06/09/2026
We often receive questions about when animals at the Ulysses Animal Shelter become available for adoption, so I wanted to explain the process.
-Once a dog or cat arrives at the shelter and intake is completed, it must serve a state-mandated 3-day stray hold. This time period does not include the day of intake or weekends/holidays. This allows time for owners to locate and reclaim their pets. (Ex. Dog picked up Monday- available for adoption Friday or Dog picked up Wednesday available for adoption following Tuesday)
-If the dog is not reclaimed by its owner after the 3-day hold period, it then becomes available for adoption to the general public. Interested adopters are welcome to set up an appointment with the animal control officer to meet the animals and to receive an adoption application.
*Our adoption fee for intact (not yet spayed or neutered) animals is $140. This fee includes a spay/neuter contract, and adopters have up to 6 months to have the animal altered. Once proof of spay/neuter is provided, the full $140 adoption fee is refunded. If an animal has already been spayed or neutered prior to adoption, the adoption fee is waived completely.*
The goal is to reunite lost pets with their families whenever possible and to find loving, responsible homes for those who need them!