Animal Care and Control
Maricopa County Animal Care and Control provides shelter, adoption, lost-and-found, intake, licensing, animal-control, and related services for dogs in Maricopa County. This article explains what the department handles, where residents can go for different services, how to search animal records, what to expect when adopting or surrendering a dog, how lost and found cases are handled, and which information to prepare before contacting or visiting the department.
Animal Care and Control Services
Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, commonly identified as MCACC, is a public animal shelter serving people and pets throughout the county. Its work centers on lost, surrendered, and stray dogs, along with adoption, animal intake, licensing, field services, dog-bite investigations, microchipping, foster care, and other animal welfare functions.
MCACC operates East and West Valley animal care centers as well as an Everyday Adoption Center in Scottsdale. The East and West shelters provide adoption services, animal intake, and other shelter services. The Scottsdale location provides adoption services only, so residents who need to surrender a dog, address a stray-animal matter, or handle another intake-related issue should not treat the adoption center as a full-service shelter.
The department also uses online systems for common tasks. Depending on the situation, residents may be able to research an animal by its Animal ID, submit a question through the online inquiry system, review adoptable dogs, or obtain information about licensing and other services before visiting a shelter.
Shelter Locations and Hours
MCACC has three public locations. The official shelter locations and hours page distinguishes between the two full animal care centers and the adoption-only location.
The West Valley Animal Care Center and East Valley Animal Care Center generally provide adoption services from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Intakes and other services are generally available from noon to 6 p.m. daily. The PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center provides adoptions from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
The department's call center operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Holiday schedules can change public hours, so residents planning a visit around a holiday should verify the current schedule before traveling.
Timing an adoption visit
Adoptions require enough time for staff to assist visitors and arrange a meeting with an animal. County information advises visitors to arrive well before closing. The adoption page advises arriving at least 45 minutes before closing to meet dogs, while the locations page states that meet-and-greet requests must be made at least 30 minutes before closing. Arriving earlier reduces the risk that there will not be enough time to complete the visit.
Visitors should bring a valid form of identification. Personal pets should not be brought into the shelter for introductions because MCACC does not conduct animal-to-animal meet-and-greets with a visitor's own pets. Any adopted animal must also be transported safely inside a vehicle.
Searching Animal Records
MCACC assigns Animal IDs that can be used to identify animals in its system. The county's Self-Service Animal Record Lookup allows users to enter an Animal ID and review the corresponding record.
The Animal ID format is specific: it begins with the letter A followed by seven digits, such as A1234567. Entering a kennel number, pet name, case number, phone number, or another identifier in place of the Animal ID will not follow the required format for this lookup.
The self-service records refresh daily at 5:30 a.m. This means information in the lookup should not be treated as a continuously updating, minute-by-minute status feed. When the status of an animal is especially time-sensitive, residents may also need to contact or visit MCACC rather than relying only on a previous search result.
Information for an online inquiry
The county's Animal Care and Control online inquiry system can be used for questions that require department assistance. The form asks for information such as the requester's name, preferred method of contact, reason for the request, and a comment or question. Depending on the issue, users may also enter an Animal ID, address of concern, closest cross streets, and attach related files.
When an Animal ID is supplied through the inquiry form, it must also begin with A and contain no more than eight characters in the example format used by the county. Providing the correct identifier helps staff associate a question with the correct animal.
Residents should also distinguish a general inquiry from a public-records request. The county specifically directs people seeking bite, activity, or animal reports to submit a Public Records Request rather than treating the general inquiry form as the records-request process.
Lost Dog Procedures
Residents looking for a missing dog should not depend solely on an online listing. MCACC strongly encourages people to visit the East or West shelter in person to look for a lost pet. Lost-and-found services at those shelters are available from noon to 6 p.m. daily under the regular schedule.
The county's lost and found pet information explains that animals brought to MCACC without identification, such as a license or microchip, can be held for 72 hours as a stray hold. After that 72-hour period, the animal may become available for adoption.
A licensed dog receives different treatment. County licensing information states that MCACC follows a minimum 120-hour hold-notify period for a licensed dog entering the shelter, compared with the minimum 72-hour stray hold. This is one reason current identification and licensing can materially improve the process of reuniting a dog with its owner.
Watch for lost-pet scams
MCACC warns residents about people who falsely claim to have found a missing pet and then demand money for the animal's return. The department states that it will never ask for money by phone in order for an owner to retrieve a lost pet. If MCACC contacts an owner, staff will direct the person to the shelter and provide an Animal ID consisting of the letter A followed by seven digits.
Residents receiving a suspicious call or message should therefore pay close attention to how the person claims the pet was found and whether the information matches MCACC's stated process.
Found Dog Intake
MCACC uses managed intake for non-emergency situations. Managed intake means that shelter intake may be handled by appointment so the department can plan available space and care. The county asks people who find a lost dog to make reasonable efforts to locate the owner before bringing the dog to a shelter when they can do so safely.
If a person can safely hold a found dog for 24 to 48 hours, the county allows the finder to schedule a stray dog intake appointment. Separate appointments are required for individual animals, except for litters.
A stray intake appointment is only for a lost pet that someone has found. It is not an owner-surrender appointment. If staff determine that the dog is actually the person's own pet, the person will be directed to arrange an owner surrender instead and may need to return on another day.
When a dog has bitten someone
A found dog that has bitten and broken a person's skin within the previous 10 days should not be submitted through the ordinary stray intake appointment process. County instructions direct the person to contact MCACC for instructions instead.
The distinction matters because bite cases involve investigation and quarantine requirements rather than routine stray intake. Treating a recent bite case as an ordinary surrender or found-animal appointment can send the request through the wrong process.
Aggressive dogs and emergencies
Residents should not attempt to catch a stray animal that is displaying threatening behavior when there is a possibility of being harmed. MCACC advises contacting the appropriate animal-control agency so a trained Animal Services Officer can respond. Emergency situations should be reported through 911.
Responsibility can also differ by city. The county's lost-and-found information includes different animal-control agencies for certain municipalities. A resident should therefore identify the city where the animal was found before assuming that MCACC is the correct field-response agency.
Dead Animal Reports
MCACC does not take reports of dead animals. The county's pet services information directs residents to contact the city where the deceased animal was found and ask which agency handles dead-animal pickup.
This is an important jurisdictional distinction. A dead-animal request should not be submitted as an MCACC stray intake, owner surrender, or general shelter service. Identifying the municipality where the animal is located is the first step toward reaching the appropriate local agency.
Owner Surrenders and Returns
MCACC accepts owner surrenders from Maricopa County residents by appointment. The department explains that its primary mission is to serve lost and homeless pets, so an owner who needs to give up a pet should use the appointment-based surrender process rather than arriving with the expectation of immediate intake.
MCACC does not routinely accept cats. Under the county's explanation of Arizona law, free-roaming cats generally are not considered stray animals and are not impounded by the county. One important exception involves a cat that has bitten a person, in which case MCACC may be responsible for investigating and processing the bite case.
Returning an adopted dog
A dog adopted from MCACC may be returned within 30 days of the adoption date. The owner should submit an online inquiry and select the option indicating a need to return or surrender a dog. County information states that Shelter Diversion Navigators will contact the person within 24 to 48 hours to schedule the return appointment.
If more than 30 days have passed since the adoption, the owner should use the owner-surrender process rather than the 30-day adoption-return process. For multiple pets, the county requires a separate appointment for each pet.
Dog Adoption Process
The MCACC adoption information allows prospective adopters to review available animals before visiting. The county recommends writing down the A-number for animals the visitor wants to meet. Because the shelter population changes frequently, MCACC advises checking animal availability again shortly before traveling to a shelter.
Adopters do not need an appointment to adopt a dog. Visitors can come during adoption hours, identify animals they are interested in, and work with shelter staff to arrange a meeting. Dogs that have already been spayed or neutered may be able to leave the shelter the same day after adoption.
What an adoption includes
MCACC states that adoption fees include several basic services. Depending on the animal and applicable age requirements, an adoption includes:
Spay or neuter surgery for an unaltered pet.
A microchip.
Age-appropriate vaccinations.
Canine core and Bordetella vaccines where applicable.
Flea and tick treatment.
Rabies vaccination and a county dog license or tag for dogs three months and older.
Adoption fees vary by the animal's age, size, and length of stay. Because the county also uses adjusted fees, sponsorships, and special cases, prospective adopters should review the current official adoption information rather than assuming that every dog has the same fee.
Preparing for the shelter visit
A visitor who has already reviewed available animals and recorded their Animal IDs can make the shelter visit more focused. A valid ID is required, and personal pets should stay home because the shelter does not conduct dog-to-dog introductions with privately owned pets.
The adopter should also have a safe way to transport the new animal inside a vehicle. Rides or transportation arrangements that cannot safely contain the animal do not meet the county's stated transport requirement.
Dog Licensing Requirements
Maricopa County requires dogs three months and older to be licensed. The county's dog licensing information states that licenses are renewed yearly and that dogs must have a current rabies vaccination to apply for or renew a license.
The licensing requirement applies in unincorporated Maricopa County and in the cities and towns identified by the county on its licensing page. Licensing connects the dog with the owner's information in the county database and can help MCACC identify and return a dog more quickly if it is found at large.
Rabies certificate details
When a rabies vaccination certificate is required for licensing, the completed certificate should contain the information identified by MCACC, including:
The owner's name and address.
The pet's identifying information, such as name, breed, color, and age.
The date the rabies vaccine was administered.
The vaccine manufacturer and serial or lot number.
The vaccine term or the date the next vaccination is due.
The veterinary hospital or clinic where the dog was vaccinated.
The administering veterinarian's identification or license number and signature.
Applicants should also have current contact information and an accepted payment method for the application method they choose. County information identifies credit cards for online transactions, checks or money orders for mail applications, and available payment options for in-person licensing.
License processing and renewal
The county states that licenses are processed within two business days and that the new tag is received by mail within one to two weeks. The licensing term is tied to the month and day of the most current rabies vaccination certificate on record, but the license itself is renewed annually even when the vaccination remains current.
The county also assesses late fees when licensing is overdue. Because licensing fees and penalties can depend on factors such as whether a dog is altered and whether the owner qualifies for a senior rate, residents should confirm the current amount applicable to their dog before submitting payment.
Microchipping for Owned Dogs
MCACC offers microchipping for owned dogs at the East and West shelters. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours, and no appointment is required for this service. The county lists the microchip service at $25.
Microchipping is separate from annual dog licensing. A microchip provides a permanent form of identification under the skin, while the county dog license establishes the required annual licensing record and tag. Owners should not assume that having one automatically replaces the other.
Dog Bite Investigations
MCACC treats dog-bite reports as a public-safety matter. The county's dog bite and victims' rights information explains the department's investigation process and also identifies municipalities where residents should contact the local police department instead.
For incidents handled by MCACC, a victim can report a bite by phone or through the online inquiry form. After receiving a report, Field Officers begin an investigation, determine quarantine requirements, and issue citations when appropriate.
What happens after a report
The county describes a sequence beginning with the bite itself. A victim should seek medical attention if necessary and may take photographs of injuries. Once MCACC receives the report, the department investigates and the dog is quarantined for 10 days, either at home or elsewhere as required.
If an at-large violation is established, a citation may be issued to the owner. If no citation is issued, MCACC ends its investigation. If a citation is issued, the responsible party is scheduled to appear in the court with jurisdiction over the incident. A not-guilty plea at the initial appearance can result in a trial being scheduled. Court proceedings after the citation stage are handled by the courts rather than by MCACC.
Local police jurisdictions
The county directs residents in Avondale, El Mirage, Glendale, Mesa, Peoria, Surprise, and Wickenburg to contact their local police department for dog-bite assistance. This is another situation where the location of the incident determines the correct government agency.
Foster and Shelter Programs
MCACC's foster program places shelter dogs in temporary homes while they await adoption. The program can include short-term, long-term, day, and special-care opportunities. The county identifies larger dogs over 30 pounds as a critical year-round foster need and also notes seasonal demand for foster homes for mothers with puppies.
Prospective fosters complete an online application with information about their home and schedule. After submission, they receive an automated email and can be contacted about next steps. MCACC encourages scheduled foster appointments because of the volume of requests, although some walk-in foster opportunities may be available at the East or West shelter.
MCACC also operates Tails Around Town, a program that allows participants to take a shelter dog on a day-long outing. Participants must remain within Maricopa County and should travel no more than 50 miles from the dog's shelter. Dogs must be transported in the participant's own vehicle, and participants return the dog to the shelter during the specified return period.
Common Service Mistakes
Several MCACC processes look similar but serve different purposes. Using the correct process can prevent unnecessary delays or a wasted shelter visit.
Animal lookup versus general inquiry: use the Animal ID lookup to research a known animal record; use the inquiry system when a question requires staff assistance.
General inquiry versus public records: bite, activity, or animal reports requested as records should go through the county's Public Records Request process.
Stray intake versus owner surrender: a stray intake appointment is for an animal someone found, while an owner surrender is for the person's own pet.
Adoption center versus full shelter: the Scottsdale Everyday Adoption Center provides adoption services only. Intake and other shelter services are handled at the East and West locations.
Microchip versus dog license: these are separate forms of identification. A microchip does not eliminate the county's annual licensing requirement.
Dead animal versus stray animal: MCACC does not handle dead-animal reports. Residents should contact the city where the animal was found.
Routine stray versus recent bite: a dog that has bitten and broken a person's skin during the previous 10 days should not be submitted through the ordinary stray appointment process.
Before visiting or submitting a request, residents should identify the type of service they actually need and gather any relevant Animal ID, address of concern, cross streets, vaccination documentation, identification, or other information required by that process. For situations involving city-specific jurisdiction, the city where the incident or animal is located can determine which government agency should respond.
Animal Care Offices
Animal Care & Control - West Shelter
2500 S. 27th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85009
602-506-7387
Animal Care & Control - East Shelter
1920 S Lewis
Mesa, AZ 85210
602-506-7387
PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center
4380 N. Miller Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
602-506-7387
Animal Care and Control FAQs
Can the shelter clinic treat my dog after adoption?
No. Once an animal has been adopted, the new owner becomes responsible for arranging ongoing veterinary care. Maricopa County explains that its shelter veterinary team can legally provide medical care only to animals owned by the county. Before adoption, shelter staff examine dogs, provide routine vaccines and preventive care, address pain, stabilize urgent medical problems, and may treat other conditions when shelter resources allow. The county provides more details in its Animal Care and Control frequently asked questions.
Are dogs spayed or neutered before they leave?
If a dog arrives unaltered, the county completes the spay or neuter procedure before ownership is transferred to an adopter or after the applicable stray hold ends. Animals are also microchipped before adoption. This means adopters generally should not need to arrange these procedures immediately after taking ownership, although they remain responsible for future veterinary care.
Can visitors feed or give treats to shelter dogs?
No. Visitors should not feed dogs while touring the shelter. Dogs follow a feeding schedule managed by shelter staff. MCACC also provides daily kennel enrichment, which may include approved toys, edible enrichment items, and scent-based activities. Keeping food and treats under staff control helps maintain each dog's established care routine.
How much exercise do shelter dogs get?
MCACC states that its goal is to walk every dog every day, although accomplishing that depends partly on available staff and volunteers. Dogs also receive in-kennel enrichment because much of their shelter time is spent inside kennels. These activities are intended to support physical activity and reduce the effects of extended kennel stays.
Why does the county use managed intake appointments?
Managed intake helps the shelters prepare space and staffing before non-emergency animals arrive. According to the county, the system is intended to reduce unnecessary shelter admissions, improve care for animals that must enter, and preserve available kennel capacity for incoming dogs. MCACC reports 713 appropriate kennels between its East and West facilities but aims to operate below maximum capacity so space remains available for daily intake, quarantine, isolation, and routine animal care.