Animal Care and Control

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control is at the center of dog safety, responsible pet ownership, and lifesaving shelter work in the county. Whether you want to adopt a pet, license your dog, surrender an animal, report a stray, or get help keeping a pet in your home, the county’s animal care system provides specific services and clear processes. This guide walks you through what Maricopa County Animal Care and Control does, how to use its shelters and programs, how to handle common pet-related situations, and where to go when you need help fast.

Get to Know Maricopa County Animal Care and Control’s Role

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (often shortened to MCACC) is a public, government-run animal shelter system. Its focus is on dogs that are lost, surrendered, or found stray in the community.

A public shelter focused on positive outcomes

MCACC is described as a “public animal shelter committed to finding good outcomes to lost, surrendered, and stray dogs.” That means the department’s core responsibilities include:

Housing lost and stray dogs until they can be reunited with owners or placed in new homes

Accepting owner-surrendered dogs by appointment in certain circumstances

Providing adoption opportunities for dogs, and some cats, at its care centers and partner locations

Offering limited, reduced-cost pet services (like vaccines and microchips) that support responsible ownership

The shelter system follows a lifesaving model. It stabilizes medical conditions whenever possible, provides pain relief, and treats issues that would prevent a dog from being adoptable when resources allow. Animals are vaccinated on intake and monitored daily for health and behavior.

MCACC is recognized as a lifesaving municipal shelter that maintains a save rate above 90%. This reflects a strong focus on adoption, foster care, rescue transfers, and returning lost pets to their families.

Mission to serve both people and pets

The stated mission is “to serve the people and pets of Maricopa County by fostering a safe community and reducing the homeless pet population.” In practice, that mission shows up in several ways:

Helping families find adoptable pets and supporting good matches

Making it easier to license dogs and keep them vaccinated

Providing resources that help people solve behavior or housing problems so they can keep their pets

Using managed intake and capacity planning to avoid overcrowding and maintain safe conditions in the shelters

You can explore department information, services, and updates directly through the county’s official Maricopa County Animal Care and Control page.

Plan Your Visit to Animal Care Centers and Adoption Locations

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control serves residents through three primary locations: two county-run animal care centers and one Everyday Adoption Center located inside a retail partner.

To make the most of your visit, it helps to understand what each location offers and how the hours work.

West Valley Animal Care Center

The West Valley Animal Care Center in Phoenix is one of the county’s main shelter campuses. Here you’ll find:

Adoption services for dogs

Intake services for stray or owner-surrendered dogs (by appointment or according to shelter policies)

Other in-shelter services connected to animal care and operations

Adoption services are available daily in the late morning through evening, with separate hours for intake and other services. Because adoptions take time, you’re encouraged to come with specific animals in mind and allow plenty of time before closing.

East Valley Animal Care Center

The East Valley Animal Care Center in Mesa offers similar services for residents in the eastern part of the county. At this location you can:

Meet dogs available for adoption
Complete adoption paperwork
Access intake and other shelter services during posted hours

Staff and volunteers at both the East and West centers focus on kennel enrichment, walking dogs, and helping them stay mentally and physically healthy while they wait for a home.

Everyday Adoption Center in Scottsdale

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control also operates an Everyday Adoption Center inside a PetSmart in Scottsdale. This site:

Offers adoption services only (no intake or other shelter operations)

Provides an additional, convenient location to meet adoptable pets closer to shopping and other errands

If you want to double-check current hours or confirm services at each location before driving over, use the county’s official Locations & Hours page for the latest information.

Adopt a Dog or Cat Through County Animal Care and Control

Adoption is one of the most direct ways residents can support the work of Maricopa County Animal Care and Control while adding a new family member.

How to search for adoptable pets online

Before you head to the shelter, you can browse adoptable pets online. The county maintains a real-time listing of available animals where you can:

View photos, basic information, and identification numbers (A#)
Filter by size, age, and other factors
See which animals are ready to “take home today”

Once you identify one or more animals you’re interested in, write down their A# so you can ask to meet them when you arrive.

To understand the adoption program and find links to adoptable pets, start on the official Adopt a Pet page.

Step-by-step: what happens when you adopt

When you visit a shelter or the Everyday Adoption Center, you can generally expect:

Check in and share who you’d like to meet
Provide staff or volunteers with the A# of the animal(s) you saw online. If you come without a specific dog in mind, staff can guide you based on your lifestyle and preferences.

Meet and interact with the animal
You’ll be able to spend time with the dog or cat in a designated space. For safety reasons, personal pets are not allowed inside for dog-to-dog introductions.

Complete adoption counseling and paperwork
Staff will go over the animal’s history (as known), explain medical or behavioral notes, and answer questions about care, training, and adjustment at home.

Pay the adoption fee
Fees vary based on size, age, and how long the animal has been at the shelter. Some dogs may be sponsored or have reduced fees, especially if they have been at the shelter longer.

Transport your new pet home safely
Adopted animals must be transported inside a vehicle, and you’ll need to bring a valid form of identification.

Because adoptions take time, plan to arrive well before closing so you can complete the full process without being rushed.

Services included with every adoption

When you adopt through Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, the adoption package is designed to set your new pet up for success. Adoption fees include:

Spay/neuter surgery for unaltered pets
Microchip
Core canine vaccinations (distemper, hepatitis, parvo virus, parainfluenza)
Bordetella vaccine for dogs
Flea/tick treatment
Rabies vaccine and county dog license/tag for dogs three months and older

If a dog arrives at the shelter already spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated, they may be able to go home the same day. If surgery is still needed, staff will explain the timing and process.

Use County Pet Services and Resources to Keep Animals Healthy

You do not have to wait until there is a crisis to use county resources. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control offers ongoing services and informational tools that help keep pets healthy, licensed, and in their homes.

You can see the full menu of services and resource links on the county’s Pet Services & Resources page.

Dog licensing and why it matters

In Maricopa County, dog licenses are more than a formality—they are a key way to identify your pet if they get lost and to show proof of rabies vaccination.

Key points about dog licensing through the county:

Licenses must be renewed yearly

Fees start at a modest amount (from the reference, as low as $19)

A current license helps Animal Care and Control and other agencies quickly contact you if your dog is found

You can apply for or renew a license online, by mail, or in person as described on the county’s Dog License page.

Low-cost vaccines, microchips, and spay/neuter options

To support public health and responsible ownership, the county runs pet health service events for residents’ dogs, focusing on:

Rabies vaccinations for dogs over three months old who live in Maricopa County
Microchipping so pets can be quickly identified and reunited if lost
Spay/neuter services through low-cost programs and partner options

Fees are assessed at the time of the visit, and licensing is typically handled at the same time as the rabies vaccine. Spay/neuter is promoted as one of the most effective ways to reduce homeless pets and is also associated with health and behavior benefits, such as less roaming and reduced territorial aggression.

Details about clinics, costs, and links to related programs are available from the Pet Services & Resources section.

Behavior, medical, and pet care support resources

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control recognizes that many reasons for surrender—behavior, housing, or finances—can sometimes be addressed with the right support. The county’s Pet Services & Resources page links to a wide range of official documents and guides, including:

Pet behavior resources and virtual training materials
Low-cost veterinary services listings and veterinary advice resources
Pet poison, emergency, and end-of-life care information
Pet food assistance and help with renting housing with pets
Guides for rehoming or surrendering pets when absolutely necessary

These resources are designed to keep people and pets together whenever possible. They’re particularly helpful if you are struggling with behavior issues, medical expenses, or housing rules and want to explore options before considering surrender.

Handle Lost, Found, and Stray Dogs Safely and Legally

One of the most stressful situations for a pet owner is realizing a dog is missing. Likewise, finding a stray dog can be confusing if you’re not sure what to do. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control provides a framework for both situations.

If you’ve lost your dog in Maricopa County

When your dog goes missing, MCACC recommends a multi-step approach:

Search online listings of dogs that have recently arrived at the shelters as strays

Check county adoptable and stray listings regularly, as the shelter population changes every few minutes

Visit the shelter in person if you believe your dog may be there

The county’s online systems make it possible to scan new arrivals quickly. Once you locate a dog that looks like yours, you can head to the appropriate shelter with identification and proof of ownership.

If you’ve found a stray dog

If you find a stray dog and it is safe to handle, MCACC encourages the community to help bridge the gap until the dog can be reunited or brought to the shelter. Under the county’s managed intake system:

Non-emergency intakes typically require an appointment

The shelter may provide supplies to help you temporarily care for the animal until the scheduled intake time

Many lost dogs are found close to home, so checking the neighborhood for owners and posting found dog notices can make a big difference

Because dog licensing and microchipping are strongly encouraged, staff will scan for a chip and check for tags to help find the owner quickly once the dog enters the system.

When to report an urgent animal issue

Some animal situations are urgent or unsafe. Examples include:

A stray dog behaving aggressively or threatening to harm people or other animals
An injured dog that appears to be suffering or unable to move
Dangerous situations where you cannot safely approach the animal

In emergencies where there is an immediate threat to people, you should dial 911. For other animal issues under county jurisdiction, you can submit a report through the official Report an Animal Issue page. That portal helps route your concern to the appropriate staff or local agency.

Note that Maricopa County Animal Care and Control does not pick up stray or feral cats, as cats are not subject to the same licensing and leash laws as dogs in the county. The Pet Services & Resources section provides community cat information and guidance.

Understand Managed Intake and How It Protects Shelter Pets

Managed intake is one of the most important operational changes in modern animal sheltering, and Maricopa County Animal Care and Control uses it to maintain safe, humane conditions.

Why appointments are required in non-emergencies

Under managed intake, MCACC schedules appointments for all non-emergency intakes, including many found strays and owner surrenders. This approach:

Prevents pets from entering the shelter unnecessarily (especially those that might quickly reunite with owners in the neighborhood)

Gives staff time to prepare space for each animal, including kennels that meet standards of care

Reduces overcrowding, which can increase illness and stress for shelter pets

Helps families know they won’t be turned away or face excessive wait times when they arrive

MCACC operates hundreds of kennels between the East and West shelters and aims to stay below full capacity so that animals receive appropriate care and safety.

How managed intake helps families and their pets

Managed intake also benefits owners and finders:

Pet owners considering surrender are connected with resources—like training, financial assistance guidance, or housing information—that might allow them to keep their dog.

Stray finders may receive food, leashes, or other supplies so they can temporarily house the dog while the appointment is scheduled, increasing the chance that the dog can be reunited with its family close to home.

This model recognizes that shelter space is limited and that many animal issues can be solved in the community with the right support.

Support Animal Care and Control Through Fostering and Volunteering

You don’t have to adopt to make a difference. Fostering and volunteering are key parts of Maricopa County Animal Care and Control’s lifesaving strategy.

Short-term fostering to ease shelter crowding

MCACC uses foster homes to give dogs a break from the stress of the shelter and to open up kennel space for new arrivals. Fostering can range from short-term holiday programs to longer stays for dogs recovering from illness or waiting for permanent homes.

Foster volunteers help by:

Providing a calm environment where dogs can decompress

Gathering information about how dogs behave in a home (house training, interaction with people, etc.)

Helping promote adoptable dogs through word of mouth and social connections

The county is actively recruiting foster caregivers for both East and West shelters. You can learn about foster expectations and sign up through the dedicated Foster page.

Volunteer opportunities at East and West shelters

Volunteers are essential to enrichment, dog walking, and daily care. MCACC provides training on:

Basic and intermediate dog handling
Canine body language
How to safely move dogs to and from kennels
Shelter medicine basics and kennel stress awareness

New volunteers usually start with easier-to-handle dogs and may gradually work with more challenging dogs as their skills develop. Volunteers also help with in-kennel enrichment, toys, treats, and other activities that keep dogs engaged.

If you want to help walk dogs, assist with adoptions, or support other tasks, you can view requirements and apply through the county’s Volunteer page.

Stay Connected with Events, Updates, and Helpful Information

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control regularly updates residents on events, policies, and shelter statistics. Staying informed helps you take advantage of opportunities and understand how the shelter is performing.

Community events and adoption specials

From adoption events at partner locations to seasonal foster programs, community events bring adoptable animals into neighborhoods and highlight special initiatives. For example, the county hosts recurring adoption events in Mesa and themed foster programs around holidays to encourage residents to open their homes temporarily.

You can see a calendar of adoption events and other activities hosted by Animal Care and Control on the official Community Events page.

Where to find answers to common questions

If you’re unsure how something works—such as shelter hours, what’s included in adoption fees, how medical care is handled, or the meaning of “no-kill” in this context—MCACC offers a detailed set of common questions and answers.

Topics include:

Shelter hours and locations
How many dogs are handled each year
How medical care and behavior are evaluated in the shelter
How enrichment and walks are prioritized
How volunteers are trained

You can review these topics on the county’s Frequently Asked Questions page. If your question isn’t answered there, the department encourages you to use its online inquiry system to reach staff.

Use the Online Inquiry System and Other County Tools When You Need Help

In addition to phone support, MCACC operates an online inquiry system that routes questions to the correct team and allows you to:

Ask about adoption, surrender, or stray intake
Request an appointment for adoption returns or owner surrenders
Clarify policies or get guidance on a specific situation

The inquiry system is linked throughout the official Animal Care and Control pages, and the county’s call center is staffed daily to respond to residents’ needs.

If your question relates specifically to dog licensing, you can find forms and fee information on the Dog License page. For broader pet services, including health clinics and resource documents, the Pet Services & Resources section is the primary hub.

Key Animal Care and Control Departments and Contact Details

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Call Center – Phone: 602-506-7387
West Valley Animal Care Center – 2500 S. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009
East Valley Animal Care Center – 1920 S. Lewis, Mesa, AZ 85210
PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center – 4380 N. Miller Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control FAQs

When are the shelters and adoption center open to the public?

Adoption services at the East and West Valley Animal Care Centers are generally available late morning through early evening, with separate hours for intakes and other services. The Everyday Adoption Center inside PetSmart in Scottsdale offers adoption hours throughout the day as well. Holiday schedules and any temporary changes are posted by the county, so before you drive over, it’s smart to double-check the official Locations & Hours page for the latest details and any special notes about meet-and-greet cut-off times.

How do dog licenses work and where do I get them?

Dog licenses in this county must be renewed every year and are priced on a tiered schedule that starts at a modest amount for many pets. A current license links your dog to you in county records and is tied to proof of rabies vaccination. You can review fees, renewal options, and licensing rules directly through the county’s Dog License information, and find related vaccine and microchip details on the Pet Services & Resources page.

What should I know before adopting from the county shelters?

The county encourages you to start by browsing available animals online and writing down the identification number for any pets you want to meet. Plan to arrive well before closing because adoptions include counseling and paperwork, and personal pets are not brought into the shelter for meet-and-greets. Adoption fees vary by the animal’s size, age, and length of stay, and each adoption includes sterilization (if needed), a microchip, and age-appropriate vaccinations. Full details are outlined on the county’s Adopt a Pet page.

How do surrender appointments and managed intake actually work?

For non-emergency situations, the county uses an appointment-based intake system for both owner surrenders and many found dogs. This lets staff plan around a limited number of kennels, keep the daily population below capacity, and still handle dozens of new arrivals every day. It also improves the odds that a lost dog can be reunited close to home instead of entering the shelter immediately. To request an appointment or ask about a specific situation, residents are directed to use the county’s online inquiry system, which routes questions and surrender requests to the appropriate team.

Where can I find official help with training, vet bills, or pet food?

The county maintains a comprehensive library of downloadable guides to keep pets with their families whenever possible. From behavior helplines and virtual training, to lists of low-cost veterinary options, 24-hour care, pet poison information, pet food resources, and renting with pets, these tools are organized in one place. You can explore these government-curated documents through the Pet Services & Resources hub and choose the category that best fits your situation.