Washington County Animal Shelter Guide 2026: Adoption, Hours & Fees

by
2026 Washington County Arkansas shelter guide

Washington County Animal Shelter: Adoption Hours, Fees, Lost Pets, Surrender & Animal Control 2026

Washington County Animal Shelter in Fayetteville, Arkansas is officially Lester C. Howick Animal Shelter, the county shelter resource for pet adoption, lost and found animals, surrender appointments, animal-control routing, volunteer help, donations and low-cost spay/neuter support.

If you are searching for Washington County Animal Shelter in 2026, the official Fayetteville-area county shelter is Lester C. Howick Animal Shelter at 801 W Clydesdale Dr. This guide covers the address, phone, weekday hours, dog and cat adoption fees, adopter age rules, landlord/pet checks, what the adoption fee includes, lost-pet proof, stray animal-control phone number, surrender appointment rules, map directions, call scripts, and official links so you can adopt, reclaim, surrender, report or support the shelter without wasting a trip.

Lester C. Howick Animal Shelter 801 W Clydesdale Dr (479) 695-3450 Mon–Fri 10:30–4:30 Cats $45 • Dogs $65–$250
Official County Shelter View Adoptable Pets Call (479) 695-3450
1
Check pet listingsUse official county links and shelter-linked pet profiles.
2
Call before drivingEspecially if visiting for one specific dog or cat.
3
Bring proofID, landlord approval, pet records and safe transport.
4
Use correct routeShelter, surrender appointment or Animal Control.
Important location note: this guide is for Washington County, Arkansas, serving the Fayetteville area. Many states have a Washington County Animal Shelter, so verify the address before you drive.

Quick Answer: Washington County Animal Shelter Details

The official shelter name is Lester C. Howick Animal Shelter. It is located at 801 W Clydesdale Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72701. The shelter phone number is (479) 695-3450, and the email shown on the Adopt-a-Pet shelter profile is ashelter@washingtoncountyar.gov. The county lists public hours as Monday through Friday, 10:30am to 4:30pm, with Saturday and Sunday closed.

Best adoption start Search available pets first, then call if you are visiting for one specific animal.
Adoption age rule Cat adopters must be 18+; dog adopters must be 21+.
Surrender rule Surrenders are by appointment only through the shelter.
Stray animal route Animal Control for stray concerns: (479) 444-5700.

Washington County Animal Shelter Hours and Best Visit Time

The county lists Lester C. Howick Animal Shelter as open Monday through Friday from 10:30am to 4:30pm. Saturday and Sunday are listed as closed. Because this is a weekday-only public schedule, plan ahead if you work normal business hours or are traveling from Springdale, Farmington, Prairie Grove, Tontitown, Elkins or another part of Northwest Arkansas.

Visit type Best timing Why it matters
Adoption visit Late morning or early afternoon on weekdays You need time to view pets, ask staff questions, complete an application and arrange a meet-and-greet.
Specific pet visit Call before leaving A pet may be adopted, reclaimed, transferred, in foster, in medical care or no longer available.
Lost pet search As soon as possible, then repeat New intakes can arrive during the week, and photos or descriptions may not be perfect.
Surrender question Call for appointment first The county says surrenders are by appointment only.
Stray animal concern Use Animal Control route The county lists Animal Control at (479) 444-5700 for stray animal concerns.
Visitor rule: do not arrive near 4:30pm expecting a complete adoption, reclaim or surrender conversation. Call ahead and give yourself enough time.

How to Adopt from Lester C. Howick Animal Shelter

The county adoption process starts with choosing the right pet and confirming that your home is ready. Washington County says adopters and the other pets in the home must meet with the dog or cat before a decision, and staff may verify landlord permission and current pets’ spay/neuter and rabies status.

1

Search available pets online

Start with the county adoption route or the shelter-linked Adopt-a-Pet listing. Save the animal’s name, ID if shown, age, breed mix, color, size, status and any special notes.

2

Check your adopter age requirement

The county lists different age requirements: you must be at least 18 years old to adopt a cat and at least 21 years old to adopt a dog.

3

Prepare landlord and current-pet information

If you rent, staff may verify that your landlord allows pets. The county also says staff check that other pets in the home are spayed or neutered and up-to-date on Arkansas rabies vaccination requirements.

4

Complete the application and meet the pet

Adopt-a-Pet describes the shelter process as submitting an application, approval, meeting the pet, paying the fee and taking the pet home. Ask whether your chosen pet needs a scheduled meet-and-greet.

5

Plan the first week at home

Prepare food, bowls, leash, collar, ID tag, crate or carrier, litter box, bedding, cleaning supplies and a quiet adjustment area. New shelter pets need structure and decompression.

View Adoptable Pets Adoption Application Route

Washington County Animal Shelter Adoption Fees and What Is Included

The official county page lists standard adoption fees as $45 for cats and $65 to $250 for dogs. The county also lists several care items included with adoption, which makes the fee more valuable than it may look at first glance.

Adoption item Official listed detail What to verify before adopting
Cat adoption $45 Confirm the specific cat is still available, healthy for release and not already pending adoption.
Dog adoption $65 to $250 Dog fees vary. Ask the exact fee for that dog and what stage the application is in.
Spay/neuter Included Ask whether it is already completed or scheduled.
Heartworm testing and preventative Included For dogs, ask about heartworm test result and ongoing prevention.
Initial age-appropriate vaccines Included, rabies if applicable Ask for vaccine records and booster timing.
Flea/tick preventative and microchip Included Ask how to register or update the microchip after adoption.

Always confirm today’s final fee directly with the shelter. Adoption fees, promotions and pet status can change faster than third-party listings update.

Before You Visit: Washington County Adoption Checklist

Use this checklist before visiting the Fayetteville shelter for adoption, reclaim, lost-pet help or surrender questions.

✓Search current adoptable pets and save the pet’s name or ID.
✓Call (479) 695-3450 if you are visiting for one specific animal.
✓Bring valid photo ID and current contact information.
✓Confirm your age eligibility: 18+ for cats, 21+ for dogs.
✓If renting, prepare landlord contact or proof that pets are allowed.
✓Prepare information about current pets’ spay/neuter and rabies vaccination status.
✓Bring payment method and budget for supplies, vet follow-up and preventatives.
✓Have safe transport: leash/collar/harness/crate for dogs, secure carrier for cats.

Lost Pet in Washington County, Arkansas

If your pet is missing in Washington County, act quickly. Check the shelter’s current animal listings, call the shelter, update the microchip company and prepare ownership proof. Do not rely only on social media; shelter intake status can change during weekday hours.

Bring proof of ownership Useful proof includes photos, vet records, rabies certificate, microchip details, adoption papers, license information and your photo ID.
Check nearby areas Pets can cross between Fayetteville, Springdale, Farmington, Prairie Grove, Tontitown, Elkins and other Northwest Arkansas communities.

Lost pet first-day plan

✓Search the shelter-linked pet listings and save possible matches.
✓Call the shelter at (479) 695-3450 during open hours.
✓Update your microchip registration with your current phone and email.
✓Prepare clear photos and documents before visiting.
✓Search neighborhood hiding spots: sheds, garages, porches, culverts, bushes and quiet areas.
✓Check nearby shelters and city animal services if you live near a municipal boundary.

Found a Pet or Stray Animal in Washington County?

If you found a pet, first decide whether it is safe to handle. A friendly pet may be close to home and need reunification, not immediate rehoming. A sick, injured, aggressive or traffic-endangered animal should be routed through animal control or emergency help instead of handled by an untrained person.

If the pet is friendly Check collar/tag, take clear photos, keep it separate from your pets and call the shelter for guidance.
Microchip scan Ask a shelter or veterinarian about scanning for a chip if it can be done safely.
If unsafe or injured Do not approach an aggressive or badly injured animal. Use animal-control or emergency routing.

Animal Control, Stray Animal Concerns and Emergency Routing

The county page says Animal Control may be reached at (479) 444-5700 for stray animal concerns. This is different from a normal adoption question. Use the shelter phone for adoption and surrender appointments; use Animal Control for stray animal issues; use emergency services first when there is immediate danger.

Situation Best route What to prepare
Adoption or pet availability Shelter: (479) 695-3450 Pet name/ID, species, listing screenshot and your contact information.
Owner surrender appointment Shelter: (479) 695-3450 Pet age, species, medical history, behavior history, reason for surrender and proof of ownership.
Stray animal concern Animal Control: (479) 444-5700 Exact location, animal description, condition, safety risk and whether the animal is contained.
Aggressive animal, active attack or serious bite Emergency response first Location, injuries, active threat and animal description.
Possible neglect or cruelty Animal Control or local law enforcement route Address, photos/video if safe, date/time pattern and animal condition details.

Owner Surrender at Washington County Animal Shelter

The county states that surrenders are by appointment only. Do not bring a pet without calling first. Space, appointment availability, pet health, behavior history, jurisdiction, safety and records can affect the answer.

Before surrendering: ask about pet food help, low-cost spay/neuter, behavior support, temporary foster options, rehoming resources, medical-cost help and safe alternatives. A short-term solution may keep a pet out of the shelter.
Call first Use (479) 695-3450 to ask about appointment timing and required information.
Never abandon a pet Do not leave an animal outside the shelter after hours, at a park, or on private property.

Spay/Neuter, Volunteer and Donation Help

The county shelter page links to a spay/neuter program, volunteer information and donations. Supporting these programs can reduce shelter intake, improve reclaim outcomes and help animals receive care before adoption.

Spay/neuter program Ask about eligibility, scheduling, cost and what documents are needed.
Volunteer Help may include animal care, socialization, shelter tasks, events or community support.
Donate Use official county donation routes so support reaches the shelter properly.
Spay/Neuter Program Volunteer Info Donate

Questions to Ask Before You Adopt

A good match depends on more than the pet’s photo. Ask practical questions before paying the fee and bringing the animal home.

Health questions Is the pet spayed/neutered? What vaccines are complete? Is the pet microchipped? Has the dog been heartworm tested? Are preventatives current?
Behavior questions How does the pet handle people, children, dogs, cats, apartments, crates, leashes, noise and stress?
Home-fit questions Does the pet need a fenced yard, quiet home, training, medication, special food or follow-up vet care?
Paperwork questions What records come with the pet? How do you update the microchip? What happens if the adoption does not work?

Washington County Animal Shelter Action Planner

Select your situation and get the correct first steps before calling, visiting or filling out paperwork.

Adoption plan:

Search current pets, save the animal ID, call (479) 695-3450 for a specific pet, confirm age eligibility, prepare landlord/current-pet information, bring ID and safe transport, then visit during weekday public hours.

Map to Washington County Animal Shelter

Lester C. Howick Animal Shelter is located at 801 W Clydesdale Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72701. Use this map for directions, but confirm current hours and pet availability before leaving.

Map is for travel planning only. Official shelter details, availability and service rules should be verified with Washington County.

Washington County Animal Shelter FAQs

What is the official name of Washington County Animal Shelter?

The official name is Lester C. Howick Animal Shelter. Many people search for it as Washington County Animal Shelter.

Where is Washington County Animal Shelter located?

The shelter is located at 801 W Clydesdale Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72701.

What is the Washington County Animal Shelter phone number?

The shelter phone number is (479) 695-3450.

What are Washington County Animal Shelter hours?

The county lists public hours as Monday through Friday from 10:30am to 4:30pm. Saturday and Sunday are listed as closed.

How much does it cost to adopt a cat?

The county lists the standard cat adoption fee as $45.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog?

The county lists standard dog adoption fees as $65 to $250. Confirm the exact fee for the specific dog before starting paperwork.

What is included in the adoption fee?

The county lists spay/neuter, heartworm testing and preventative, initial age-appropriate vaccines including rabies if applicable, flea and tick preventative, and microchip implant as included.

How old do I need to be to adopt?

The county says you must be at least 18 years old to adopt a cat and at least 21 years old to adopt a dog.

Can renters adopt from the shelter?

Renters may be able to adopt, but the county says staff will verify with your landlord that you have permission to have a pet.

What if I need to surrender a pet?

Surrenders are by appointment only. Call the shelter at (479) 695-3450 before bringing any animal.

Who do I call for stray animal concerns?

The county says Animal Control may be reached at (479) 444-5700 for stray animal concerns.

Is this the same as Fayetteville Animal Services?

No. Lester C. Howick Animal Shelter is the Washington County shelter. Fayetteville Animal Services is a city service route and may have separate rules for city cases.

Final Takeaway

Washington County Animal Shelter in Fayetteville, Arkansas is officially Lester C. Howick Animal Shelter. The essential details are: 801 W Clydesdale Dr, (479) 695-3450, Monday–Friday 10:30am–4:30pm, cats $45, dogs $65–$250, surrenders by appointment only, and Animal Control for stray concerns at (479) 444-5700. Check pet availability and call before driving for a specific animal.

Official Shelter Page Back to Top
USA-wide shelter helper • adoption, lost pets, found pets, surrender and animal control

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.

Lost Pet PlanSearch, microchip, shelter checks, flyers
Found Pet HelpSafety, scanning, reporting, holding
Adoption PlannerReadiness, questions, supplies, budget
Visit ChecklistDocuments, call script, official links

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.

Important: Shelter rules vary by city, county, agency, and animal type. Always confirm hours, intake rules, fees, appointment requirements, and proof-of-ownership rules with the official shelter or animal control agency before visiting.

Lost pet recovery checklist

Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.

0% completed

Found pet safety decision helper

Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.

Safety first: Do not approach an aggressive, injured, trapped, or traffic-endangered animal if doing so could put you or others at risk. Contact animal control, emergency services, or a qualified professional when needed.

Adoption readiness checker

This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.

0% readiness signals checked

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.

Helpful reminder: Ask the shelter about pet food pantries, low-cost vet care, behavior support, temporary foster options, and safe rehoming resources before making a final decision.

Animal control contact decision helper

Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.

Emergency warning: If there is immediate danger to a person, a serious bite, traffic hazard, or active attack, contact local emergency services or animal control according to local rules.

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.

USA-wide Shelter user intent Official-source focused

Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.

Independent shelter-help tool. Not affiliated with any animal shelter, humane society, rescue, animal control agency, city, county, state agency, veterinarian, or microchip company. Always confirm current rules, hours, fees, and requirements directly with the official organization.