Yonkers Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours, Pets, Licensing & Lost Animal Help
This guide is for Yonkers Animal Shelter at Ridge Hill Boulevard. Use it to adopt a dog or cat, check shelter hours, complete the application route, license your dog, find a lost pet, reclaim a found animal, volunteer, or know when a public-safety issue needs city routing instead of a normal adoption call.
The page is built for fast scanning: phone number, hours, address, application rule, household/dog meet requirement, license requirements, lost/found checklist and official links are all included before users have to leave the page.
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Yonkers Animal Shelter vs Animal Control: Use the Right Route
The shelter page, adoption page and city animals page all point users toward the City of Yonkers shelter for adoption, licensing, volunteering and adoptable pets. Public-safety issues need the right city or emergency route.
| Need today | Best starting point | Why | What to do next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a pet | Yonkers Animal Shelter | Official adoption applications and Petfinder listings are linked from the shelter page. | Complete application, wait for approval, then attend appointment. |
| Ask about a specific adoptable pet | Shelter phone | Listings can change quickly. | Call 914-377-6730 with the pet name and listing link. |
| Lost pet may be at the shelter | Shelter phone | Found pets may be routed to the shelter for redemption. | Call 914-377-6730 and prepare proof of ownership. |
| Found dog or cat in Yonkers | Shelter / city reporting route | Staff can explain intake, redemption or next steps. | Take photos, check tag safely, call before transporting. |
| Dog license | Shelter or City Clerk route | Yonkers adoption page says dog licenses can be purchased at the shelter or by mail at the City Clerk’s Office. | Bring rabies certificate and spay/neuter certificate if applicable. |
| Immediate danger, active bite or human safety risk | Emergency services | Safety comes before adoption/lost-pet routing. | Call emergency services and avoid unsafe handling. |
Yonkers Animal Shelter Address, Hours and Contact
These are the key official details most users need before driving to Ridge Hill.
| Detail | Official information | Practical use | Before you go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Address | 1000 Ridge Hill Boulevard, Yonkers, NY 10710 | Use for shelter visits, adoption appointments and lost-pet checks. | Confirm appointment or reason for visit first. |
| Phone | 914-377-6730 | Use for adoption, lost/found, redemption, volunteer and license questions. | Call between public phone hours when possible. |
| Regular hours | Monday-Sunday, 11 am-4 pm | General shelter public hours. | Do not arrive right before closing with a long adoption task. |
| Thursday hours | 11 am-7:30 pm | Official page lists extended Thursday hours. | Still confirm if you need a specific appointment or pet. |
| Facility | 11,000 sq ft modern shelter opened at Ridge Hill | Built with adoption focus, meet-and-greet spaces and separate intake/adoption areas. | Use appointment flow for best staff support. |
How to Adopt from Yonkers Animal Shelter
Yonkers uses an application and appointment flow. Treat the visit as a placement decision, not a quick shopping trip.
View available pets
Use the city shelter page and Petfinder link. Save the pet name, photo, species, age, sex and listing screenshot.
Complete the adoption application
Potential adopters must complete the pet adoption application. It helps staff understand your household and animal experience.
Call during shelter hours
The adoption page says you can call 914-377-6730 between 11 am and 4 pm, Monday through Sunday.
Wait for approval and appointment
Once the application is approved, the shelter contacts you and gives an appointment.
Bring household decision-makers
All family and household members must participate in selecting a pet because adoption is a lifelong decision.
Plan resident-dog meeting
If you already have a dog, that dog must meet the shelter dog before the adoption is finalized.
Ask go-home questions
Ask about spay/neuter timing, free veterinary exam, license, medical notes, behavior fit and supplies needed for the first week.
Application and Appointment Checklist
Use this before submitting the application or attending a Yonkers adoption appointment.
Application basics
Be ready to describe your household, animal experience, schedule, housing and pet-care plan.
Housing proof
If you rent or live in a co-op/condo, verify pet rules, breed/weight limits and landlord/building approval first.
Household members
All family and household members must participate in selecting a pet.
Resident dog
Current household dogs must meet the shelter dog before adoption is finalized.
Vet plan
Adopted animals receive a free first veterinary examination with participating hospitals, scheduled within seven days.
Transport
Bring a leash/harness for dogs or a secure carrier for cats. Do not plan to hold a new pet loose in a car.
What a Yonkers Shelter Adoption Includes or Requires
The official adoption page gives several important post-adoption details that users should see before they apply.
Spay / neuter requirement
Any unsterilized animal adopted from the shelter must be spayed or neutered within a designated time.
Free vet exam
All adopted animals receive their first veterinary examination free with participating hospitals.
Seven-day window
The free exam must be scheduled within seven days of adoption.
Extra care costs
Pet owners are responsible for diagnostic tests, vaccination or other treatment.
Dog license
Dog owners must purchase a new license every calendar year and display the tag on the collar.
Rabies proof
A valid rabies certificate must be presented for a dog license; no license is issued without rabies proof.
Adoption Fees and What to Verify Before Paying
The main city adoption page does not show a permanent standard fee table in the accessible text. Recent city promotion pages have shown discounted event fees, but regular pet-specific fees should be verified directly before visiting.
| Fee question | Best answer for users | Why | Ask this by phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current dog adoption fee | Call 914-377-6730 | Permanent standard fee is not clearly listed on the main city adoption page. | “What is the current total adoption fee for this dog?” |
| Current cat adoption fee | Call 914-377-6730 | Promotion fees may differ from regular fees. | “Is there a current cat adoption event or discount?” |
| Promotional event fees | May be discounted during city campaigns | City promotion result showed Adopt-a-Valentine fees of $30 cats and $40 dogs in 2026. | “Is today a regular fee day or a promotion day?” |
| Dog license fee | Use City dog-license page/application | Licenses require rabies proof and renew every calendar year. | “What fee applies to spayed/neutered vs unaltered dogs today?” |
| Medical costs after adoption | Owner pays for extra treatment | Free vet exam does not include all diagnostics/treatments. | “What records and vet exam certificate will I receive?” |
Lost, Found or Reclaiming a Pet in Yonkers
The fastest lost-pet plan is not just posting online. Call the shelter, prepare proof, search locally and update identification channels.
If your pet is lost
- Call Yonkers Animal Shelter at 914-377-6730.
- Check the shelter in person if staff recommends it.
- Search Petfinder and shelter social updates.
- Update microchip contact details immediately.
- Post clear photos with cross streets, date and collar details.
- Call nearby vets and Westchester-area lost-pet groups.
If you found a pet
- Do not chase a frightened animal toward traffic.
- Check tag or collar only if safe.
- Take clear photos before moving the animal.
- Call 914-377-6730 for shelter routing.
- Ask a vet/shelter about microchip scanning.
- Do not give the pet to someone without proof of ownership.
To reclaim a pet
- Call for redemption instructions first.
- Bring government photo ID.
- Bring pet photos and vet records.
- Bring microchip, license or rabies tag details if available.
- Ask whether fees or proof documents are required.
- Bring leash or carrier for safe pickup.
Yonkers Dog License Requirements
Dog licensing is a major official detail tied directly to the adoption page. Do not skip it.
| License detail | Official rule | What it means | Prepare this |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual license | Owners must purchase a new license every calendar year. | Dog tags must stay current. | Renew before expiration. |
| Tag display | The license tag must be displayed on the animal’s collar. | Helps identify and return dogs. | Replace lost tags quickly. |
| Rabies certificate | Valid rabies certificate required at license issue. | No license can be issued without rabies proof. | Bring current rabies certificate. |
| Spay/neuter proof | Provide spay/neuter certificate if applicable. | May affect license category/fee. | Bring veterinary certificate. |
| Where to buy | Shelter in person or by mail at Yonkers City Clerk’s Office. | Adopters and dog owners have two routes. | Call shelter if you want application mailed. |
| Dog age rule | Yonkers code references dogs four months or older needing proper licensing. | Puppies eventually need licensing. | Ask when your puppy’s license is due. |
Curb Your Dog, Neighbor Rules and City Animal Issues
Yonkers animal searches often include “control,” but some issues are about local code, cleanup, quality of life and responsible ownership.
Curb your dog
The city Animals & Pets page links the “Be A Good Neighbor, Curb Your Dog” campaign and warns residents to avoid fines.
Keep tags current
A visible dog license tag and current rabies proof help with reunions and compliance.
Call before conflict
For a stray, bite, aggressive animal or unsafe issue, use the appropriate city/emergency route rather than arguing with a neighbor.
Document facts
For recurring animal complaints, document dates, times, locations, photos if safe, and the impact.
Use a leash
Even friendly dogs can trigger complaints or safety issues in dense neighborhoods, parks, elevators and shared sidewalks.
Apartment rules
Check building, co-op, condo, landlord and insurance rules before adopting a dog or cat.
Volunteer at Yonkers Animal Shelter
The shelter page says Lauren Talia, Animal Control Officer, also serves as Volunteer Coordinator, and volunteer applications must be filled out in person at the shelter.
Apply in person
Volunteer applications must be filled out in person at Yonkers Animal Shelter.
Call first
For volunteer details, call 914-377-6730 and ask for current requirements and onboarding.
Ask what is needed
Needs may change by season: dog walking, cat socializing, cleaning support, events or enrichment may not always be open.
Yonkers Local Tips That Save Time
Ridge Hill timing
Give yourself time for Ridge Hill traffic, parking and the shelter appointment. Do not plan a rushed adoption near closing.
Save the listing
Petfinder listings change. Screenshot the pet name, photo and link before calling.
Bring the household
All family and household members need to participate in selecting a pet.
Plan dog meeting
If you already have a dog, the resident dog must meet the shelter dog before final approval.
Book vet fast
The free first veterinary exam must be scheduled within seven days of adoption.
License right away
Dog owners need a current license and collar tag. Bring rabies proof and spay/neuter proof if applicable.
Map and Directions to Yonkers Animal Shelter
Use this map for route planning to the Ridge Hill shelter. Confirm your appointment, pet availability or lost-pet redemption instructions before driving.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Short, specific messages help staff route your question faster.
Adoption
Hi, I submitted or plan to submit an adoption application for [pet name/species]. Is this pet still available, and what appointment step should I complete next?Resident dog meet
Hi, I already have a dog and I’m interested in [shelter dog name]. How should I schedule or prepare for the required dog-to-dog meeting?Lost pet
Hi, I lost my [dog/cat] near [cross streets] on [date]. The pet is [description] and may have [microchip/license/collar]. Has a matching pet arrived at the shelter?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location]. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. I have photos and can/cannot hold the pet. What is the correct next step?Official Yonkers Animal Shelter Links
The main details are summarized above. Use official links for live applications, adoptable pets, dog-license forms and final verification.
Final Yonkers Shelter Checklist
Before adoption
- View Petfinder or city shelter page.
- Complete adoption application.
- Call 914-377-6730 between 11 am and 4 pm.
- Wait for approval and appointment.
- Bring all household members.
- Bring resident dog if shelter schedules required meet.
- Ask about spay/neuter and free vet exam certificate.
Before lost/found/license action
- Call shelter before visiting.
- Prepare photos and proof of ownership.
- Update microchip contact details.
- Bring rabies certificate for dog license.
- Bring spay/neuter certificate if applicable.
- Use emergency services for immediate danger.
- Follow curb-your-dog cleanup rules.
Yonkers Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Yonkers Animal Shelter located?
Yonkers Animal Shelter is located at 1000 Ridge Hill Boulevard, Yonkers, NY 10710.
What is the phone number for Yonkers Animal Shelter?
The Yonkers Animal Shelter phone number is 914-377-6730.
What are Yonkers Animal Shelter hours?
Official hours are Monday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, with Thursday hours listed as 11 am to 7:30 pm.
How do I adopt a pet from Yonkers Animal Shelter?
Complete the official pet adoption application first. After the application is approved, the shelter contacts you and gives an appointment.
Do all family members need to participate in adoption?
Yes. The official adoption page says all family and household members must participate in selecting a pet.
Does my current dog need to meet the shelter dog?
Yes. If there are dogs already in the household, they must meet the shelter dog before the adoption process is finalized.
Do adopted pets receive a free veterinary exam?
Yes. All animals adopted from the shelter receive their first veterinary examination free with participating hospitals, and the exam must be scheduled within seven days of adoption.
Do Yonkers dogs need a license?
Yes. Dog owners must purchase a new license every calendar year and display the license tag on the dog’s collar.
What do I need to license a dog in Yonkers?
A valid rabies certificate is required when a dog license is issued, and no license can be issued without proof of rabies vaccination. A spay or neuter certificate should be provided if applicable.
What should I do if I lost a pet in Yonkers?
Call Yonkers Animal Shelter at 914-377-6730, prepare photos and proof of ownership, update microchip information, check local lost-pet posts and visit the shelter if staff recommends it.
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.