Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?: We are located on Avenue 256, just east of Lovers Lane in Visalia.; Our address is 14131 Avenue 256, Visalia, CA 93292
What are your shelter hours?: We are open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm
What is your phone number?: (559) 636-4050
What types of animals do you have available for adoption?: We have many cats and dogs available for adoption. We always have a large variety here at our shelter, from little kittens and puppies to adult animals. We also get in horses and sometimes guinea pigs and turtles.
What are the costs of adopting a dog or cat?: The adoption fee is $30–$108, depending on whether the animal came in already sterilized and if the adopter lives in the county.
Do you ever do off-site adoptions?: Yes, we have started doing some Saturday off-site adoptions again. Please check our events calendar on our website or call the shelter at (559) 636-4056 for more information on upcoming events. Cats are available for adoption @ PetSmart in Visalia during regular store hours.
What areas do you cover for Animal Control?: Tulare County Animal Services covers all of the unincorporated areas of Tulare County. We respond to all areas that are outside the city limits and all of those little “county islands.” If you live within city limits, please call your city animal control program or your city's police department.
How many shelters are there in Tulare County?: There are four of them.
Tulare County Animal Services – (559) 636-4050
Porterville Animal Control – (559) 258-0867 or (559) 333-7253
Tulare Animal Services – (559) 685-5047
Visalia Animal Care Center – (559) 713-4700

What areas does Tulare County cover for dog licensing?

Tulare County Animal Services provides licensing services for all of the unincorporated areas of Tulare County. We cover all areas that are outside the city limits and all of those little “county islands.” If you live within city limits, please call your city’s local dog licensing division.
What is the County’s dog licensing phone number?: (559) 636-4055
Why should I license my dog?: If your dog gets lost, a valid license will identify the dog and his/her owner. This way we can reunite lost pets with their owners. Having your dog licensed also shows that your dog has a current rabies vaccination.
What are the dog license fees?: You can license your animal for 1, 2, or 3 years up to the expiration of your dog’s rabies vaccination. If your dog is spayed or neutered, it is $8 for one year, $14 for two years, or $20 for three years. If the dog is not sterilized, it is $45 for one year, $70 for two years, and $95 for three years.
My dog lost his dog tag. How do I get a new one?: There is a $2 charge for a new tag when it is lost. You can either come into the shelter, mail the payment, or pay over the phone with a credit card.
How many dogs am I allowed in the county?: You may license up to four dogs. If you have more than four dogs, you will need to obtain a kennel license from Tulare County Animal Services. You might also need to obtain a special use permit from the Tulare County Resource Management Agency, depending on the zoning of your property.
How much is a kennel license?: Kennel licenses are between $50 and $150, depending on the type of kennel.
I live in the city limits. Whom do I contact for dog licensing?: Dinuba – (559) 651-5911
Exeter – (559) 713-4686
Farmersville – (559) 713-4686
Lindsay – (559) 562-7102
Porterville – (559) 782-7400 or (559) 258-0867
Tulare – (559) 685-5047
Visalia – (559) 713-4686 or (559) 713-4700; Woodlake - (559) 564-3346
What do I need to do to adopt a pet?: You will need to first pick out your new pet and fill out an adoption application form. Once your application has been approved, the animal has been sterilized, and the adoption contract completed, you may take your new pet home.
Once I adopt my new pet, will I be able to take him/her home that same day?: If the animal is already sterilized you will be able to take him/her home that day; otherwise, we will have the animal sterilized, and you will be able to take your new pet home in a day or two.
If I want to adopt a pet, where can I go?: Our shelter is located at 14131 Avenue 256 in Visalia. We are at the corner of Lovers Lane (Road 140) and Avenue 256. We also have off-site locations on Saturdays. Please call our shelter at (559) 636-4056 for the schedule.
What is an Off-site Adoption?: Animals from our shelter and from foster homes are taken to a special location and placed up for adoption. The entire adoption process is done at this location.
What is a Foster Home?: A foster home is a home where a needy animal may temporarily stay, improving his/her chances of being adopted by a loving family.
How can I become a Foster Parent?: Become a foster parent by calling our shelter and talking to the Animal Services Coordinator, who will provide you with all of the information you need to become a foster parent for Tulare County Animal Care and Adoption Services.
How can I make difference?: You can make a difference by being a responsible pet owner and by becoming a volunteer at your local animal shelter. Please call (559) 636-4050 to obtain more information on how to become a volunteer for the shelter.
What is Humane Education?: Humane education refers to activities and presentations designed to encourage children to be kind and to respect themselves, their environment, and all living things. Humane education programs are available by calling our Animal Services Coordinator at (559) 636-4050.
Why should I get my pet spayed or neutered?: Sterilization reduces the number of accidental pregnancies.
Sterilization reduces the number of unwanted puppies and kittens.
Spaying helps protect female dogs against breast cancer.
Spaying helps protect female dogs against diseases of the reproductive system.
Neutering helps protect male dogs against prostate enlargement & testicular cancers.
Sterilizing your dogs will help them to be less aggressive with other dogs
Spay or neutering your animals will make them less likely to roam or mark their territory.
By breeding your female, you may be putting your dog’s life at unnecessary risk.
Animal ownership is a long-term commitment and your responsibility multiplies with every litter.
Millions of unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized every year.
Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
I'm worried that my male dog won’t be the same after I have him neutered.: Contrary to rumor, neutered dogs do not lose their protective abilities, but instead you may find them easier to train. You may want to watch their diet, because some dogs may gain weight after their surgery.
My female dog needs to have just one litter, and then I’ll have her spayed.: No, your female dog or cat does not need to be bred just once. If you have your female animal spayed before her first heat, you may be saving her life from common diseases such as breast and reproductive cancers. You may even find that your female is much more affectionate and easily trained.
I always find good homes for all the litters my dog and cat has.: If this were a true statement, then animal shelters all over the country would not be filled with millions of unwanted animals. Millions of unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized every year. Be responsible for your animals. Please spay or neuter!
What is Kennel Cough?: Kennel cough is a highly contagious, airborne disease. The virus can be transmitted by nose-to-nose contact or by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces, such as clothing, toys, and or food/water bowls. This disease is most common in dogs that have been boarded in kennels or shelters. Kennel cough is treatable and is not life-threatening unless left untreated. If left untreated, it may develop into pneumonia. This is a dog disease only and cannot be transmitted to cats or people.
My animal is lost—what should I do?: Please visit the animal shelter that takes care of your area. Calling may not be enough. Hundreds of animals come into animal shelters every day that may match the description of your animal. You know your animal best!