Can You Visit an Animal Shelter?
Yes. Most animal shelters welcome visitors during their public hours, and visiting is usually free; some require an appointment to meet animals. Rescue groups that use foster homes usually require an approved application before you can meet a pet. If you want regular time with animals without adopting, most shelters have volunteer programs for walking dogs and socializing cats.
Shelters want visitors: every visit is a chance for an animal to be seen and adopted. Here's what to know before you go.
Visiting a shelter vs. a rescue
| Animal shelter | Rescue group | Pet store adoption center | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can you walk in? | Usually, during open hours; some require appointments | Usually not; pets live in foster homes | Yes, during store hours (partner volunteers may be there at set times) |
| Cost to visit | Free | — | Free |
| Meeting a specific pet | Ask staff | After application approval | Ask partner volunteers |
Source: Petfinder Foundation and PetSmart Charities.
Tips for your visit
- Check hours online and whether appointments are needed.
- Look at adoptable pets online first and note their names or ID numbers.
- Ask staff for a meet-and-greet in a quiet room or yard.
- Bring everyone who'll live with the pet; some shelters arrange introductions with your current dog.
- Ask questions: history, behavior, health records, how the pet does with kids, cats and dogs.
- Wash or sanitize your hands between animals, and follow posted rules.
Can you visit just to play with animals?
Many shelters allow it within visiting rules, but the best way is to volunteer. Volunteers walk dogs, socialize cats, help at adoption events and support staff. The ASPCA lists volunteering, fostering, donating supplies and sharing adoptable pets on social media among the ways to help shelter animals.
Can kids visit animal shelters?
Usually yes, with adult supervision. Some shelters have minimum ages for volunteering or for handling animals.
Fostering: the next step
If you can't adopt, fostering gives a shelter animal a break from the kennel and frees space. The ASPCA notes summer is when kitten foster needs are especially high.
Find animal shelters near you and check their visiting hours.
Sources
Find animal shelters & rescues near you
Thinking about adopting a dog or cat, or need to surrender or report a lost pet? Compare local animal shelters and rescue groups by Google rating, reviews and opening hours below.
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This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.
Related questions
- How Does Adopting a Dog or Cat Work?
- How Long Does Pet Adoption Take?
- What Do Pet Adoption Agencies Look For?
- When Is Adopt a Cat Month and Adopt a Dog Month?
- How Long Does a Shelter Keep an Animal?
- Adopt or Buy a Dog: Which Is Better?
- Adopting a Pet at PetSmart or Petco: How It Works
- How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Cat?