Walton County Animal Shelter, Adoption & Pets 2026

Address

365 Triple G Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433.

Use the map below for directions and verify the correct Walton County state before driving.

Phone numbers

Shelter: 850-892-8111.

Adoption/lost pet facility: 850-892-8758.

Animal Control: 850-892-8682.

Hours

Official pages show Tuesday–Saturday service with a difference for Friday timing.

Call before Friday, holiday or late-day visits.

Adoption fee

The main Animal Services page lists $55; an older Adopt A Pet page lists $25.

Confirm current fee before checkout.

Walton County, Florida

Use this page if you need the shelter in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, serving Walton County, FL animals, lost pets and animal-control calls.

Walton County, Georgia

If you mean Monroe, Georgia, that is a different Walton County Animal Control facility with a different address, phone number, hours and adoption process. Do not use the Florida contact details for Georgia.

Temporary care and adoption

The shelter cares for lost, stray, surrendered and abandoned animals while staff search for owners, evaluate animals and place adoptable pets through adoption or rescue partners.

Stray and public calls

Animal Control officers respond to public calls about stray, lost or abandoned animals in Walton County and transport animals safely to the shelter when needed.

Three-day stray hold

Stray or lost animals are held for three days to give owners a chance to reclaim them before adoptability evaluation and listing.

$55 adoption fee

The Animal Services page lists the adoption fee as $55 and says it includes spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations and a free microchip.

$25 adoption fee

The Adopt A Pet page lists a $25 adoption fee and says it includes spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations and a microchip.

Confirm before checkout

Because the official pages conflict, call 850-892-8758 and ask the current fee for the specific dog, cat, kitten, puppy or livestock animal.

Adopt a dog

Use the Adopt A Dog page and call with the ID number. Ask about age, size, temperament, training, children, water/play notes and return history if shown.

Adopt a cat

Use the Adopt A Cat page. Some cats may be listed at offsite locations such as partner retail locations, so read notes before driving to the shelter.

Puppies and kittens

Animals must be at least eight weeks old to be eligible for adoption. Ask about vaccines, spay/neuter timing and safe transport.

Livestock

Use the Adopt Livestock page and prepare fencing, shelter, feed, transport and local animal rules before adopting.

If your pet is missing

• Check the official Found Cats, Found Dogs and Found Livestock pages.
• Call or stop by the shelter if you see a possible match.
• Bring proof of ownership, photos, microchip information and rabies proof.
• If your pet is not listed in the Lost Pets section, check Adopt A Pet too after the three-day hold window.
• Ask about the kennel fee and rabies-shot requirement before pickup.
• Keep checking daily because animals are brought in by Animal Control officers.

If you found a pet

• Do not handle an aggressive, injured or traffic-endangered animal if unsafe.
• Use microchip scanner locations if it is safe and appropriate.
• Record the exact location, date, time, collar details and photos.
• Call 850-892-8682 to request animal-control assistance during business hours.
• Call 850-892-8111 after hours for assistance guidance.
• Do not permanently rehome the animal without following proper lost/found steps.

850-892-8682

Use this number to request an animal control officer for field-service needs in Walton County.

850-892-8111

For assistance after hours, use the Walton County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency route and do not leave animals unattended outside the shelter.

Immediate danger

For active attacks, serious injury, dangerous animals in progress or public-safety danger, use emergency services.

Before surrendering

• Call the shelter first and ask if surrender is available that day.
• Prepare the animal’s age, sex, breed/type, vaccine status, spay/neuter status and medical history.
• Be honest about bite history, aggression, fear, medications, injuries and behavior.
• Ask whether rescue, rehoming, food help or veterinary support may help avoid surrender.
• Do not leave an animal outside the shelter after hours.

Questions to ask staff

• “Is owner surrender available today?”
• “Do I need an appointment?”
• “What paperwork and ID should I bring?”
• “What happens after intake?”
• “Are there rescue partners or alternatives for this animal?”

Rabies certificate

Dangerous dog requirements include a current certificate of rabies vaccination for the dog.

Proper enclosure

Owners may need a proper enclosure and visible warning signs at entry points.

Permanent identification

Official guidance describes tattoo or microchip identification requirements for registered dangerous dogs.

Food donations

The donation page mentions dog food, cat food and livestock feed as helpful items for animals housed at the shelter.

Beds and comfort supplies

Pet beds and other needed items help shelter animals stay more comfortable while waiting for owners, adopters or rescue partners.

Donation pickup

The donation page says if you cannot make it to the shelter, you can call and ask about donation pickup.

Update identification

Keep ID tags current and confirm the microchip company has your current phone and address.

Prepare a pet go-bag

Pack food, water, medications, leash, carrier, litter, cleanup bags, vaccination records, photo and comfort items.

Plan lodging early

Know pet-friendly lodging or shelter options before a storm watch turns into an evacuation rush.

Photo ID

Bring valid identification for adoption, reclaim, surrender questions or official shelter paperwork.

Rabies proof

For lost-pet reclaim, bring proof of rabies vaccination. The Lost Pets page says a pet must receive a rabies shot before leaving if proof is not available.

Payment method

Bring payment for adoption or reclaim fees, and confirm the current adoption fee before checkout.

Carrier

Bring a secure carrier for cats or small animals. A loose cat in a vehicle is unsafe.

Leash plan

Bring a secure leash, collar or harness for dog adoption or reclaim.

Ownership proof

For reclaim, bring photos, vet records, microchip records or other proof that the pet is yours.

First 24 hours

• Keep the pet in a quiet starter space.
• Do not invite visitors to meet the pet immediately.
• Keep resident pets separated at first.
• Use leash, carrier, crate and closed doors to prevent escape.
• Expect stress behaviors such as hiding, whining, barking, pacing or reduced appetite.

Days 2–7

• Build predictable feeding, potty, walking and rest routines.
• Schedule veterinary follow-up if recommended.
• Introduce resident pets slowly and safely.
• Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, limping, refusal to eat or severe fear.
• Ask for trainer, vet or shelter guidance early if problems appear.

Arrive early

Adoptions are first-come, first-served. Saturday is a short window, so do not arrive late.

Call for one pet

Call 850-892-8758 with the animal ID before driving for one specific dog, cat or livestock animal.

Use the right route

Adoption, lost-pet reclaim, animal control, surrender and donation pickup may use different phone routes.

Before visiting

• Do not confuse Walton County, Florida with Walton County, Georgia.
• Do not assume Friday hours without calling because official pages differ.
• Do not drive for one animal without checking availability and the ID number.
• Do not ignore the three-day stray hold when searching for a lost pet.
• Do not leave animals unattended outside the shelter after hours.

Before adopting or reclaiming

• Do not assume the fee is $25 or $55 without confirming current pricing.
• Do not forget rabies proof when reclaiming a lost pet.
• Do not forget a cat carrier or dog leash plan.
• Do not ignore pet housing rules if you rent.
• Do not handle dangerous or injured animals without calling for guidance.