Adoption

Adopting or staycationing a dog? Bring a leash and collar!

Adopting a cat or small pet? Bring a carrier!

adoptable dogs Adoptable dogs!

Our hours:
Monday-Friday 11am-7pm
Saturday-Sunday 11am-5pm

Please be aware of the following information:

  • Read over the Adoption Day Reminders found in the drop down menu so you are prepared when you come to adopt.

  • An order of first right-to-adopt has been established:

    • The Shelter doors open at 11:00am.  All adopters in attendance at that time secure an equal position regardless of how early they arrived.

    • If there are 2 or more adopters at the shelter at the same time, for the same pet, starting at 11am, then a priority order drawing will take place.  The selected first adopter will have a determined amount of time to interact with the pet and make a decision about adoption. We encourage the other adopters to stay nearby in case the first adopter does not complete the adoption.  We also encourage them to tour the other animals available for adoption while they are here.

  • Adopters visiting during regular shelter hours will have the right to complete the interaction and adoption process on a first-come-first serve basis with no interruption from other adopters for the same pet.

  • In the best interest of assisting everyone before closing time, we will be stopping interactions 30 minutes before closing every day. If you wish to interact with any of our adoptable pets, please get to the shelter no later than 1 hour prior to closing so we can assist you with interaction and completing adoption paperwork.

  • If you are interested in meeting and interacting with any of our adoptable shelter pets, please come to the shelter to meet with them in person. Any information we have will be given to you when you arrive. Make sure you have their 7 digit animal ID number (starts with an A).

In addition to our adoptable animals, there are many pets in our community that are looking for new homes. The list is generated below via Adopt-A-Pet.com .



We want to be sure that the pet you pick will become the newest family member. There is loads of information in the Animal Care Education section that will help you with your new family member. Check out the Veterinarian services to see what we've provided for our adoptable pets.
Let us assist you with your adoption process!

When adopting from Animal Services, please:

  1. Have a valid driver’s license or state or government issued ID. If these do not have the correct address, bring in verification of your correct address. Could be a pay check, car registration, utility bill, anything!

  2. Be at least 18 years of age.

  3. Payments can be made with cash or local checks and MasterCard or Visa. No debit card transactions are possible.

  4. Adopting a cat? Don't forget to bring a cat carrier with you! If you're planning to adopt two, bring two carriers. If you forget to bring carriers, or you adopt a second a cat because you just couldn't decide between two, don't worry! We can sell you a temporary cat box for $5 each at the time of your adoption.

Animal to animal interactions:
Due to safety reasons we cannot allow dog/cat or cat/cat interactions.

As for dog/dog interactions: we do not allow dog/dog interacations at the shelter. No exceptions. You are encouraged to check them out on a day or staycation and, with assistance, conduct a dog/dog interaction in a neutral location.

Why do we not allow interactions at the shelter? Allowing family dogs to visit the shelter to meet a shelter dog is not a valid predictor of a future relationship. The animal shelter is an unnatural environment. The shelter dog most likely has some level of stress and a family dog coming to the shelter may experience stress. To set both the shelter dog and the family dog up for success, we recommend doing a meet/greet outside of the shelter environment, on neutral ground.

Here's some instructions and tips to help you learn more about dog/dog interactions and the best practices for greetings.

NOTE: if you bring your dog to the shelter, know that they CANNOT go into the dog kennels. It would be best to leave your pet at home or have someone come with you to hang out with your dog if you plan to go offsite for a dog/dog interaction.

​​Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Services pet adoption program brings animals and people together. If you are looking for a new pet, the Animal Services adoption center has a wide variety of animals to adopt; from dogs and cats, rabbits and guinea pigs, to the occasional snake and pot-bellied pigs. The shelter also has two specially designed bonding areas for people to interact and play with the animals they are considering for adoption.

Let us assist you with your adoption process. Please:

  • Have a valid driver’s license or state or government issued ID. If these do not have the correct address, bring in verification of your correct address. Could be a pay check, car registration, utility bill, anything!

  • Be at least 18 years of age.

  • Payments can be made with cash or local checks and MasterCard or Visa​.

  • Adopting a cat? Don't forget to bring a cat carrier with you! If you're planning to adopt two, bring two carriers. If you forget to bring carriers, or you adopt a second a cat because you just couldn't decide between two, don't worry! We can sell you a temporary cat box for $5​ each at the time of your adoption.

Know that we are putting over $400-$700 into each pet.

At times we have adoption specials where prices are waived with a monetary donation amount of your choice. Know that we are putting over $400-$700 into each pet so please be generous when donating. Your donations help us continue to provide care to the animals that we house daily.

Adoption Prices vary depending on the type of animal you are interested in adopting.  See below for a complete list.

 

Adult Dogs (4+ months):             

Adoption fee - $30
Spay fee - $70
Neuter fee - $65
Microchip - $8
License - $10
Spay Total - $​118
Neuter Total - $113

Puppies (under 4 months):

Adoption fee - $30
Spay fee - $70
Neuter fee - $65
Microchip - $8
Spay Total - $​108
Neuter Total - $103

Adult Cats (4+ months):

Adoption fee - $30
Spay fee - $50
Neuter fee - $45
Microchip - $8
License - $10
Spay Total - $98
Neuter Total - $93

 

Kittens (under 4 months):

Adoption fee - $30
Spay fee - $50
Neuter fee - $45
Microchip - $8
Spay Total - $88
Neuter Total - $83

 

Adoption Fee includes preventive shots and deworming.

Exotic Animals

The Animal Shelter is not just a place for dogs and cats.  We may have a variety of animals from ferrets and rabbits to iguanas and snakes.  The prices will vary depending on species and size which can range from $1 to $100.

At any given time we may have one of the following:

Rabbits $58 each
Guinea Pigs $5 each
Rats $2 each
Hamsters $3
Gerbils $3
Mice $1
Ferrets $25
Snakes $25-$75
Iguanas $25-$75
Parakeets/Canaries $10
Finches $5
Fish

Livestock

Occasionally, large animals are available for adoption.  Ordinance requires livestock be auctioned, so the animal goes to the highest bidder.  Auction notices are posted at the animal shelter, and on this site ten days prior to the auction.
To find our current livestock animals that are now up for adoption and when the next auction date will be, click here to go to the "others" animal page, and click on the animals picture. Prices of adoption will vary based on the type of animal and size.​

At any given time we may have one of the following:​

Horses
Cattle
Llamas
Donkeys
Mules
Chickens $2
Turkeys $5
Ducks
Peacocks
Other fowl
Goats $15
Sheep​
Pigs​ $5-$25

*VIP*

​Our VIPs are Very Important Pets for a Very Impressive Price! These wonderful pets may have been with us a while and keep getting over looked, or they are just a bit more matured and settled, or we simply have too many of the same color and breed. The VIP status helps to show off the great pets that are looking for some extra attention. VIPs are only $10 to adopt and only apply to those animals listed with a "My rescue status is VIP".

 

*Heartworm*

How we treat heartworms:
AC&C is dedicated to treating as many heartworm-positive dogs as we can in order to ensure that these dogs are able to be adopted into happy homes. The number of heartworm-positive dogs in our community is overwhelming! Because of this, we are using a unique approach to heartworm treatment that allows us to treat far more dogs than traditional treatment would allow.

Medications Used:
Advantage Multi

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that is used for 28 days to rid the heartworms of a bacteria called Wolbachia that causes more adverse reactions during treatment.

This treatment will not interfere in any way with a traditional treatment plan should you choose to pursue that once you have adopted.

The Process:
You will be provided with a treatment sheet that you can use to help remind you of the dates to apply the Advantage Multi. When the last dose has been given, please schedule an appointment for a heartworm test with us using our WaitWhile appointment system.

Dogs that come in with heartworms are FREE to adopt which will contribute to providing treatment with your own veterinarian. This status only applies to those animals listed with a "My rescue status is heartworm". (A low $10 license applies to Mecklenburg County pet owners).​ A monetary donation is welcome to help pay-it-forward for other heartworm treatments.

 

*Reduced Adoption Fee*

Some of our adoptable pets will have varied reduced prices due to having had services, which we usually provide, completed prior to coming to our shelter.  We are happy to pass this savings on to the new owners. This may include spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, or both.  As always, we recommend that you visit our shelter pets in person to select the best fit for your family. When you have decided, you will be given the background information and final price for your rescued pet. This status only applies to those animals listed as "My rescue status is Reduced Adoption Fee". (A $10 license applies to Mecklenburg County pet owners.)

*A $10 license applies to Mecklenburg County pet owners when adopting.

At times we have adoption specials where prices are waived with a monetary donation amount of your choice. Know that we are putting over $400-$700 into each pet so please be generous when donating. Your donations help us continue to provide care to the animals that we house daily.

 

*Extended Stay Guests*

When you find an adoptable pet that has a red "Extended Stay Guest" sticker on their profile picture, it means that pet has been with us, either at the shelter or in foster care, for a minimum of 2 months; many of them have been there for a lot longer. Sometimes they are at the shelter for that time without any kind of foster breaks. We hope that you'll consider these pets first, to provide them the home they so desperately need.


 *Pets for the Elderly*

CMPD Animal Care & Control is now an official partner shelter for Pets for the Elderly Foundation, which helps with the cost of adoptions and additional pet-related expenses for senior citizens.  The organization's mission is to help reduce the number of animals in shelters and provide companionship, health and happiness to senior citizens. Animal Care & Control was awarded a grant from Pets for the Elderly Foundation to expand its adoption program for senior citizens in 2021 and has been renewed for 2022. Through the new program, seniors in our community (ages 60+) can adopt an animal companion (up to 2) for free* and will receive a six-month supply of heartworm and flea/tick preventatives with each adoption.

*Due to county regulations, a $10 license fee is required for seniors 60 – 61 years of age living in Mecklenburg County.

​Uh, hello.  My name's Cassius.  And I'm a happy-go-lucky boy.  Found myself not too long ago here at the Animal services center.  Well, they took good care ​of me.  Even found me a new place to live.  

I've got a real good story to tell.  My new family has kids!  Yay!  We have lots of fun!

I just know a couple of you guys out there have some stories to tell.  Some of you may not have been happy in your previous homes, that's why we want to hear how you are doing in your new home.  Just send a new picture of you and your family... in a jpg format (whatever that is) and a story about your new life.  

We'll publish it for EVERYONE to see.  Maybe if people know how happy we can be, all of the little ones here will be adopted.

Just send your stories and pictures to my buddy, Melissa.  She'll take care of everything.  

Gotta go, they got the Frisbee out...


dog reminding adopters to send in happy endings

Sincerely, Cassius

paw print

We always enjoy hearing from people who have adopted our pets.  We like to know that our former friends have found great homes and how they have brought joy to people's lives.  We thought it would be great to share these stories with you. If you want to submit a story, please tell me the name we gave the animal at the shelter or the ID number.  That way, if you don't have a picture, I can pull one from my archives. Please be sure to put "Happy Endings" in the subject line.

                                                   

Send information to the email of accfacebook6@gmail.com


Okay all you adopters of cats, small pets and livestock: the dog adopters far out-number you when it comes to sending in stories of their new family members.  I'm sure this is not because they love them any more than you do.  Help even the score and send in your stories.  People love to read them.​

​Pet Store Partners

We are very grateful to the local pet stores located through out Mecklenburg County who have graciously agreed to partner with us and not only house our adoptable cats, but also help find them new homes.

While looking over the adoptable cats on our site you might find some that are listed as Pet Super or PetSmart. Click on their picture and there will a note saying which store they are located. You are welcome to contact them to make sure the cat is still available for adoption; you are then encouraged to go to the store in person to meet them.

1. PetSmart in Cornelius
8301 Magnolia Estates Dr, 28031

2. PetSmart in Cotswold
206 S Sharon Amity Rd, 28211

3. Pet Supplies Plus
2001 E 7th St, 28204

Cats are $30 each.

Small pets found at Cotswold include Gerbils, Guinea Pigs, and Rabbits. Gerbils are $2 each; Guinea Pigs are $10 each; Rabbits are $45 each. An extra $5 is required for a boxed carrier for the small pets.

We thank our pet store partners for helping us find furever homes for our adoptable kitties and small pets!

​In order to help you with the adoption process, we've listed all the kennel locations here so that you know where the adoptable animal is located.

"Adopt" R or L (1-24) / "AC" (3-8) :

     This means that they are in the adoption kennels that is open to all citizens. These animals are health checked, ready for interaction, and adoption. Adopt are for dogs. AC are for cats.

"Foster" :

     This means that they are currently in foster care. When clicking on the animals' picture, it will bring up the foster parent's contact information and possibly a bio and photo album. Since these animals are in foster, you will need to contact the foster parent directly for a meet and greet.

"Stray" R or L (1-41) / "LC" / "DDTF" / "RD" / "RC" / "Hold Ward" :

     This means that the animal has received a health check, is ready for interaction, and adoption. However, they are in an area of the shelter that is not open to the public. When you arrive at the shelter, provide the animal 7 digit animal ID number so the staff can find them and bring them to you.

"Sick Dog" / "Sick Cat" / "Temp" R or L (1-10) :

     This means that the animals has received a health check, is ready for interaction, and adoption. These animals could have specific ailments or they could have kennel cough (for dogs) or URI (upper respitory infection for cats) and are currently being treated in these areas. There areas are not open to the public but you can interact with them. However, once you meet an animal from these locations, you will not be able to meet the healthy animals in the adoption kennels. Reason: the germs will spread.

     In addition, the animals in these three kennel areas are adoptable and we will either adopt them to you and you can finish treatment at your own vet or you can adopt and we might finish treatment for you. This is dependent on our veterinarian as well as whether the animal still needs to be spayed or neutered. You can inquire about this during your interaction.

PetSmart / Pet Superm / PetPlus:

     These are cats that are currently being housed at select PetSmarts, Pet Supermarkets, or Pet Supplies Plus in Mecklenburg County. When clicking on a cats' picture, it will bring you to the page that shows more info about them as well as which store they are currently staying. To learn more, click on the "Pet Store Partnerships" box above.

"Wild/Exotic"

     These are where we house the small pets like rabbits, guniea pigs, hamsters, snakes, birds, and fish. You must be accompanied by a staff or volunteer team member to visit these pets.

"Barn"

     You probably guessed this one. It's where we house the farm animals. Pigs, cattle, horses, lots of chickens and roosters. You must be accompanied by a staff member to visit these pets.

"Elsewhere"

     When we have animals that are terrified or do not show well in a kennel, we take them into various offices across the shelter so that they can get some socialization and gain confidence while they wait for their new home. If you see an animal you are interested in listed in an elsewhere location, you just need to provide the ID number to costumer service in the lobby and they'll let you know where that pet is located.

"Nursery"

      This is the area where we house our kittens under 3 lbs and our cats who might be injured and are going through specific treatments.

*Staycation*

A Staycation is a break from the kennels for a shelter dog. ALL of our dogs qualify for this program. This helps us learn more about them in a home environment, as well as gets them out of the shelter. If you take home a Staycation dog, fall in love, and want to officially adopt (we hope you do as we highly encourage this!), you can adopt for FREE*.

We also encourage you to post your staycation dogs on your social media pages, tag us, and use #ACCstaycation so we can follow along and possibly share your staycation fun.
Find us @animalscmpd on Instagram and Twitter.

How it works: come in during our business hours (no appointment needed, no applications), walk through our kennels to see our adoptable dogs, take a picture of the kennel card of the dog you wish to take, show staff your picture and your ID, sign a waiver, and take them home. Be sure to bring them back on the 5th day OR bring them with you to complete the adoption. That's it!

Anyone can come do this! It doesn't matter where you live. Just be sure to come with enough time to meet the dog and check them out. You do not need to bring your own leash and collar but it is encouraged as our supplies may run low due to the popularity of this program.

Dogs in our pre-adoption kennels do not apply for staycations.

*A $10 license applies to Mecklenburg County pet owners when adopting.

*Daycation*

Can't take a dog home for a staycation and wish you can do more? Now you can! ALL of our adoptable dogs qualify for this program.

Dogs love Daycations!  It gives them a much-needed break from the stress of the kennel and away from the shelter for a few hours or the day.  It's also a way for you hoomans to enjoy having a furry companion for the day.  Please keep in mind this is a flex program that we can only offer when we do not have a line of adopters waiting to meet dogs. Adopters are potential homes, and we don't want the dogs to miss out on a forever home opportunity.

How it works: come in between 11am-3pm weekends and 11am-5pm weekdays, walk through our kennels to see our adoptable dogs, take a picture of the kennel card of the dog you wish to take, show staff your picture and your ID, sign a waiver, take them anywhere in the county, and bring them back before closing. That's it! No appointments or applications.

Anyone can come do this! It doesn't matter where you live. If you can dedicate a full or even half a day to take them out for whatever, you can participate! You do not need to bring your own leash and collar but it is encouraged as our supplies may run low due to the popularity of this program.

IMPORTANT: There are some dogs with behavior or medical issues that will disqualify them from this program. When looking at our website, you may see some dogs with a lable of "No Staycation". This means that this particular dog cannot go on staycations/daycations for various reasons.

Did you know that you can donate leashes and collars for this program straight off of our Amazon Wish List? We use these specific supplies to make it easier and more secure for when our pups go out for the day.

The pre-adoption program is the fastest track to finding an animal a new home.

Select animals are eligible for pre-adoption after passing a health and behavior assessment when they arrive at the shelter. In order to fast track these animals into a home as quickly as possible, you can pre-adopt them while they wait their stray hold time. If they are not reclaimed by an owner adopters will be contacted when they are ready to go home.

To meet the dogs eligible for this program, you must come to the shelter to see/visit/adopt. No animals will be placed on hold if you call/email/text/chat/message on social channels.

How does this work?

  1. Come to the shelter. Be sure to check out the dogs in adoption while you're here but you can also head to the stray kennels to see the eligible pre-adoption dogs. Note that there is a locked gate in stray. No animals beyond that gate qualify for pre-adoption.
  2. Found one you're interested in? Take a picture of the card and talk to staff in the lobby.
  3. Interact and fall in love.
  4. Show your ID and pay the fee to adopt. Your name will be on the record as the pre-adopter. That animal will be yours if not reclaimed by an owner but the animal must remain at the shelter for the remainder of the wait time. You'll be contacted with a pick up date when the wait time is expired.

Know that all fees that are paid cannot be refunded. However, if that animal is reclaimed, your fee will be credited for another dog.

Staycation does NOT apply to pre-adoptions. If you wish to take a dog on a staycation to make sure that they work in the household and in your family, you will not be allowed to pre-adopt and you'll have to wait until the due out date. This means that another party could pre-adopt the dog.

This program is primarily set up for dogs but can apply to other pets waiting their stray hold time.

 

 

​When an animal reaches our adoption kennels they stay there. We do not put a due out date on any of our adoptable animals. If they need time out of their kennels for kennel stress, or they are sick with kennel cough (dogs) or upper respiratory infection (cats) then we put a call out to our partner rescues as well as our foster parents or we place them in our sick kennels, treat them, and when they are well again we put them back out to adoption.
We also put a call out to rescues if we have animals that have specific medical or behavioral needs. If a companion animal has Heartworms or some other form of medical issue that is treatable, we will ask rescue to take them but we will also place them in adoption with hopes of finding an owner willing to treat them at home.
If an animal is removed from adoption it is because a serious, unfixable behavioral or medical issue has emerged.