Stanislaus County Animal Shelter Adoption, Pets & Hours 2026
Use this guide before visiting Stanislaus Animal Services Agency in Modesto, California. It explains adoption hours, address, phone number, dog and cat adoption fees, lost-and-found pets, field services, stray intake, dog licensing, microchip fees, at-risk animals, map directions and official links.
Start with the official adoptable dog and cat pages before driving. Pet availability can change quickly, adoption processing closes before the building closes, and found-animal intake may involve appointments or longer wait times during busy periods.
Stanislaus County Animal Shelter Quick Details
These are the core details most visitors need before adopting, reclaiming a pet, reporting a found animal, checking at-risk animals, requesting field services or planning a trip to the Modesto shelter.
Address
3647 Cornucopia Way, Modesto, CA 95358.
Use the map section below for directions before you leave.
Main phone
209-558-PETS / 209-558-7387.
Use this for shelter questions, pets, fees, field services and routing.
Open days
Open Monday-Saturday with different Wednesday and Saturday hours.
Closed Sundays and county holidays.
Adoption cutoff
The adoption center closes at 4:30 PM.
Do not arrive close to closing if you hope to adopt.
What Stanislaus Animal Services Agency Helps With
The agency is more than a place to adopt a dog or cat. It supports public safety, lost-pet recovery, stray animal response, licensing, microchips, field services, community cat support, rescue coordination and adoption programs.
Dogs, cats and other pets
Visitors can check available dogs, available cats, other available animals and foster dogs through official pages before visiting.
Reclaim and owner search
The agency provides aid and services to help the public locate lost animals and uses lost/found tools such as Petco Love Lost.
Animal control response
Field services investigate cruelty, vicious-animal and nuisance complaints, pick up stray animals, rescue animals in distress and respond to emergency calls.
Stanislaus County Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
Use the table below to plan your visit. Always confirm before driving because holiday closures, special events, animal population levels, appointment rules or emergency operations can affect normal service.
Current listed public hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday are listed as 10 AM-5 PM. Wednesday is listed as 1 PM-5 PM. Saturday is listed as 9 AM-5 PM. The adoption center closes at 4:30 PM.
| Day | Listed Hours | Adoption Note |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10 AM-5 PM | Adoption Center closes at 4:30 PM. |
| Tuesday | 10 AM-5 PM | Good for adoption, reclaim and service questions. |
| Wednesday | 1 PM-5 PM | Shorter public window. Do not arrive late. |
| Thursday | 10 AM-5 PM | Adoption Center closes at 4:30 PM. |
| Friday | 10 AM-5 PM | Good before the Saturday crowd. |
| Saturday | 9 AM-5 PM | Best weekend option, but adoption cutoff still matters. |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed Sundays and county holidays. |
How Adoption Works at Stanislaus County Animal Shelter
A smart adoption visit starts online, then continues with a real in-person match check. Pet availability, stray-hold status, foster status and sponsored status can change quickly.
Check adoptable pets online
Start with the official available dogs and available cats pages. If you are open to more options, also check other available animals, foster dogs and all pets.
Note the pet’s ID and status
Write down the animal ID, name, species, status and any notes such as sponsored, foster or stray-hold eligibility. This makes your shelter visit faster.
Visit before the adoption cutoff
Visit during public hours and arrive well before 4:30 PM. Saturday may be busy, and Wednesday has a shorter open window.
Ask match and first-week questions
Ask about age, size, energy, medical notes, behavior, children, other pets, housing fit and what the first week at home should look like.
Prepare license, carrier and transport
Dog adoptions are listed as $120 plus license. Bring proper ID, payment method and safe transport supplies, especially a secure cat carrier or dog leash setup.
Stanislaus County Animal Shelter Adoption and Service Fees
The official pages list adoption fees and several service fees. Use these amounts for planning, then confirm before paying because fees and promotions can change.
Dog adoption
$120 plus license is the listed dog adoption fee.
Adoptable dogs are listed as spayed/neutered, microchipped and age-appropriately vaccinated.
Cat adoption
$60 is the listed cat adoption fee.
Adoptable cats are listed as spayed/neutered, microchipped and age-appropriately vaccinated.
Microchip
$20 is the listed microchip fee.
Microchips help reunite pets with owners when contact details are current.
Dog license fees
- Spayed/neutered dog: $12 for 1 year, $24 for 2 years, $36 for 3 years.
- Unaltered dog: $150 for 1 year, $250 for 2 years, $350 for 3 years.
- Senior citizens over 65 receive a 50% license fee discount.
Reclaim and care fees
- First impound reclaim fee is listed at $45.
- Second impound within one year is listed at $65.
- Third impound within one year is listed at $100.
- Daily care and feed is listed at $15 per day.
Lost and Found Pets at Stanislaus County Animal Shelter
Lost-pet action should be fast and repetitive. Do not rely only on one phone call or one online search. The shelter provides lost/found pet resources and points users to Petco Love Lost.
If your pet is missing
- Check the official lost and found page.
- Report the pet on Petco Love Lost.
- Search shelter listings frequently because intake changes daily.
- Visit the shelter in person if your pet may be there.
- Check regional lost-and-found Facebook pages and nearby shelters.
If you found a pet
- Check whether the animal was found inside SASA’s service area.
- Use the official lost/found and intake guidance before transporting the pet.
- For found dogs, consider the official intake appointment option when available.
- For cats, review the correct found-cat guidance before assuming intake is best.
- Scan for a microchip and post clear found-pet information where appropriate.
Stray Intake and Finder to Foster
The official intake page warns that stray intake services may experience high demand and walk-in visitors may face extended wait times. Scheduling an appointment can help the shelter prioritize arrival and reduce waiting.
Walk-in wait times
The shelter advises that stray intake can have extended wait times during busy periods, so do not assume drop-off will be quick.
Schedule when possible
The intake page recommends scheduling an appointment when possible so staff can prioritize your arrival over unscheduled drop-offs.
Stray dog support
The Finder to Foster program allows some found dogs within the agency’s jurisdiction to enter the program without waiting at the shelter.
Stanislaus County Animal Control and Field Services
Field services handle animal-related public safety and welfare issues. This is different from adoption help, so explain the exact situation clearly when calling.
Cruelty, nuisance and vicious animals
Field services investigate animal cruelty, vicious animal and animal nuisance complaints.
Stray and distressed animals
Services include picking up and transporting stray animals, rescuing animals in distress and responding to sick, injured or dead animals.
24-hour emergency calls
The field services page says emergency calls are responded to 24 hours a day.
At-Risk Animals, Rescue Partners and Urgent Placement
Stanislaus Animal Services has an official “Animals at Risk / Needs Rescue” area. This is important for adopters, fosters and rescue partners who can help animals that need urgent placement.
Red status
Red status animals are described as most urgently needing placement due to behavior, medical needs or being overlooked as long-stay pets.
Yellow status
Yellow status animals are approaching urgent placement needs, often after longer shelter stay or special placement concerns.
Rescue coordination
The at-risk page encourages 501(c)(3) rescue organizations to contact the rescue coordinator quickly about at-risk animals.
Dog Licensing, Microchips and Owner Documents
Licensing and microchips are practical tools for faster reunification and compliance. They also matter when reclaiming a pet or proving ownership.
License your dog
The official site links to online pet licensing and lists license fees for altered and unaltered dogs.
Microchip help
The listed microchip fee is $20. Keep the chip contact details current after moving or changing phone numbers.
Proof helps reclaim
Photos, license records, vet records, microchip details and ownership documents can help if your pet is at the shelter.
What to Bring Before You Visit Stanislaus County Animal Shelter
A better shelter visit starts before you leave home. Bring the basics that help staff answer questions, process paperwork and keep animals safe.
Photo ID
Bring government ID for adoption, reclaim, licensing, intake or ownership questions.
Pet details
For lost pets, bring photos, microchip number, license tag, vet records and unique markings.
Payment method
Bring payment for adoption, license, reclaim, microchip, vaccination or service fees when applicable.
Housing approval
If you rent, confirm pet permission, size limits, breed rules and deposit requirements before adopting.
Safe transport
Bring a cat carrier or secure dog leash/harness setup if adoption or reclaim is likely.
Enough time
Do not arrive near 4:30 PM if you need adoption help, detailed questions or paperwork.
Stanislaus County Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Arrival Tips
Use the map for directions to 3647 Cornucopia Way in Modesto. Before driving, confirm hours, adoption cutoff, animal availability and whether your visit involves adoption, reclaim, intake, licensing or field services.
Arrive early
The adoption center closes at 4:30 PM, and intake may have wait times.
Call first
Call before driving for a specific pet, at-risk animal, surrender route or jurisdiction question.
Safety first
For aggressive, injured or dangerous animals, do not handle the animal yourself. Use field service guidance.
Official Stanislaus Animal Services Links
Use official pages for final decisions. This guide is independent and should not replace current Stanislaus Animal Services Agency instructions.
Stanislaus County Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Stanislaus County Animal Shelter located?
Stanislaus Animal Services Agency is located at 3647 Cornucopia Way, Modesto, CA 95358.
What is the phone number for Stanislaus Animal Services?
The main phone number is 209-558-PETS, also shown as 209-558-7387.
What are Stanislaus County Animal Shelter adoption hours?
The shelter lists Monday and Tuesday 10 AM-5 PM, Wednesday 1 PM-5 PM, Thursday and Friday 10 AM-5 PM, Saturday 9 AM-5 PM, and closed Sunday and county holidays.
What time does the Stanislaus adoption center close?
The official hours page says the Adoption Center closes at 4:30 PM on open days.
How much is dog adoption at Stanislaus Animal Services?
The official available dogs page lists the dog adoption fee as $120 plus license.
How much is cat adoption at Stanislaus Animal Services?
The official available cats page lists the cat adoption fee as $60.
What is included with adoption?
The official dog and cat adoption pages say adoptable animals will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and age-appropriately vaccinated.
Does Stanislaus Animal Services handle lost and found pets?
Yes. The official site includes a lost and found pet section and points users to Petco Love Lost for reporting a lost or found pet.
Does Stanislaus Animal Services pick up stray cats?
The field services page states that the agency does not transport stray cats. Review the official lost/found and community cat guidance before handling a cat.
What is Finder to Foster?
Finder to Foster is a program for some found stray dogs within the agency’s jurisdiction, allowing the dog to enter the program while waiting outside the shelter when appropriate.
What are at-risk animals?
The official at-risk page explains red and yellow status animals that need urgent placement, rescue or adoption attention. Availability can change at any moment.
How much is a microchip at Stanislaus Animal Services?
The official service fees page lists the microchip fee as $20.
Final Take: Plan Your Stanislaus Shelter Visit Before You Drive
Stanislaus County Animal Shelter, officially Stanislaus Animal Services Agency, is the main county shelter resource at 3647 Cornucopia Way in Modesto. It handles adoption, lost and found pets, animal field services, licensing, microchips, stray intake, community resources and at-risk animal placement support.
The most important visitor details are simple: check animals online first, call 209-558-PETS when you need clarity, arrive before the 4:30 PM adoption cutoff, use official intake guidance for found animals and move quickly if your own pet is missing.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Stanislaus Animal Services Agency, Stanislaus County, Petco Love Lost, Adopt-a-Pet, Petfinder, Rescue Coordinator services or any official shelter portal. Always verify current hours, fees, animal availability, intake rules, service area and field-service instructions directly with official sources.
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.