Waco Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours, Fees, Lost Pets & Reclaim Help
Use this guide to choose the correct Waco route fast: adopt a pet, reclaim a lost animal, report a bite, scan a found pet, call animal control, schedule owner surrender, volunteer, foster, or use the lost-pet map.
The key split: Pet Circle Regional Animal Center at 2032 Circle Road handles sheltering, adoptions, intake and reclaims. City of Waco Animal Protection handles animal-control response, bites, aggressive dogs, cruelty, neglect and urgent public-safety calls.
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Waco Animal Shelter vs Animal Control
Use this first. Most Waco searchers mix adoption, lost pets, surrender and animal-control enforcement into one query.
| Need | Correct route | Phone / action | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog or cat | Pet Circle Regional Animal Center | 254-754-1454 | Pet name/ID, visit time, leash/carrier, household questions. |
| Animal control non-urgent issue | City of Waco Animal Protection | 254-750-1765 | Detailed voicemail, exact location, photos if safe. |
| Urgent bite, aggressive dog, serious stray injury or cruelty in immediate danger | Waco Police urgent route | 254-750-7500 | Location first, animal description, current threat, injuries. |
| Lost pet or found animal during business hours | Animal Shelter / Animal Control | 254-750-1765 | Animal ID if known, photo, location, description. |
| Owner surrender | Pet Circle surrender appointment | 254-750-1454 | Appointment request, pet records, reason, alternatives tried. |
| Microchip help for Waco residents | City/Pet Circle microchip route | 254-750-7099 | Pet details and owner contact information. |
Waco Animal Shelter Address, Hours and Contact
Waco has separate hours for adoption, intake and reclaim. Do not rely only on map hours.
| Service | Official detail | Best user action |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 2032 Circle Road, Waco, TX 76706 | Use for adoption, reclaim, intake and shelter visit planning. |
| Pet Center phone | 254-754-1454 | Use for adoption, foster, shelter front-desk questions. |
| FrontDesk@petcirclewaco.org | Use for non-urgent shelter questions. | |
| Adoption Center | Mon-Fri noon-6 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun 1 p.m.-5 p.m. | Arrive early enough to meet pets and finish adoption steps. |
| Animal Intake | Mon-Fri 1 p.m.-4 p.m.; Sat 1 p.m.-3 p.m. | Do not assume intake equals surrender; owner surrenders require appointment. |
| Animal Reclaim | Mon-Sat noon-5 p.m.; Sun 1 p.m.-5 p.m. | Bring ID, proof of ownership and the animal ID if known. |
| Owner surrenders | By appointment only | Call 254-750-1454 before planning a surrender. |
How to Adopt from Waco Animal Shelter
Use this route to avoid wasted trips and missed pets.
Search pets first
Use Pet Circle’s adoption page and save the animal name, A-number if shown, photo and shelter notes.
Check the adoption hours
Adoption Center hours are Mon-Fri noon-6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Ask if the pet is ready
Ask whether the animal is available today, in foster, pending adoption, under medical hold or needs spay/neuter first.
Bring safe transport
Bring a carrier for cats and a leash/harness or crate plan for dogs. New pets can panic in parking lots.
Ask real fit questions
Ask about kids, cats, dogs, energy, medical notes, heartworm status, crate comfort, separation stress and first-week decompression.
Use foster if adoption is not right today
Pet Circle offers fostering for animals needing recovery, decompression, growth, transport waiting or shelter-stress relief.
Waco Animal Shelter Adoption Fee, Discounts and Promotions
The adoption fee is simple, but events and promotions can change what you pay.
| Fee / deal | Official detail | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Standard adoption fee | $24 | Confirm the current profile and whether the pet is available. |
| Weekend adoptions | Half price on weekends | Ask whether the promotion applies to the pet you want. |
| First Friday | Waived adoptions on the first Friday of the month | Check current event status before relying on it. |
| Sponsored weekends | Events page may list sponsored weekends and more | Check Pet Circle events before visiting. |
| Post-adoption cost | Not covered by the adoption fee | Food, crate/carrier, preventives, licensing, vet follow-up and training. |
Lost or Found Pet in Waco: What to Do First
This is the highest-value section for users. The goal is reunion before shelter intake when safe.
If you lost a pet
- Check the Lost Pets Waco map first.
- If your pet appears, call 254-750-7091 or 254-750-1765 with the animal ID.
- Visit the shelter quickly to start reclaim.
- Update microchip contact information.
- Post photo, description, cross streets and date/time.
- Check Petco Love Lost, PawBoost, Nextdoor, Craigslist and local lost/found groups.
If you found a dog
- Check ID tags first if safe.
- Scan for a microchip at a Chip Check kiosk, Waco Firehouse or Animal Control.
- Post a clear photo and location on social channels.
- Walk the dog around the found neighborhood and ask neighbors.
- Make a found-pet flyer near where the dog was found.
- Ask about S.N.I.F.F. if you can hold the dog for 72 hours.
If you found a cat
- If the cat looks healthy, leaving it where found may be best.
- Think distance, not streets; cats travel differently than dogs.
- Post flyers on major streets that cross the neighborhood.
- Post photos online and check local lost/found pages.
- If sick or injured, call Animal Control at 254-750-1765.
- Do not give the cat to someone without proof of ownership.
Reclaiming an Impounded Pet
Pet Circle and Waco Animal Services separate reclaim hours from adoption and intake hours.
Reclaim hours
- Monday-Saturday noon-5 p.m.
- Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
- Call before going if your pet appears online.
- Use the animal ID number when available.
- Animals reclaimed within the 72-hour stray hold are free to reclaim, but citations or fines may still apply.
Bring these documents
- Government photo ID.
- Animal ID number from listing if available.
- Pet photos and unique markings.
- Microchip number or license record.
- Rabies/vaccine records if available.
- Leash, carrier or safe transport setup.
Microchips, Fire Station Scans and Waco Pet Rules
Waco’s microchip information is especially useful for lost/found pet searchers.
Microchips required
City of Waco says microchips are required for pets in the City of Waco.
Free options
Free options are available for Waco residents by calling 254-750-7099.
Fire Station scan
Found lost/stray animals can be scanned for a microchip at any Waco Fire Station; instructions are given there.
72-hour hold
Animals picked up by Animal Care Officers are taken to 2032 Circle Road and placed on a 72-hour stray hold.
Update owner info
When a pet changes owners, the previous owner should ensure the microchip contact information is updated.
Low-cost providers
The City page lists local low-cost microchip options such as Humane Society of Central Texas and Animal Birth Control Clinic.
Animal Bites, Scratches and Urgent Animal-Control Calls
Bite reporting is not optional. The City page says animal bites are regulated by Texas law.
| Situation | Call | Official rule / note | What to provide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bite or scratch during business hours | 254-750-1765 | Report to an Animal Control Officer within 24 hours. | Victim info, location, animal owner if known, animal description. |
| After hours or emergency | 254-750-7500 | Use police urgent route for after-hours or emergency bite/animal issues. | Location first, severity, current threat. |
| Minor under 17 bitten/scratched | Guardian must report if aware | Parent/guardian reporting duty applies. | Child age, injury, location and animal details. |
| Animal that bit/scratched | Animal Control route | The animal must be submitted for quarantine. | Where the animal is being kept and owner contact. |
| Aggressive dog actively charging/trying to bite | 254-750-7500 if urgent | City lists this under urgent matters. | Exact location, direction, safety threat. |
| Immediate animal cruelty danger | 254-750-7500 if urgent | City lists cruelty where animal is in immediate danger as urgent. | Photos/video only if safe and legal. |
Owner Surrender and Rehoming Alternatives
Owner surrenders are by appointment only. The official alternatives page encourages rehoming attempts before surrender.
Call before surrender
Owner surrenders are by appointment only. Call 254-750-1454.
Try safe rehoming first
Use Adopt-a-Pet Rehome, personal social media, local rescue/community groups, and detailed pet posts.
Include the right information
List weight, breed, age, spay/neuter status, vaccines, behavior, kids/pets compatibility and medical needs.
Check support resources
Waco Animal Coalition and local groups may help people who need support with animals.
Use low-cost clinic resources
Animal Birth Control Clinic offers low-cost spay/neuter, vaccinations, flea/tick/heartworm prevention and TNR support.
Foster and Volunteer at Pet Circle Waco
If you cannot adopt, fostering or volunteering can still help reduce shelter pressure.
Foster purpose
Fosters help animals recover from medical procedures, relax away from shelter stress, grow large enough for adoption or wait for transport.
Foster expectations
Fosters must provide safe care, transport when needed, regular communication and report medical or behavior concerns.
Texas disease caution
Pet Circle foster guidance highlights parvo/distemper risk and recommends safe cleaning and isolation practices.
Adult volunteers
Adults must be at least 18, complete an application, pass a background check, attend orientation and use MyImpact to schedule.
Youth volunteers
Ages 10-15 must be with a parent/guardian; ages 16-17 may volunteer independently with consent after orientation/training.
Community service
Pet Circle says it is not participating in court-appointed community service programs at this time.
Waco Local Pet Rules Users Often Miss
These are not adoption details, but they matter for control calls, citations and pet ownership in Waco.
| Rule / topic | Official guidance | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Microchips | Required for pets in the City of Waco | Update chip details after adoption or ownership change. |
| Spay/neuter | All animals have to be spayed/neutered with exceptions for breeders and older animals | Ask Animal Services if your pet qualifies for an exception. |
| Number of pets | No city limit listed, but pets must be spayed/neutered, microchipped and current on rabies | Quality of care and compliance still matter. |
| Parked cars | Leaving an animal unattended in a parked car is against Waco law | Do not leave pets in vehicles, especially in Texas heat. |
| Tethering | Chains are prohibited under Texas law; allowed tether must meet length, collar/harness, shelter/shade/water rules | Report unsafe tethering through animal-control route. |
| Dog house | Must have at least three solid sides, roof and a floor that is not the ground | Plastic shipping containers and pet kennels do not count. |
| Dead animal pickup | Waco Animal Control does not pick up dead animals | Contact City Solid Waste at 254-299-2612. |
Map to Pet Circle Regional Animal Center
Use this for route planning to the shelter at 2032 Circle Road. For urgent animal-control calls, use the correct phone number instead of driving to the shelter first.
Helpful Official Video Topics
Pet Circle’s official Videos page lists practical topics such as “Lost? Found? What Happens?”, “Lost Pets Waco!”, “Dogs in Hot Cars,” “Dog Bites,” “Tethered Animals,” “A Day in the Life of Animal Intake,” and “On the Job.” Use that page for official video education; VideoObject schema is not added here because a verified embed URL and uploadDate were not available from the accessible official page.
Open Official Videos PageCopy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I’m interested in [pet name / A-number]. Is this pet still available, and what should I know before I come during adoption hours?Lost pet
Hi, I lost my [dog/cat] near [location] on [date/time]. The pet is [description] and may be microchipped. Has a matching animal been listed or brought in?Found dog
Hi, I found a dog near [location]. I checked for tags and can/cannot hold the dog temporarily. Should I use S.N.I.F.F., scan for microchip, or bring the dog in?Animal-control issue
Hi, I need to report [loose/aggressive/bite/neglect/tethering/wildlife] at [exact address or cross streets]. The animal is [description], and the situation is [urgent/non-urgent].Official Links for Final Action
The useful details are summarized above. Use these official pages for live pet availability, forms, maps, current policies and final verification.
Related Shelter Guides
Waco Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is the Waco Animal Shelter located?
Pet Circle Regional Animal Center is located at 2032 Circle Road, Waco, TX 76706.
What is the phone number for Waco Animal Shelter?
The Pet Circle front desk phone number is 254-754-1454. City of Waco Animal Control / Animal Protection can be reached at 254-750-1765.
What are Waco Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Adoption Center hours are Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
How much is the Waco animal shelter adoption fee?
Pet Circle lists adoption fees as $24. Adoptions are half price on weekends, and First Friday of the month is listed as waived adoptions.
What are Waco animal intake hours?
Animal intake is listed as Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Owner surrenders are by appointment only.
What are Waco animal reclaim hours?
Animal reclaim is listed as Monday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Who do I call for animal control in Waco?
For non-urgent Animal Protection matters, call 254-750-1765. For after-hours or emergency animal issues, call Waco Police at 254-750-7500.
What should I do if I lost a pet in Waco?
Check the Lost Pets Waco map first. If your pet is listed, call 254-750-7091 or 254-750-1765 with the animal ID number, location and description, and visit the shelter quickly to begin reclaim.
Can I get a found pet scanned for a microchip in Waco?
Yes. Waco says found lost or stray animals can be scanned for a microchip at any Waco Fire Station, where next-step instructions will be given.
How do I surrender a pet in Waco?
Owner surrenders are by appointment only. Call 254-750-1454. Before surrendering, review rehoming resources, local pet support, Petco Love Lost, PawBoost and low-cost care options.
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.