Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out if an animal is still available for adoption or get more information about an adoptable animal?
Visit the Rochester Animal Services website for info on an adoptable animal. Please read the animal’s bio for info on age, gender, size and behavior. Please keep in mind that many of our available pets are found as stray so we may not have information regarding their history, upbringing, or past exposures. Each adoptable pet is examined by the clinical and technical teams at RAS prior to being listed as available to ensure the animal is healthy, ready for a home, and that we have as much information about the animal as possible. For additional information, please contact Rochester Animal Services.
View adoptable dogs
View adoptable cats

What are the adoption fees at Rochester Animal Services?
All Dog adoptions are $50
All Cat adoptions are $30

Dog and cat fees cover the veterinary care, spay/neuter surgery, de-worming, vaccines, disease screening (FeLV for cats only), dog license, microchip identification, ID tag, initial dose of flea control, a store voucher from Pet Supplies Plus for a free bag of pet food, and a free health exam voucher at partnering veterinary clinics. For additional information, please visit the Rochester Animal Services website.

My pet is lost. What should I do?
Please visit the Rochester Animal Services website for help.

I just saw a dog running loose, what should I do?
Please visit the Rochester Animal Services website for information on animal control services.

I found stray kittens. What should I do?
Please visit the Rochester Animal Services website for information on stray kittens.

When is your next adoption event?
Please view our Facebook event calendar for the full list of upcoming events.

Do you accept donations?
Yes! VSAS & RAS welcome donations of items that help to maintain or improve the care and comfort for animals while at the shelter and for providing access to resources for pet owners in under-served neighborhoods.

For the safety of our animals, all food and treat donations must be unopened. Donations can be dropped off at the shelter during business hours.
View the wish list 

Don’t have time to stop down to the shelter but still want to help?

View our Amazon wish list (https://a.co/1CPaD3x)

I’d like to volunteer at the shelter. What should I do?
We have volunteer opportunities at both VSAS & RAS. Volunteers are essential to the success of the organization. They extend their time and hearts to the animals. Many activities involve direct contact with the animals but there are many opportunities that also provide supportive and administrative functions. Visit our volunteer page to find the role that is perfect for you! https://vsas.jemcdev.com/volunteer

Why did the shelter change their model?
The shelter transitioned to the Human Animal Support Services (HASS) model at the very beginning of 2020 to build a stronger relationship with our community and to have adoptable pets stay in a home environment rather than a kennel. The commotion and loud environment at the shelter can be very stressful for most pets compared to a quiet and loving foster home. This model also focuses on the goal of reducing the number of animals who unnecessarily enter the shelter by refocusing efforts, resources, and support to offer community-based solutions and services at no charge. Our community needs are changing and with the HASS model, we are able to better address those needs. Interested in learning more about the HASS model? Visit https://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=21474844701

What is adoption process?
If you are interested in adopting a pet, please click here (link to RAS adoption website), where you will be able to see all available pets. When you see a pet you are interested in, click on their photo and fill out an adoption application. A member of the RAS team will contact you to set up an appointment to meet the pet and if you fall in love like we know you will, you can take your new furry friend home! Please ensure you bring a collar, leash, and/or pet carrier to bring your new pet home with.

If you would like to see our available animals in person you may stop down to 184 Verona Street Rochester, NY 14608 between the hours 11 am and 3 pm Monday through Saturday.

How can I help?
ADOPT—Give one of our furry friends a loving home! When you adopt a pet from our animal shelter and give them a furever home, you are then opening up an opportunity for the next pet to have the same. If you are interested in adopting a pet or learning more, click here. (https://www.cityofrochester.gov/petadoption/)

FOSTER—Not ready to adopt? You can still help a pet by giving them a comfortable, temporary home with you. This allows RAS to have more spots available in the shelter for other animals in need, helps potentially sick or injured pets get healthy and then adopted, and it also gives you the opportunity to see if a pet you are interested in is a good fit for your family. If you are interested in fostering or learning more, click here. (https://www.cityofrochester.gov/FosterAPet/)

VOLUNTEER—Volunteers are one of the main reasons we are so successful. There are so many opportunities from dog and cat care to marketing and communications and SO MANY MORE! If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, click here. (https://vsas.jemcdev.com/volunteer/)

DONATE—Your donations help us in more ways than you could imagine! Whether it be a monetary donation or an item donation, we would gladly accept.

To make a monetary donation, click here. (https://vsas.jemcdev.com/donate/)

To donate an item or see what items are needed, click here. (https://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=21474839581)

SPONSOR—Did you know that you can sponsor the adoption fee of a cat or dog at the shelter and allow another family to take them home? Please contact the shelter at 585-428-7274 for more information.

SHARE—Engage with us on social media and help get the word out there by sharing, commenting on, and liking our posts on both Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/VeronaStAnimalSociety) & Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vsas_ras). 

SHELTER INFO

Animal Services Center
184 Verona Street
Rochester, NY 14608
585-428-7274
AnimalServices@cityofrochester.gov

Monday – Saturday
11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
(adoptions and visitations end at 3 p.m.)

Closed Sundays