Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter & Adoption 2026
The Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter is the main shelter and animal-control/intake resource serving the Johnson City and Washington County, Tennessee community. The shelter is located at 3411 N. Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601.
If you are trying to adopt a dog or cat, reclaim a missing pet, report a stray animal, surrender an owned pet, or schedule low-cost spay/neuter services, the most important detail is that adoption, intake and veterinary clinic services use different schedules and procedures.
This guide separates those services so you can call the correct department, arrive during the correct window and bring the documents the shelter actually asks for.
Which Washington County / Johnson City Animal Service Do You Need?
The adoption desk, intake area, field Animal Control service and veterinary clinic all perform different jobs. Start with the situation that matches yours.
Adopt a shelter pet
Review available animals, complete the correct dog or cat application, then visit during Adoption Center hours. Applicants must be at least 21.
Your pet is missing
Call the shelter, search the surrounding area immediately, contact nearby shelters and veterinary hospitals, and check shelter animals repeatedly rather than relying on one online photo.
You found a stray animal
If the animal was found inside Johnson City or Washington County, call Animal Control first and describe the exact location and condition. Animals from another city or county should use that jurisdiction’s own shelter.
You need low-cost spay/neuter
Use the Judy and Doug Lowrie Spay and Neuter Clinic. It has its own booking rules, clinic hours and published service prices.
Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter Hours 2026
Adoption and intake are separate service windows. Do not arrive at 10:30 AM expecting the Adoption Center to be open simply because Intake has started.
| Day | Adoption Center | Animal Control / Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 1 PM–6 PM |
10:30 AM–5 PM Lunch: 12–1 PM |
| Tuesday | 1 PM–6 PM |
10:30 AM–5 PM Lunch: 12–1 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed | Main current Contact page says closed; call because another shelter page conflicts. |
| Thursday | 1 PM–6 PM |
10:30 AM–5 PM Lunch: 12–1 PM |
| Friday | 1 PM–6 PM |
10:30 AM–5 PM Lunch: 12–1 PM |
| Saturday | 1 PM–6 PM |
10:30 AM–5 PM Lunch: 12–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed | Main current Contact page says closed; call because another shelter page conflicts. |
Johnson City Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
The shelter’s official Available Pets page currently publishes specific adoption prices rather than one generic fee range.
| Pet | Current listed fee | Listed included care |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | $50 | Spay/neuter, FVRCP vaccine, deworming, microchip with lifetime registration. |
| Adult dogs | $90 | Spay/neuter, Bordetella, Distemper/Parvo vaccines, deworming when necessary, microchip with lifetime registration. |
| Puppies | $130 | Spay/neuter, Bordetella, Distemper/Parvo vaccines, deworming when necessary, microchip with lifetime registration. |
| Barn / working cats | No adoption fee | Shelter says barn cats are spayed/neutered and vaccinated; adopter must provide appropriate shelter, food and water. |
How to Adopt From Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter
Adoption is application-based. The shelter does not promise a pet to the first person who asks; applications are reviewed for the best fit, and some animals can require a home check.
Check available pets
Start with the official Available Pets page .
Note the animal’s name and whether it is still completing a stray-hold period.
Choose the correct application
The shelter requires an application for adoption. Use the official dog application for a dog and cat application for a cat.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
Check housing and household fit
The official application asks about whether you rent or own, landlord information, children, current pets, fencing and how a dog will be managed outdoors.
Some dogs may require a fenced home, depending on the individual dog’s needs.
Visit during Adoption Center hours
Come Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday between 1 PM and 6 PM.
Spend time with the animal. Ask staff what is known about behavior, medical history, energy level and compatibility with other animals.
Arrange a meet-and-greet when required
The shelter says some dogs require a meet-and-greet with an applicant’s existing dog.
Do not simply bring another dog into the shelter without asking staff how the introduction should be handled.
Wait for application review
When an animal has completed any required legal hold, applications are reviewed and the shelter selects the applicant it considers the best fit.
A completed application is not a guarantee that a particular animal will be placed with you.
Take the animal home only after release is complete
Obtain the pet’s medical, vaccination and microchip information. Ask which follow-up veterinary care is due and when.
If an adopted pet later proves to be a poor fit, the shelter asks adopters to return the animal to the shelter rather than rehome it independently.
Washington County Johnson City Stray-Hold Rules
A newly found pet is not automatically available for adoption because an owner may still be looking for it.
Minimum three-day hold
The shelter’s adoption FAQ says stray animals are placed on hold for a minimum of three days.
Five days or possibly longer
A stray arriving already spayed/neutered or with some type of tag or collar is held for five days and may be held longer at the director’s discretion.
Lost a Dog or Cat in Johnson City or Washington County?
The shelter’s own lost-pet guidance emphasizes acting quickly. Do not wait several days hoping the animal will simply come home.
Call the shelter
Call 423-926-8769 and describe your animal, identifying features, where it disappeared and how you can be reached.
Make clear lost-pet posters
Include a recent photo, physical description, unique markings, the pet’s name and a reachable phone number.
Place them within a practical radius of where the pet went missing.
Search at dawn and at night
The shelter recommends actively calling for your pet, using family and friends to search in several directions, and listening during quieter hours.
Contact multiple shelters and veterinary hospitals
A lost animal can cross city and county boundaries. The shelter recommends contacting nearby shelters and veterinary hospitals, including emergency hospitals.
Visit shelters instead of relying only on descriptions
Online breed, color and age descriptions can be imperfect. If a shelter has an animal that could be yours, go in person with ownership evidence.
Found a Stray Animal in Johnson City or Washington County?
Do not force contact
A frightened animal may bite or scratch. Do not corner an aggressive, injured or panicked animal.
Where was the animal found?
The shelter says it cannot accept stray animals from other cities or counties.
Give the exact location when you call.
Call before driving
For a friendly confined stray, call Animal Control at 423-926-8769 before transporting it.
Secure friendly cats in a carrier, sturdy ventilated box or appropriate enclosure.
How to Surrender an Owned Pet to WCJC Animal Shelter
Owner surrender is not described as an unrestricted walk-in service. The shelter asks owners to explore safe alternatives first and then make an appointment if surrender is unavoidable.
Call before bringing the animal
Contact 423-926-8769 and request a surrender appointment.
Explain the animal’s age, medical needs, behavior, reason for surrender and urgency honestly.
Johnson City / Washington County proof
The shelter lists proof of Johnson City or Washington County residency among the required surrender documents.
Surrender from another jurisdiction should be routed to that area’s shelter.
Documents the shelter asks owners to bring
- Valid photo identification.
- Medical records, when available.
- Rabies tag or rabies certificate, when available.
- Information about the pet’s habits and behavior.
- Proof of Johnson City or Washington County residency.
Washington County Johnson City Animal Control
The organization’s legal name is Washington County-Johnson City Animal Control Center, Inc., doing business as Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter.
Current Washington County bylaws describe the corporation as a Tennessee nonprofit and state that it is charged with enforcing applicable state, city and county animal-welfare laws.
Routine Animal Control call
Call 423-926-8769 and provide:
- Exact address or cross street.
- Whether location is Johnson City or unincorporated Washington County.
- Species and description.
- Whether animal is loose, injured, aggressive or confined.
- Whether a bite or attack occurred.
Immediate danger
If a person is actively being attacked or there is an immediate threat to human life, call 911 instead of waiting for a routine shelter response.
The shelter does not publish a clearly separated 24-hour Animal Control emergency number on the current pages reviewed here.
Emergency & Important Contacts
| Organization / purpose | Phone | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter / Animal Control | 423-926-8769 | Shelter, intake, stray, lost/found, surrender and routine Animal Control questions for the Johnson City / Washington County service area. |
| Immediate emergency | 911 | Immediate danger to human life, severe active attack, or urgent police/fire/medical response. |
| Washington County Health Department | 423-975-2200 | Local public-health contact. Tennessee instructs animal-bite reports to go to both the local health department and local animal control. |
| Tennessee Department of Health — zoonotic disease | 615-741-7247 | State-level rabies and zoonotic-disease information. |
| Tennessee TDH toll-free zoonotic line | 800-404-3006 | State public-health questions involving rabies and zoonotic disease. |
Animal Bite or Possible Rabies Exposure
Tennessee Department of Health instructs people to report a bite from a domestic or wild mammal to both:
- The local health department.
- The local animal-control office.
Address the injury first
Wash the wound and obtain appropriate medical evaluation. Call 911 for a serious immediate emergency.
Gather animal information
Record the animal’s description, owner information when known, rabies vaccination status, location and what happened.
Report to Animal Control
Call 423-926-8769 for the Washington County / Johnson City Animal Control route.
Contact the local Health Department
Washington County Health Department: 423-975-2200 .
Do not delay medical treatment while attempting to complete shelter paperwork.
Judy and Doug Lowrie Spay and Neuter Clinic
Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter operates the Judy and Doug Lowrie Spay and Neuter Clinic, which publishes low-cost surgical, vaccine, microchip and diagnostic services for community pets.
Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4 PM
Clinic phone: 423-926-8769 ext. 2.
Clinic text line: 423-850-4071.
Appointments are booked first come, first served and may be scheduled up to two months in advance.
Curbside clinic service
The clinic instructs clients to remain in their vehicle and follow curbside directions.
Dogs must be leashed, cats must be in carriers, and feral cats must remain in traps.
Full payment is due when booking.
Current Spay/Neuter, Vaccine and Microchip Prices
| Clinic service | Published fee | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Female dog spay | $127 | Surgery appointment required. |
| Male dog neuter | $114 | Surgery appointment required. |
| Female cat spay | $109 | Surgery appointment required. |
| Male cat neuter | $94 | Surgery appointment required. |
| Rabies vaccine — 1 year | $15 | Pets over six months need proof of rabies vaccination or vaccination is administered at owner cost. |
| FVRCP — cat | $15 | Optional/additional clinic service. |
| DA2PPV + L4 — dog | $15 | Optional/additional clinic service. |
| Bordetella | $15 | Dog preventive vaccine. |
| Leptospira vaccine | $15 | Verify suitability at appointment. |
| Heartworm test | $30 | Additional diagnostic service. |
| FeLV/FIV test | $30 | Additional feline diagnostic service. |
| Microchip | $20 | Update registration details when contact information changes. |
- Minimum age: 12 weeks.
- Minimum weight: 3 pounds.
- Pets over age 7 require bloodwork and doctor approval.
- Dogs over 100 pounds are not accepted for surgery.
- Known pregnant animals are not accepted.
- Dogs in heat must wait at least four weeks after signs of heat.
- Certain brachycephalic animals are excluded.
- Dogs over 60 pounds have a published $25 additional charge.
Veterinarians Listed by the WCJC Spay/Neuter Clinic
Unlike many shelter pages, this clinic officially publishes the names and credentials of its veterinary team.
Jessi Barrowclough, DVM
The official clinic team page lists Jessi Barrowclough, DVM as a veterinarian.
Her official profile says she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine through the University of Tennessee.
April Fitzgerald, DVM
The official clinic team page lists April Fitzgerald, DVM as a veterinarian.
Her official profile states that she earned her DVM from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in 2009.
Foster a Washington County Johnson City Shelter Pet
Foster homes give animals temporary space away from the shelter while they recover, grow or become ready for adoption.
The shelter says it provides some food and all medical attention for animals in its foster program.
Nearby Tri-Cities Shelter Routing
Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter says it cannot accept stray animals from other cities or counties. The animal’s found location determines the correct agency.
| Nearby area / shelter | Official shelter-listed phone | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter | 423-547-6359 | Carter County / Elizabethton uses a different shelter route. |
| Sullivan County Animal Shelter | 423-279-2741 | Use Sullivan County service routing for animals found there. |
| Kingsport Animal Shelter | 423-247-1671 | Kingsport-area animals may use a separate service route. |
| Unicoi County Animal Shelter | 423-743-3071 | Use for Unicoi County / Erwin-area shelter questions. |
| Washington County Virginia Animal Shelter | 276-676-6210 | Washington County, Virginia is a different jurisdiction from Washington County, Tennessee. |
Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter Map
Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter
3411 N. Roan Street
Johnson City, TN 37601
Use the official 37601 address published by the shelter itself. Some third-party listings may display a different ZIP code.
Official Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter Resources
Use the links below for live pet availability, applications, clinic bookings and last-minute updates.
Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter: 10 FAQs
1. Where is Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter?
The shelter is located at 3411 N. Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601. Its main phone number is 423-926-8769.
2. What are the Johnson City Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Adoption Center hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1 PM to 6 PM. The current main Contact page lists Wednesday and Sunday as closed.
3. What are the animal intake hours?
The shelter’s current main Contact page lists Animal Control Center/Intake from 10:30 AM to 5 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a noon–1 PM lunch closure. A separate shelter contact form conflicts by saying intake is Monday–Sunday, so call 423-926-8769 before attempting Wednesday or Sunday intake.
4. How much does it cost to adopt a cat, dog or puppy?
The shelter’s Available Pets page lists cats at $50, adult dogs at $90 and puppies at $130. Barn/working cats are listed with no adoption fee, subject to the program’s care requirements.
5. How old do I have to be to adopt?
The official adoption FAQ says adopters must be at least 21 years old. Some animals may also require a home check, and individual dogs can have specific fencing or household requirements.
6. How long does the shelter hold stray animals?
Stray animals are held for a minimum of three days. Strays that arrive already sterilized or with a tag or collar are held for five days and may be held longer at the director’s discretion.
7. Can I surrender an owned pet?
Yes, but the shelter asks owners to contact it first and make an appointment. Bring photo ID, relevant medical/rabies records, a behavior profile and proof of Johnson City or Washington County residency. The actual owner must relinquish custody.
8. Who do I call for Animal Control in Johnson City or Washington County?
Call Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter / Animal Control at 423-926-8769 for routine local animal-control matters. Call 911 for an immediate threat to human life. The current shelter pages reviewed here do not clearly publish a separate dedicated after-hours Animal Control emergency number.
9. Does the shelter have a low-cost spay/neuter clinic?
Yes. The Judy and Doug Lowrie Spay and Neuter Clinic publishes Monday–Friday hours of 7:30 AM–4 PM. Current prices include $127 female dog spay, $114 male dog neuter, $109 female cat spay, $94 male cat neuter, $15 one-year rabies vaccine and $20 microchip. Appointments and eligibility rules apply.
10. Which veterinarians are listed by the shelter clinic?
The official clinic team page lists Jessi Barrowclough, DVM and April Fitzgerald, DVM as veterinarians. The shelter does not publish a guaranteed doctor-specific public surgery schedule, so contact the clinic for appointment details.
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.