Sterling Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Sterling Animal Shelter is Animal Shelter Inc. of Sterling, Massachusetts, a nonprofit shelter and adoption organization with an on-site veterinary clinic, adoption counseling, pet surrender review, low-cost spay/neuter services and Massachusetts animal-control routing nearby.
This Sterling Animal Shelter guide is built for adopters, pet owners and Massachusetts residents who need practical answers before they drive to 17 Laurelwood Road: current adoption hours, phone numbers, address, pet application steps, adoption cost ranges, landlord/homeownership proof, dog meet-and-greet rules, surrender requirements, clinic details, animal control routing, map directions and official links are organized here in one 2026 action guide. Use this page to prepare; use the official shelter pages for the final live answer on pet availability, fees, appointments, clinic openings and policy changes.
Sterling Animal Shelter Quick Details
Use this snapshot before planning an adoption visit, surrender request, clinic appointment or animal-control call.
| Need | Current official detail | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Official shelter name | Animal Shelter Inc. of Sterling | Use sterlingshelter.org for live adoption and service information. |
| Shelter / clinic address | 17 Laurelwood Road, Sterling, MA 01564 | Use the map below and confirm hours before traveling. |
| Shelter phone | 978-422-8585 | Use for adoption, surrender, availability and general shelter questions. |
| Clinic phone | 978-422-8449 | Use for clinic-specific questions, but email/forms may be faster for spay/neuter requests. |
| Shelter hours | Wed–Fri 11am–5pm; Sat 10am–4pm; Sun–Tue closed | Arrive 30 minutes before close if adopting. |
| Surrenders | Prior approval and appointment only | Do not attempt drive-in drop-off surrender. |
What Sterling Animal Shelter Helps With
Sterling Animal Shelter is not only a pet listing page. It is a nonprofit shelter with adoption counseling, transport-program adoptions, dog and cat adoption support, small animal rescue, koi and goldfish adoptions, surrender review, and an on-site low-cost clinic.
Sterling Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
The official shelter hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11am to 5pm, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The shelter is closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. If you are looking to adopt, plan to arrive 30 minutes before closing so there is enough time for questions, meet-and-greets and paperwork.
| Day | Official listed hours | Visitor planning tip |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Closed | Use online listings and prepare your application. |
| Monday | Closed | Check available pets and required documents. |
| Tuesday | Closed | Do not plan a walk-in visit. |
| Wednesday | 11am–5pm | Good weekday visit if application and documents are ready. |
| Thursday | 11am–5pm | Bring landlord/homeowner proof and household decision-makers. |
| Friday | 11am–5pm | Check listings before the weekend rush. |
| Saturday | 10am–4pm | Arrive early; Saturday visits can take longer. |
How to Adopt from Sterling Animal Shelter
Sterling’s adoption process is match-focused. The shelter recommends completing an application before visiting because it saves time and can remain on file even if you do not adopt during one specific visit.
Check current pets first
Start with the official Pets for Adoption page. If no pets show, Sterling says that may simply mean all animals were adopted. Check again later rather than assuming the shelter is inactive.
Fill out the adoption application
The shelter recommends applying before visiting. This is especially useful if a popular puppy, kitten, adult dog or cat receives several interested adopters.
Bring the full household when needed
Sterling asks families to make adoption decisions together. Children should be present for family-pet decisions, and the shelter does not allow gift adoptions.
Bring resident dogs for dog adoptions
If you already have a dog, Sterling strongly recommends bringing that dog for a meet-and-greet. The shelter has enclosed areas for introductions.
Bring the right proof
Renters need landlord/rental proof that pets are allowed. Homeowners should bring proof of home ownership such as a mortgage statement, deed, or water/sewer bill. Photo ID is also needed.
Sterling Animal Shelter Adoption Costs 2026
Sterling posts detailed adoption costs and explains that adoption fees help cover transport, medical care, vaccinations, testing, spay/neuter, microchip and other care before placement. Costs are subject to change without notice, so verify the pet profile and official fee page before adopting.
| Animal type | Published fee range / amount | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Puppies under 1 year | $643.75 credit card / $625 cash discount | Ask about transport, vaccines, spay/neuter timing and take-home readiness. |
| Adult dogs over 1 year | $200–$575 | Each profile may show the specific cost for that dog. |
| Kittens up to 1 year | $463.50 credit card / $450 cash discount | Bring a carrier and ask about vaccines, testing and microchip. |
| Young adult cats 1–2 years | $412 credit card / $400 cash discount | Ask about personality, home fit and other pets. |
| Adult cats 2–5 years | $360.50 credit card / $350 cash discount | Confirm exact fee and what is included on the current profile. |
| Mature cats 5–8 years | $257.50 credit card / $250 cash discount | Ask about medical history and transition needs. |
| Cats over 9 years | $154.50 credit card / $150 cash discount | Senior adopters may also ask about the Seniors for Seniors program. |
| Small animals | Donation to $150 | Ask what supplies, cage, food or medical care are included. |
Payment note: the official fee page says the shelter accepts MasterCard, Visa and cash, and does not accept checks.
What Sterling Adoption Fees May Include
Sterling’s fee page explains that dog and cat adoption costs may include major services that would otherwise cost much more separately. Always check the exact pet profile and staff notes before payment.
Before You Visit Sterling Animal Shelter
Because Sterling uses adoption counseling and document checks, arriving prepared matters. This checklist prevents the most common wasted-trip problems.
Dog Adoption Notes at Sterling Animal Shelter
Dog adopters should ask about age, size, transport history, energy level, leash behavior, crate training, children, resident dogs, medical notes and what the first week should look like. If you already have a dog, plan around the shelter’s recommendation to bring your dog for a meet-and-greet.
Cat and Kitten Adoption Notes at Sterling Animal Shelter
Cat adopters should bring a carrier and ask about litter habits, confidence, handling, other cats, children, dogs, testing, vaccines and transition setup. For kittens, think long term: kitten energy, vet care, scratching, play needs and household safety.
Small Animal and Fish Adoption Notes
Sterling sometimes lists rabbits, guinea pigs, koi and goldfish. These pets need proper housing, temperature control, species-specific food and long-term care. Ask what supplies come with the pet and what setup is required at home.
Giving Up a Pet to Sterling Animal Shelter
Sterling’s surrender page is blunt: the shelter does not accept drive-in drop-off surrenders. Surrenders are by appointment and space availability only. Medical and vaccination records must be sent first so staff can review the pet and quote a surrender fee.
Sterling Shelter Clinic: Spay / Neuter and Low-Cost Services
The on-site veterinary clinic is located at the shelter. The shelter page lists clinic phone 978-422-8449, clinic fax 978-422-8574, and clinic hours Monday–Thursday, 8am–4pm. Clinic pages say email/forms may be the best route because phones may go to voicemail while staff are caring for animals in surgery or recovery.
Sterling Animal Control vs Sterling Animal Shelter
Animal Shelter Inc. of Sterling is the adoption/shelter/clinic organization. Town animal-control issues are separate. The Town of Sterling says the Animal Control Officer works through the Sterling Police Department and can be reached through dispatch at 978-422-7331, through 911 in an emergency, or by email for non-urgent matters.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Official Sterling Animal Shelter Links
Use these official pages for final live details. This guide helps you prepare, but the official pages control current animals, hours, fees, clinic openings and policy changes.
Map to Sterling Animal Shelter
Use the map for directions to Animal Shelter Inc., 17 Laurelwood Road, Sterling, MA 01564. Confirm live hours, current animal availability, application status, clinic schedule and service rules before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sterling Animal Shelter located?
Sterling Animal Shelter is Animal Shelter Inc. at 17 Laurelwood Road, Sterling, MA 01564.
What is Sterling Animal Shelter’s phone number?
The shelter phone number is 978-422-8585. The on-site clinic phone number is 978-422-8449.
What are Sterling Animal Shelter adoption hours?
The official listed shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday 11am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm. The shelter is closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
When should I arrive if I want to adopt?
The shelter asks visitors considering adoption to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing so there is time for meet-and-greets and paperwork.
Do renters need landlord approval?
Yes. Sterling’s adoption page says renters need a signed landlord rental contract or lease/management letter showing pets are allowed before starting the adoption process.
Do homeowners need proof of ownership?
Yes. The adoption page says homeowners should provide proof such as a mortgage statement, deed or water/sewer bill.
Can I bring my current dog to meet a new dog?
Yes. Sterling strongly recommends bringing resident dogs for dog adoptions and has enclosed meet-and-greet areas.
Can I surrender a pet by walking in?
No. Sterling says it does not accept drive-in drop-off surrenders. Surrenders are by approval and appointment only.
Does Sterling Shelter have a clinic?
Yes. The on-site clinic offers low-cost spay/neuter and selected services. Clinic details should be verified through sterlingshelterclinic.org.
Is Animal-Shelter.org the official Sterling Shelter website?
No. This is an independent guide. Use sterlingshelter.org for official live details.
Final Takeaway
Sterling Animal Shelter is Animal Shelter Inc. of Sterling at 17 Laurelwood Road in Sterling, Massachusetts. The most important visitor details are the shelter phone number 978-422-8585, hours Wednesday–Friday 11am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm, application-first adoption preparation, proof requirements for renters/homeowners, resident-dog meet-and-greets, detailed adoption cost ranges and appointment-only surrender review. Check official listings before visiting and arrive at least 30 minutes before closing if you plan to adopt.
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.