Victorville Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

Address

16648 E Street, Victorville, CA 92395.

Some city contact areas also show 92392 for mailing or contact purposes, so use the map section for directions.

Main contact

760-955-5089.

Email: animalservices@victorvilleca.gov.

Office hours

Monday–Thursday: 8 AM–5 PM.

Friday: 8 AM–4 PM. Closed weekends.

Adoption hours

Monday–Thursday: 9 AM–4 PM.

Friday: 9 AM–3 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Confirm before checkout

Do not rely only on old social posts or third-party listings. Ask the shelter directly whether the pet’s adoption is free, sponsored, discounted or subject to any separate requirement.

Pet status can affect timing

A pet may be available online but still need a final step, medical review, microchip, release timing or adoption survey follow-up before going home.

Adoption is not the only cost

Plan for food, leash, collar, carrier, crate, litter, vaccination follow-up, dog license, training, grooming and emergency vet savings.

If your pet is missing

• Search current lost and adoptable pet listings immediately.
• Report your lost pet through the city’s official lost-pet route if you have exhausted quick local leads.
• Use clear photos showing face, body, markings, collar and size.
• Update microchip contact information and license contact details.
• Check nearby shelters because High Desert service areas are split between Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Barstow and county shelters.
• Visit in person if you see a possible match, because shelter photos may not look like home photos.

If you found a dog or cat

• Do not handle an aggressive, injured or traffic-endangered animal if unsafe.
• Call Animal Services at 760-955-5089 for the correct route.
• Note the exact location, date, time and condition of the animal.
• Ask about microchip scanning, shelter capacity and whether intake is available.
• Do not permanently rehome a found pet without following proper lost/found steps.
• Use emergency routing for immediate danger rather than routine intake.

Use city complaint routing

For barking dogs, animal nuisance concerns, loose animals, animal-service concerns and non-emergency issues, use the city’s complaint form or contact Animal Services.

24-hour dispatch

The city lists emergency dispatch as available 24 hours a day at 760-955-5089. Use this for urgent animal-service situations, not routine adoption questions.

Appeal or pay carefully

If you receive a notice or citation, read the notice, respond within the timeline and use official city/citation processing routes rather than ignoring it.

Dog voucher

The city lists dog vouchers as covering $160 of the spay/neuter procedure.

Dogs must be licensed in the City of Victorville to qualify.

Cat voucher

The city lists cat vouchers as covering $80 of the spay/neuter procedure.

Owners are responsible for remaining fees not covered by the voucher.

30-day expiration

Victorville says vouchers expire 30 days from the date of issuance.

Schedule a participating clinic appointment before picking up the voucher.

If you found a pet

• Call 760-955-5089 before transporting the animal.
• Ask whether the shelter can accept the animal now or whether another route is needed.
• Share the exact found location, animal condition and whether the animal is contained safely.
• Ask about microchip scanning and lost-pet reporting.
• Do not leave an animal outside the shelter after hours.

If you need to rehome or surrender

• Do not arrive without contacting Animal Services first.
• Explain why you cannot keep the pet and whether the situation is urgent.
• Ask about alternatives such as rescue, foster, spay/neuter help, food help or behavior resources.
• Be honest about bite history, illness, medications and behavior concerns.
• Understand that capacity can affect whether intake is available.

Comfort and shelter

Requested items include blankets, dog/cat beds, dog houses and old towels.

Food and nutrition

Requested items include dry and canned dog food, dry and canned cat food and treats.

Hygiene and enrichment

Requested supplies include litter boxes, feeding dishes, potty pads, disposable underpads and toys for dogs and cats.

Photo ID

Bring valid identification for adoption questions, licensing, reclaim or official case follow-up.

Pet records

Bring rabies certificate, sterility certificate, microchip details, vet records or proof of ownership when relevant.

Payment method

Bring payment for dog licensing, tag replacement, citations or other fees if they apply.

Safe dog transport

Bring or plan a leash, collar, harness, crate or vehicle setup if adopting or reclaiming a dog.

Cat carrier

Bring a secure carrier for any cat or kitten. A loose cat in a vehicle is unsafe.

Questions and notes

Write down pet names, impound numbers, found locations, complaint details or voucher questions before you arrive.

First 24 hours

• Keep the pet in a quiet starter space.
• Avoid immediate dog-park trips, parties or busy introductions.
• Use a leash or carrier even if the pet seems calm.
• Expect stress behaviors such as hiding, pacing, whining, barking or reduced appetite.
• Keep shelter paperwork, vaccination notes and microchip details together.

Days 2–7

• Set a predictable food, potty, sleep and walk routine.
• Introduce resident pets slowly and safely.
• Schedule a vet follow-up if staff recommends it.
• Watch for coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, limping, refusal to eat or severe anxiety.
• Ask for help early if behavior concerns appear.

Arrive early

Adoption hours end earlier than office hours. Give yourself enough time for questions and paperwork.

Call before driving

Call first if you need one specific pet, a voucher, found-animal intake, surrender guidance or late-day help.

High Desert safety

Never leave pets in a hot car while waiting. Bring water and plan a safe transport route home.

Before visiting

• Do not arrive on Saturday or Sunday expecting public shelter service.
• Do not assume office hours and adoption hours are the same.
• Do not drive for one pet without checking current availability.
• Do not forget that Friday adoption hours end earlier.
• Do not bring a found animal without calling if capacity may be full.
• Do not assume Victorville handles every High Desert animal issue.

Before adopting, licensing or reporting

• Do not skip the adoption survey if you want a smoother adoption visit.
• Do not forget rabies certificate and sterility proof for dog licensing.
• Do not pick up a voucher before scheduling with a participating clinic.
• Do not ignore citation deadlines or notices of violation.
• Do not use the complaint route for immediate public-safety emergencies.
• Do not abandon pets in desert areas, parking lots or after-hours locations.