Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter & Humane Society 2026 Guide
Searching for the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, Hempstead Humane Society, or the Wantagh animal shelter? The official municipal shelter is the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Wantagh, New York. This guide gives visitors practical help with adoption hours, fees, lost pets, microchipping, foster options, emergency contact details, and official shelter links before making the trip.
Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter Quick Details
These are the details most visitors need first: address, phone, adoption hours, emergency contact, adoption fee, and where to check official information before driving to Wantagh.
Address
Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter is listed at 3320 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793.
Phone
Call 516-785-5220 for adoption, lost pet, microchip, and general shelter questions.
Emergency Phone
The town lists an emergency phone number of 516-538-1900.
Adoption Hours
Town pages list adoption hours as Sunday through Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
What the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter Does
The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter is a municipal shelter serving the Town of Hempstead community from its Wantagh facility. People often search for it as the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter & Humane Society, Hempstead animal shelter, Wantagh animal shelter, or Hempstead Humane Society. The official town shelter page is the best place to confirm current adoption details, forms, events, and shelter services.
For local residents, the shelter is more than an adoption counter. It is also a resource for lost and found pets, microchipping, foster opportunities, humane education, volunteer support, and guidance for families trying to find the right match. Because shelter animals, events, and kennel access can change quickly, official links and phone confirmation matter.
Adoptions
The shelter lists dog and cat adoptions, with spay/neuter, inoculations, and microchipping included in the adoption fee.
Lost & Found Pets
The town advises contacting shelters and animal control offices quickly because stray animals are held for a limited time.
Microchipping
The shelter offers microchipping for owned pets for a listed $25 fee and includes chips for adopted shelter pets.
How to Adopt from Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter
The official adoption process is designed to match the animal with a suitable home, not just complete a quick transaction. Plan enough time for the application, references, staff consultation, household meeting, and questions before you expect to leave with a pet.
Start with the official shelter page
Begin on the official Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter page. This is where visitors should check the latest adoption information, forms, fees, events, and shelter updates.
Complete the adoption application carefully
The town’s adoption process asks applicants to complete an adoption application and provide two non-related personal references, plus a veterinary reference if you previously owned pets. The application should be filled out completely to avoid delays.
Talk with adoption staff before meeting animals
Consult with adoption staff about the animal’s known history, needs, behavior notes, and match suitability before meeting the pet. This helps avoid emotional, rushed choices that may not fit your home.
Bring all household members when required
The town’s adoption process says all household members must meet the animal you are interested in to help ensure a correct match. This is especially important for dogs, children, roommates, and shared households.
Confirm whether the pet is ready to go home
Some pets may not be ready for immediate release depending on availability, medical status, spay/neuter timing, or other shelter notes. Call ahead if you are visiting from outside the immediate area.
Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter Adoption Fees and What Is Included
The current official shelter page lists the adoption fee for dogs and cats as $25. It also states that adopted pets will be spayed or neutered, receive required inoculations, and be microchipped, with these items included in the adoption fee.
| Topic | Official Shelter Guidance | What Visitors Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Dog and cat adoption fee | The official shelter page lists the adoption fee for dogs and cats as $25. | Confirm the fee before visiting because event waivers or policy updates can change the final amount. |
| Included with adoption | Adopted pets are listed as spayed/neutered, inoculated, and microchipped as part of the adoption fee. | Ask staff what has already been completed and what follow-up care is recommended. |
| Fee waivers | Town adoption process materials indicate fees may be waived for seniors, veterans, physically challenged residents, volunteer firefighters, auxiliary police officers, and during certain events. | Bring proof of eligibility and ask staff to confirm whether a waiver applies to your situation. |
| Licensing fees | Some special events may waive adoption fees while licensing fees still apply. | Ask before finalizing paperwork so you understand the total amount due. |
| Future pet expenses | The adoption fee is only the beginning of pet ownership. | Budget for food, supplies, vet care, medication, training, grooming, licensing, and emergencies. |
Lost and Found Pets in the Town of Hempstead
If your pet is missing, do not wait to see whether the pet returns on its own. The Town of Hempstead lost and found guidance warns that stray animals brought to a shelter are held for a limited time before they may legally become available for adoption.
If Your Pet Is Missing
- Call the shelter at 516-785-5220 as soon as possible.
- File a lost report with every local shelter and animal control office in your area.
- Use clear photos, microchip details, license/tag records, and veterinary records when speaking with staff.
- Search nearby streets, contact local vets, post flyers, and check community lost-pet pages.
- Keep checking because animals may enter the shelter after your first call.
If You Found an Animal
- Look for visible ID, tags, or nearby owner clues before assuming the animal is homeless.
- Have the animal scanned for a microchip if it is safe to do so.
- Do not handle an injured, frightened, or aggressive animal if it creates risk.
- Document the exact location where the animal was found.
- Call the shelter or correct animal control resource for next steps.
Pet Microchipping at Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter
Microchipping is one of the most practical ways to improve your chance of being reunited with a lost pet. Town information says adopted shelter dogs and cats are chipped before leaving the shelter, and owned pets can be microchipped for a $25 fee.
Owned Pet Microchip
The shelter lists microchipping for pets that already have a home for $25. Call ahead to confirm availability.
Microchip Hours
Town FAQ information lists microchipping hours Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 11 AM and 1 PM to 4 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Update Your Info
A chip only works if the registration information is current. Update phone, address, and backup contacts after moving.
Foster Program, Volunteer Help and Humane Community Support
The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter also supports animals through foster homes, volunteer work, humane education, and community programs. If you cannot adopt permanently, these options can still help the shelter reduce stress for animals and improve adoption outcomes.
Learn about the foster program
The official Foster Program page explains that the shelter uses foster homes for cats and dogs when possible to help further its goal of finding loving homes.
Check volunteer opportunities
Shelter volunteer help can support animals through walking, enrichment, socialization, events, and public education. Requirements may vary, so use the official town shelter pages before applying.
Support humane education and responsible pet care
Even if you are not ready to adopt, sharing official shelter animals, supporting events, donating supplies, and helping neighbors with lost-pet prevention can make a real community difference.
What to Bring When Visiting Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter
Whether you are adopting, reclaiming a lost pet, asking about microchipping, or checking a specific animal, preparation helps staff answer your questions quickly.
For Adoption
- Government-issued photo ID.
- Completed application information where required.
- Two non-related personal references.
- Veterinary reference if you have owned pets before.
- All household members who must meet the animal.
- Safe transport plan for the ride home.
For Lost Pet Reclaim
- Recent pet photos.
- Microchip number or registration record.
- Vet records or vaccination documents.
- License or tag information.
- Proof of address and identity.
- Payment method for any applicable reclaim or licensing fees.
For Microchipping
- Call ahead to confirm availability.
- Bring your pet safely contained or leashed.
- Bring ID and current contact details.
- Confirm payment method before arriving.
- Keep the chip registration information updated after the visit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using outdated fee pages
Use the current official shelter page and call ahead because older PDFs and event pages may list different historical or temporary fees.
Waiting on a lost pet
Lost-pet searches are time-sensitive. File reports and call local shelters immediately.
Forgetting documents
Adoption and reclaim conversations go smoother when you bring ID, references, proof, and pet records.
Rushing the match
A good adoption is based on household fit, time, budget, housing rules, and the animal’s needs.
Skipping household approval
Make sure every required household member is ready to meet the animal and support the decision.
Handling unsafe animals
Do not approach injured, aggressive, trapped, or frightened animals if anyone could be hurt.
Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter Map and Directions
Use the map below for directions to 3320 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793. If your visit depends on a specific pet, adoption timing, kennel access, or microchip service, call the shelter before driving.
Official Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter Resources
Use these official links for current rules, adoption information, lost-pet help, microchipping, foster options, and town shelter contact details.
Nearby Shelter Guides and Related New York Resources
If you are comparing shelter options on Long Island or in the New York area, you may also find our Babylon Animal Shelter guide useful for another Long Island municipal shelter. For readers who want to help animals but are not ready to adopt, our animal shelter volunteer guide explains practical ways to support shelters beyond adoption.
Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the address for Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter?
The shelter is listed at 3320 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793.
What is the phone number for Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter?
The official shelter phone number is 516-785-5220.
What is the emergency phone number for the shelter?
The Town of Hempstead lists an emergency phone number of 516-538-1900.
What are the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Town pages list adoption hours as Sunday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Call before visiting if you need kennel access or are coming for a specific animal.
How much is the adoption fee at Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter?
The current official shelter page lists the adoption fee for dogs and cats as $25. Confirm before visiting because event waivers or policy updates can change the final amount.
What is included in a Town of Hempstead adoption?
The official shelter page says adopted pets will be spayed or neutered, receive required inoculations, and be microchipped, with these included in the adoption fee.
Do I need an appointment to adopt?
The shelter states that no appointment is required, but it strongly urges visitors to call ahead so staff can properly allocate resources and quality time with the animals.
What does the adoption application require?
The adoption process asks applicants to complete an application, provide two non-related personal references, and provide a veterinary reference if they have previously owned pets. Applicants must be 18 or older to adopt or foster.
What should I do if my pet is missing in Hempstead?
Call the shelter at 516-785-5220, contact local shelters and animal control offices, file lost reports, check frequently, and bring proof such as photos, microchip information, vet records, and license details.
Does Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter offer microchipping?
Yes. Town information says adopted pets are chipped before leaving, and owned pets can be microchipped for a $25 fee. Call ahead to confirm availability.
Final Takeaway
The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Wantagh is the official municipal shelter many people search for as the Hempstead animal shelter, Town of Hempstead Humane Society, or Wantagh animal shelter. The most important visitor details are the address at 3320 Beltagh Avenue, the main phone number 516-785-5220, the listed daily adoption hours, and the current official $25 dog and cat adoption fee.
Before visiting, check the official shelter page, call ahead if you are coming for a specific animal, bring the right documents, and act quickly for lost-pet situations. A few minutes of preparation can save time and help you make a better decision for your household and the animal.
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.