video alone for fee amounts, hours, or urgent animal-control routing.
If you are adoptingUse the video to understand shelter operations, then check current adoptable pets and arrive before meet-and-greet cutoff.
If you need animal controlUse the written official links and phone number below. Video content does not replace emergency or non-emergency reporting channels.

San Bernardino City Animal Shelter adoption process

The City of San Bernardino lists adoptions as first-come, first-served. That means you should check available pets early, arrive during adoption hours, and be prepared with ID, transport supplies, and realistic questions. Available animals can change quickly, especially during adoption events or crowded shelter periods.

Start with the official adoption page.
Use the City of San Bernardino Adopt a Pet page to view current adoption information and links to available animals.
Check timing before you drive.
Adoption and kennel walk-through hours are shown as Tuesday through Sunday, 11 AM to 4 PM. Meet-and-greets end at 3:30 PM, so arriving late may limit what you can do.
Visit with a plan.
Know whether you want a dog, puppy, cat, kitten, or another available animal. Bring all household decision-makers when possible.
Ask about health and behavior.
Ask staff what is known about the animal’s age, medical care, energy level, handling, previous notes, and whether any restrictions apply.
Confirm spay/neuter timing.
The city states spay or neuter is included with every adoption and is usually completed before the pet goes home. In limited cases, a refundable deposit may apply if surgery is completed later.
Pay and prepare for the ride home.
Confirm accepted payment methods and transport requirements. Bring a secure carrier for cats and a safe leash setup for dogs.

San Bernardino City Animal Shelter adoption fees

The official city adoption page lists simple adoption fees and explains that included care can be worth much more than the fee itself. Confirm current specials or reductions before visiting because adoption promotions may change.

Pet type Official fee shown What the adopter should confirm
Dog or puppy $75 Ask about spay/neuter status, vaccines, microchip, dewormer, flea/tick treatment, and any behavior notes.
Cat or kitten $55 Ask whether the cat is ready to go home now, whether a carrier is required, and what medical records are provided.
Long-stay dogs May be reduced; 60+ days in care may show $0 adoption fee Ask whether a listed reduction applies to the exact animal you want to adopt.
Spay/neuter pending Refundable $42 deposit may apply in limited cases Ask how the deposit is returned and what deadline applies for surgery completion.
Included care: The city says adoption includes spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccines, microchip, dewormer, and flea/tick treatment. Ask staff what applies to the specific pet because age and medical status can affect timing.

Before you visit for adoption: practical checklist

Bring photo IDUse your current address and contact details so staff can match paperwork correctly.
Arrive early enoughBecause meet-and-greets end at 3:30 PM, avoid arriving near closing if you need time to meet a pet.
Bring a carrier or leash planCats need safe transport. Dogs should leave with a secure leash/harness setup.
Know your housing rulesRenters should confirm landlord approval, breed rules, weight limits, and pet deposits before adopting.
Plan the first weekBuy food, bowls, crate or bed, litter setup, cleaning supplies, ID tag, and a vet follow-up plan.
Ask before payingConfirm current fee, payment options, surgery status, records, and any post-adoption instructions.

Lost dog or cat in San Bernardino: what to do first

If your pet is missing in San Bernardino, act quickly and use more than one search method. The city’s lost pet guidance says online tools are helpful, but nothing replaces visiting the shelter in person when possible.

Search current shelter listings.
Check 24PetConnect and Petco Love Lost for animals that may match your pet. Photos may be delayed, so read listings carefully.
Call the shelter if a listing might match.
If you see a listing without a photo or details are unclear, call 909-998-4000 so staff can help confirm.
Visit the shelter in person when possible.
Descriptions can be wrong. A scared dog or cat may look different in shelter photos than at home.
Bring proof of ownership.
Bring recent photos, vet or vaccination records, pet license information, microchip registration, adoption/foster paperwork, or other proof.
Update microchip records.
Use the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup and contact the registry to update your phone and email.
Repeat the search daily.
New animals can arrive after your first search. Keep calling, checking online, and visiting if needed.

Found a dog or cat in San Bernardino: safe next steps

Finding a pet does not mean the animal was abandoned. A lost indoor cat, loose dog, or frightened pet may have an owner searching nearby. Use the city’s found-pet route and avoid unsafe handling.

If the dog is injured or sickContact Animal Services for help. Do not delay when the animal appears hurt or visibly ill.
If the dog is aggressiveDo not transport the dog yourself. Call 909-998-4000 for assistance.
If you cannot safely contain itCall Animal Services rather than risking an escape, bite, or traffic incident.
If you post onlineDo not give the pet to a claimant without proof. Ask for photos, vet records, license details, or microchip confirmation.
Found-pet call script: “Hi, I found a dog/cat near [street/intersection] in San Bernardino. The pet is [description]. It is [safe/not safe] to contain. What should I do next?”

San Bernardino animal control and community safety

City of San Bernardino Animal Services handles animal-related community safety requests within its assigned jurisdiction. The city says non-urgent concerns can be submitted through SB Access Online, while immediate danger to people or animals should be handled by calling directly.

Loose dogs or animalsUse the city’s animal control/community safety route or SB Access Online for non-urgent issues.
Immediate dangerCall the proper emergency route when people or animals are in immediate danger.
Animal bitesReport bites promptly through SB Access Online or by calling 909-998-4000.
Jurisdiction matters: San Bernardino Animal Services states officers respond within assigned city areas. If you live outside the City of San Bernardino or outside a served contract city, contact your city’s designated animal control agency.

Dog licensing in the City of San Bernardino

The city’s license page states that all dogs over 4 months old in the City of San Bernardino must be licensed. Cats are voluntary for licensing, and rabies vaccination is strongly recommended due to possible wildlife exposure.

License category One year Important note
Regular unaltered dog $96 Use current rabies documentation and confirm current city requirements.
Altered dog $24 Proof of spay/neuter is required for altered license pricing.
Senior owner, altered dog $12 Proof of owner age 60+ and altered status is required.
Important: Licensing is based on your city of residence. If you live in Rialto, Fontana, Colton, Loma Linda, or another nearby area, use your own city’s licensing program instead of assuming San Bernardino licensing applies.

Foster, volunteer, donate and support shelter pets

Not every visitor is ready to adopt. San Bernardino Animal Services also has routes for fostering, volunteering, donating, and supporting animals in care. Use official city pages because requirements, training, forms, and current needs may change.

FosterAsk which animals need temporary homes and what supplies, medical support, and return rules apply.
VolunteerCheck current volunteer requirements before arriving. Age limits, training, applications, and scheduling may apply.
DonateUse the official donation route. Avoid dropping off opened food, medicine, or used items unless the shelter says they can accept them.
Adopt long-stay petsLong-stay animals may have reduced fees and need extra visibility. Ask staff which pets are most urgent.

Call scripts for common San Bernardino Animal Services needs

Use a short, clear script so staff can route your question faster.

Adoption script: “Hi, I’m interested in adopting [animal ID/name/type]. I saw the pet online. Is the pet still available, and what should I know before visiting today?”

Lost pet script: “Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [street/intersection]. The pet is [description] and may have [collar/microchip]. Can you help me check recent intakes?”

Animal control script: “Hi, I need to report [loose dog/bite/aggressive animal/concern] at [location]. It is [urgent/non-urgent]. Should I call, submit SB Access, or do something else?”

San Bernardino City Animal Shelter map and visit planning

The official shelter address is 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, CA 92408. The city’s directions describe the shelter as near the City Water Department and behind Target. Before driving, confirm hours, adoption status, and whether your task can be completed that day.

Arrival tip: For adoption, arrive with enough time before meet-and-greets end. For lost pets, bring proof of ownership. For animal control issues, call first if there is immediate danger or a bite.

Official San Bernardino Animal Services links

Animal Services homepageOfficial Animal Services page
Adopt a petAdoption page
Shelter locationShelter location page
Lost a petLost pet help
Found a petFound pet help
Animal controlCommunity safety page
Animal bitesBites & quarantine
License your petPet licensing

Common mistakes that slow people down

Arriving too lateMeet-and-greets end before closing, so late visits may not leave enough time to adopt.
Assuming a pet is still availableAdoptions are first-come, first-served. Check current status before driving.
Searching only online for a lost petPhotos and details can lag. Visit or call when a listing might match.
Using the wrong jurisdictionAnimal control and licensing depend on city of residence and service area.
Not bringing proofLost pet reclaim is easier when you bring photos, vet records, license, chip info, or adoption papers.
Skipping post-adoption planningShelter pets need decompression time, supplies, a quiet home setup, and a vet plan.

San Bernardino City Animal Shelter FAQs

The official phone number shown for City of San Bernardino Animal Services is 909-998-4000.

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

The city lists adoption and kennel walk-through hours as Tuesday through Sunday, 11 AM to 4 PM. Meet-and-greets end at 3:30 PM, and the shelter is closed Mondays and major holidays.

The official adoption page lists dog and puppy adoption fees at $75 and cat and kitten adoption fees at $55. Some long-stay animals may have reduced fees.

The city says adoption includes spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccines, microchip, dewormer, and flea/tick treatment. Confirm details for the specific animal.

Yes. The official City of San Bernardino Animal Services adoption page describes adoptions as first-come, first-served.

Search 24PetConnect and Petco Love Lost, call the shelter, visit in person when possible, update microchip records, and bring proof of ownership.

Animal bites should be reported promptly through SB Access Online or by calling San Bernardino Animal Services at 909-998-4000.

Yes. The city says all dogs over 4 months old in the City of San Bernardino must be licensed. Cats are voluntary for licensing.

No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent directory guide. The official city website is sanbernardino.gov.

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.