Saratoga County Animal Shelter, Adoption & Pets 2026

Address

6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Use the map section below for directions before you leave.

Main phone

518-885-4113.

Call for adoption, surrender, redemption, foster, volunteer and general shelter questions.

General hours

Monday–Saturday, 10 AM–4 PM.

Closed Sundays and holidays.

Pet meets

Cat and small animal meets: 10 AM–3 PM.

Dog meets: 12 PM–3 PM. Confirm Monday dog meets before visiting.

Dogs, cats and small animals

The shelter lists adoptable dogs, adoptable cats and other animals when available. Profiles can change quickly, so use the live listings before visiting.

Lost and found pets

Found animals may appear on the shelter’s Lost & Found page, and the shelter also uses Facebook for missing and found pet updates.

Surrender, rabies clinics and support

Services include owner surrender by appointment, animal redemption, free rabies clinic information, animal-control officer referrals and bereavement resources.

Dogs

The official fee breakdown lists a $55 adoption fee plus rabies, distemper, kennel cough, HW/Lyme/ERC test, microchip and license fee.

Listed total: $151.

Cats

The official fee breakdown lists a $55 adoption fee plus rabies, distemper and microchip.

Listed total: $110. FELV by request is listed as an additional option.

Other animals

When available, small animals are listed at $15 and exotics are listed at $75.

Confirm current pricing before visiting for a non-dog or non-cat adoption.

Dogs

Check dog profiles first. Bring all household residents for dog adoption because the shelter says all residents must meet dogs prior to adoption.

Cats

Cat meets are listed Monday–Saturday, 10 AM–3 PM. Bring a secure carrier if adoption is likely.

Kittens and puppies

Young animals may be adopted quickly. Have backup choices and ask staff what pets best fit your household.

Other animals

Small animals and exotics may be available at times. Ask about care requirements before assuming the pet fits your home.

If your pet is missing

• Check the official Lost & Found page immediately.
• Check the shelter’s Facebook updates because found pets may be posted there.
• Visit or call the shelter quickly if a listed animal may be yours.
• Update your microchip contact information right away.
• Bring proof of ownership, rabies records and license records for reclaim.

If you found a pet

• Contact your town’s Animal Control Officer as the shelter directs.
• Keep yourself safe around scared, injured or aggressive animals.
• Note the exact location, time and condition of the animal.
• Ask about microchip scanning and intake steps.
• Do not permanently rehome a found pet without following local requirements.

Dogs

Official redemption guidance says dog owners must provide current rabies proof, proof of ownership, redemption fee and boarding fee.

Cats

Cat redemption guidance lists current rabies information and boarding fees.

Fees

The fees page lists dog first redemption at $40, dog second redemption at $50, and board fees at $10 per day for dogs and cats.

Requirements listed by the shelter

• You must be a Saratoga County resident.
• Proof of identification is required.
• You must call 518-885-4113 to schedule an appointment.
• You must complete the correct surrender form.
• The official surrender fee is listed as $10 for dogs or cats, and $5 for puppies, kittens or other small pets.

Before surrendering

• Ask family, friends or trusted neighbors for temporary help.
• Ask whether a rescue group or breed rescue can help.
• Try safe rehoming language such as “looking for a good home,” not “free to good home.”
• Be honest about behavior, bite history, medical issues and medications.
• Do not abandon an animal or leave it outside the shelter.

Rabies clinics

The services page links to free rabies clinic information and notes that clinics are held at the 4-H Training Center on Middleline Road, not at the shelter.

Animal control officers

The services section points visitors to animal-control officers in their area for appropriate local animal-control handling.

Foster and volunteer

The shelter has foster and volunteer information. Foster questions are routed through the shelter phone and staff contact.

Photo ID

Bring government ID for adoption, surrender, reclaim and service questions.

Adopter profile

Complete the adopter profile before coming and bring it with you.

Landlord approval

If renting, bring landlord approval documents or lease agreements before adoption.

Household members

All residents of a household must meet dogs before adoption.

Proof for reclaim

Bring rabies, license, vet records, photos, microchip details and proof of ownership.

Safe transport

Bring a secure cat carrier or safe dog leash/harness plan if adoption or reclaim is likely.

Arrive early

Meet windows end before general closing. Arrive early enough to speak with staff and complete paperwork.

Call for one pet

Call first if you are visiting for one specific dog, cat, puppy, kitten or small animal.

Bring records

For reclaim or rental approval, documents matter. Do not rely on photos alone.

Before visiting

• Do not visit Sunday or holidays expecting normal public hours.
• Do not arrive after the meet window and expect to meet pets.
• Do not drive for one specific pet without calling first.
• Do not forget the adopter profile.
• Do not ignore landlord or household-member requirements.

Before reclaim or surrender

• Do not try to surrender a pet without an appointment.
• Do not bring incomplete proof of ownership for reclaim.
• Do not forget rabies and license records for dogs.
• Do not assume a lost pet is not at the shelter just because you checked once.
• Do not rely on old fee screenshots without confirming current rules.