For Receiving of Animals
& to look for a lost animal.
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
8:00am - 6:00p.m.
Wed, Sat
8:00am - 12:00p.m.
For Adoptions.
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
10a.m. to 5:30p.m.
Wed, Sat
8a.m. to 11:30a.m.
Metro Animal Shelter, Inc. opened its doors in July, 1994. We take in about 8,000 animals a year, and adopt out about 1,200 dogs and cats each year. The shelter does feline leukemia tests on all cats and kittens that are adopted, and heartworm tests on all adult dogs adopted out. We do in-house spay and neuter surgery on most of our shelter animals before they are adopted. Underage animals or unaltered animals require a refundable spay/neuter deposit at the time of adoption. All animals over 6 months are microchipped. We have a veterinarian who will handle any emergency after hours cases for us, and provide a free vet check for any animal adopted from us.
Metro Animal Shelter is a non-profit organization funded by the City of Tuscaloosa, the City of Northport, and the Tuscaloosa County Commission. Along with these funds, we also receive donations, redemptions and adoption fees. All animals regardless of their age are taken in by us. We are proud to be a member of the Humane Society of the United States as well as the American Humane Association, the Alabama Humane Federation, and the Alabama Animal Control Association.
Our shelter uses the SAFER test that helps us identify dogs that will make wonderful pets, dogs that need a small amount of behavior modification, and dogs that will not make appropriate pets. Ultimately, this means better placements, safer in-shelter interactions, and fewer returns. This test, however, is not a guarantee of the dog's behavior once it leaves the shelter and is placed in a home environment. Any dog is unpredictable in a home setting. Our profile of each animal is a guideline ONLY to help us match the appropriate pet with a potential adopter.
What follows is additional information about the shelter.
FOSTER CARE: Litters of puppies and litters of cats that are too young need foster homes temporarily until they are old enough to be adopted. Ask our staff for information if you are interested in becoming a foster parent.
FEEDING PROGRAM: Every animal at our facility is on a strict diet of Science Diet according to their age and weight. This has helped tremendously with some health issues that were due to poor nutrition before they arrived here with us. We encourage every adopter to keep their new pet on a good quality food.
TRAPS: Citizens that trap animals in a private cage can bring their animals to the shelter. Humane trapping cages for stray domestic animals are available for rent, if available, for a fee of $50 which will be refunded when the cage is returned in a timely manner.
ANIMAL BITES: Stray cats or dogs which have scratched a human must be quarantined and observed for symptons of rabies for 10 days. Report all animal bites or scratches that result in broken skin to Enviromental Health, 554-4540.
EDUCATION: Presentations such as pet care and responsibiliy are offfered in surrounding schools in and beyond our county and well as to other interested groups. Tours are available at our facility. For more information call 752-9101.
LOST AND FOUND: Every stray animal that arrives at the shelter has a possible owner. Our technicians scan animals for microchips and check lost listings in the paper, and the hotline. If you find your animal, you must provide proof of ownership through vet records, rabies, or current pictures. A fee of $40 will be charged if animal control picked up your dog, along with a boarding fee of $7 per night, and $10 for rabies if not current. When bringing an animal to the shelter, we ask that you fill out the necessary paperwork along with a copy of your drivers license. A bulletin board is available for signs advertising lost or found pets. We also have a lost and found hotline number: 349-8538.
HEAD START PROGRAM: The Head Start Program is designed for shelter dogs who exhibit behavior problems and do not show well in their pen. We choose up to 6 animals and train them in basic obedience and manners. We use positive reinforcement and treats. Any person, group, or business can sponsor a head start dog for $50. For more information ask for Linda at 752-9101.
Statement of Philosophy
From the inception of our shelter, we have seen ourselves as a dedicated group of professionals working together to do an excellent job for the citizens, the animals, and the profession. We attribute our success to our fine staff and the services we offer.
One of the strong points of our philosophy is our teamwork attitude and our emphasis on communication. We believe in the delivery of up-to-date services to the animals in the most compassionate and humane manner that we can carry out as well as being caring and sensitive with the citizens.