Scituate Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours, Fees, Pets & Contact Guide 2026
This guide covers Scituate Animal Shelter in Massachusetts and the separate Town of Scituate Animal Control contact path. Use it to check adoption hours, fees, available pets, surrender guidance, lost-pet steps, animal control contacts, directions, and what to prepare before visiting.
Scituate Animal Shelter Quick Details
Use these details before calling, visiting, applying to adopt, asking about surrender, or deciding whether your issue belongs with the shelter or the town animal control officer.
Shelter Address
780 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Scituate, MA 02066.
Shelter Phone
Call (781) 544-4533 for Scituate Animal Shelter questions.
Adoption Email
Email adopt@scituateanimalshelter.org for adoption inquiries.
Animal Control
Call Town of Scituate Animal Control at (781) 545-1212.
What Scituate Animal Shelter Does
Scituate Animal Shelter is a Massachusetts animal shelter and adoption resource that helps homeless companion animals find new homes while also supporting people in the community through education and pet welfare services. The shelter’s official website notes that it has helped thousands of animals and does not euthanize for shelter space or length of stay.
For most visitors, the main reason to contact the shelter is adoption. However, people also search for Scituate Animal Shelter when they want to surrender a pet, ask about fostering, volunteer, donate, check adoptable animals, learn about community programs, or understand whether a situation should go to the Town of Scituate Animal Control officer instead.
Adoptions
The shelter lists adoptable animals online and welcomes visitors during open hours, with a match-focused adoption process.
Community Support
The shelter offers pet welfare services, education, pet food support, and resources for pet owners facing difficult situations.
Animal Control
Animal control issues such as local bylaws, bites, quarantines, leash rules, and wildlife concerns are handled through the town.
Scituate Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
Scituate Animal Shelter lists open adoption hours on its official adoption page and public profiles. Other days are generally by appointment, so do not assume you can walk in outside posted open hours.
| Day | Posted Shelter Access | Visitor Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | By appointment | Email or call first if you need adoption help or a specific animal question answered. |
| Tuesday | By appointment | Use this day to check online listings and prepare your adoption questions. |
| Wednesday | 1:30 PM–6 PM | Best weekday open-hour option for visitors who cannot come on the weekend. |
| Thursday | By appointment | Contact the shelter before visiting. |
| Friday | By appointment | Confirm availability before planning a weekend adoption visit. |
| Saturday | 10 AM–2 PM | Weekend open hours can be busier, so arrive prepared. |
| Sunday | 10 AM–2 PM | A good option for families, but confirm if holidays or special events affect hours. |
How to Adopt from Scituate Animal Shelter
Scituate Animal Shelter describes its adoption process as match-focused rather than first-come, first-served. That means the goal is not simply to pick the first animal you like, but to find a pet that fits your home, schedule, experience level, and existing animals.
Start with the official adoptable pets page
Visit the official Scituate Animal Shelter adoptable pets page before visiting. Review the animals online and make notes about any pet you want to ask about.
Visit during open hours or contact the shelter
You can view pets online or during open hours: Wednesday 1:30 PM–6 PM and Saturday–Sunday 10 AM–2 PM. For adoption questions about a specific animal, email adopt@scituateanimalshelter.org.
Complete the shelter’s visitor survey
The shelter explains that visitors are asked to fill out a brief survey so adoption counselors can act as matchmakers. Be honest about your home, schedule, current pets, children, landlord rules, and experience level.
Ask practical match questions
Ask about age estimate, medical notes, spay/neuter status, vaccination status, behavior, energy level, previous home history if known, compatibility with children or pets, and what kind of home would help the animal succeed.
Plan dog-to-dog introductions if needed
If you already own a dog, Scituate Animal Shelter says that after your application is approved, dogs are required to meet at the shelter under staff supervision.
Consider the 7-day trial period
The shelter suggests that adoptions start with a 7-day trial period to help ensure compatibility. Use that time responsibly to observe comfort, safety, behavior, and household fit.
Scituate Animal Shelter Adoption Fees and What They Support
Scituate Animal Shelter publishes adoption fees on its official Adopt/Surrender page. Fees help the shelter provide care for animals before adoption. Always confirm current fees because promotions, special cases, or policy changes can occur.
| Pet Type | Published Adoption Fee | Visitor Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | $275 | Ask whether the cat is at the shelter or in foster care before visiting. |
| Kittens | $300 | Kittens may have high demand; check availability and match guidance first. |
| Senior cats | $125 | Senior pets can be a strong fit for calmer households. |
| Adult dogs | $500 | If you already own a dog, plan for a supervised dog meet at the shelter. |
| Senior dogs | $350 | Ask about health notes, energy level, and comfort needs. |
| Puppies | $700 | Budget for training, supplies, routine veterinary care, and time commitment. |
| Rabbits | $100 | Ask about housing, diet, handling, and exotic-vet care. |
| Guinea pigs | $30 | Confirm cage size, social needs, food, bedding, and care requirements. |
Adoptable Pets at Scituate Animal Shelter
The shelter lists adoptable pets online and encourages interested adopters to view animals either online or during posted open hours. Because animal availability changes quickly, treat online listings as a starting point, not a guarantee.
Cats and Kittens
Review personality, age, comfort level, and whether the cat needs a quiet home, another pet, or a specific environment.
Dogs and Puppies
Ask about exercise needs, training, dog-to-dog introductions, behavior observations, and the 7-day trial suggestion.
Rabbits
Rabbits need proper housing, diet, exercise space, and appropriate veterinary care.
Small Animals
Guinea pigs and other small pets require species-specific housing, diet, enrichment, and daily care.
Surrendering a Pet to Scituate Animal Shelter
Surrendering a pet can be a hard decision. Scituate Animal Shelter asks pet owners to first explore other possible solutions and provides resources for people facing financial hardship or other challenges.
Start with the official surrender guidance
Read the official Scituate Animal Shelter Adopt/Surrender page before assuming the shelter can accept a pet immediately.
Ask about support before surrendering
If financial stress, food cost, medical care, housing, or behavior is the issue, review the shelter’s resources for pet owners and ask whether support may help you keep the pet safely at home.
Do not leave an animal unattended
Never leave a pet outside the shelter after hours. Contact the shelter first so staff can explain the correct process and whether space, support, or alternatives are available.
Scituate Animal Control: Town Contact, Bylaws and Safety Issues
Scituate Animal Control is a function of the Scituate Police Department. The Animal Control Officer handles town animal-control bylaws and related canine control, assists with wildlife concerns, investigates animal bites, imposes quarantines when needed, and performs annual barn and kennel inspections.
Animal Control Office
Scituate Animal Control is based through the Police Department at 800 Chief Justice Cushing Highway.
Animal Control Phone
Call (781) 545-1212 for animal control matters. Emergency number: 911.
Office Hours
Animal Control office hours are listed as Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM, with on-call status 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What to Bring When Visiting Scituate Animal Shelter
Prepare before you visit so the adoption conversation is useful and realistic. A shelter visit is more productive when you know your household limits, budget, schedule, and current pet situation.
For Adoption
- Government-issued photo ID.
- Credit card or current accepted payment method.
- Rental, landlord, or HOA pet approval if needed.
- Questions about the pet’s history, health, and behavior.
- Safe ride-home plan, leash, collar, or carrier.
If You Already Have a Dog
- Tell staff about your current dog’s age, size, and temperament.
- Plan for a supervised dog meet after application approval.
- Ask how the 7-day trial period should be handled.
- Prepare a slow introduction plan at home.
- Do not rush same-day compatibility decisions.
For Lost or Found Pet Questions
- Recent photos of the animal.
- Microchip or tag information if available.
- Exact location and time found or lost.
- Veterinary records or ownership proof.
- Contact information that staff can use for follow-up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using outdated hours
Always confirm open hours before visiting because holidays, events, staffing, or shelter needs may affect access.
Expecting first-come adoption
The shelter describes its adoption process as match-based, not first-come, first-served.
Forgetting resident dog meet rules
If you already own a dog, plan for a supervised shelter meet after your application is approved.
Assuming surrender is drop-off
Read the official surrender guidance and contact the shelter before bringing an animal in.
Calling shelter for town enforcement
Animal-control complaints, bite investigations, quarantine issues, and local bylaws go through Town Animal Control.
Handling unsafe animals
Do not approach a dangerous, injured, or frightened animal. Use official animal control or emergency contacts.
Scituate Animal Shelter Map and Directions
Use the map below for directions to Scituate Animal Shelter at 780 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Scituate, MA 02066. If you are visiting for a specific animal, email or call first because availability can change quickly.
Official Scituate Animal Shelter and Animal Control Links
Use official links for the latest information. Shelter pets, open hours, adoption fees, applications, surrender guidance, animal control rules, and town contact procedures can change.
Related Shelter Guides and Nearby Resources
If you are comparing Massachusetts-area shelter options, you may also want to review our WARL Animal Shelter guide. If you are not ready to adopt but still want to help, our animal shelter volunteer guide explains practical ways to support shelters through volunteering, fostering, donations, and community outreach.
Scituate Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Scituate Animal Shelter located?
Scituate Animal Shelter is located at 780 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Scituate, MA 02066.
What is the phone number for Scituate Animal Shelter?
The shelter phone number is (781) 544-4533.
What are Scituate Animal Shelter adoption hours?
The shelter lists open adoption hours as Wednesday 1:30 PM to 6 PM and Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 2 PM. Other days are generally by appointment.
Is Scituate Animal Shelter first come, first served?
No. The shelter describes its adoption process as match-focused rather than first-come, first-served. Visitors fill out a brief survey so adoption counselors can help find the right match.
How much are adoption fees at Scituate Animal Shelter?
Published fees include cats $275, kittens $300, senior cats $125, adult dogs $500, senior dogs $350, puppies $700, rabbits $100, and guinea pigs $30. Confirm current fees before adopting.
What should I do if I already have a dog?
If you already own a dog, Scituate Animal Shelter says that after your application has been approved, dogs are required to meet at the shelter under staff supervision.
Does Scituate Animal Shelter offer a trial period?
The shelter suggests that all adoptions start with a 7-day trial period to help ensure compatibility.
Who do I call for Scituate Animal Control?
Call Town of Scituate Animal Control through the Police Department at (781) 545-1212. For emergencies, call 911.
What are Scituate Animal Control office hours?
The town lists Animal Control hours as Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM, with on-call availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Does Scituate Animal Control remove nuisance wildlife?
The town animal control page says the Animal Control Officer does not trap and remove problem or nuisance wildlife. Residents are directed to contact a pest control agency for those matters.
Final Takeaway
Scituate Animal Shelter is the main adoption and shelter resource at 780 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, while Scituate Animal Control is a town public-safety service through the Police Department. For adoption, check the official adoptable pets page, visit during open hours, and email adopt@scituateanimalshelter.org for specific pet questions.
For town animal control matters, call (781) 545-1212 or use 911 for emergencies. Confirming the correct office before you act can save time, reduce confusion, and help protect both animals and people in the Scituate community.
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.
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.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
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.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
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.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.