How to Schedule an Appointment at St. George Animal Services and Animal Shelter

St. George Animal Services now requires appointments instead of walk-ins

St. George Animal Services and Animal Shelter in St. George, Utah operates by appointment only. You cannot walk in without scheduling ahead. This applies whether you're coming to adopt, surrender an animal, report a stray, pick up a lost pet, or handle licensing and microchip services.

The shelter moved to appointment-only scheduling to manage the number of people in the facility at once and to ensure staff can give your situation proper attention. During your appointment, you'll have dedicated time with a staff member rather than waiting in a queue.

Appointments are scheduled in advance through the shelter's phone line or website. The shelter's hours and availability change seasonally, so confirming your slot before you arrive prevents a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

• You must call or book online to schedule an appointment; walk-ins are not accepted at St. George Animal Services.
• The shelter handles adoptions, animal surrenders, lost and found pets, licensing, and microchip services by appointment.
• Appointment availability varies by season and staff capacity, so book as far ahead as your situation allows.
• Bring relevant documents with you—proof of residency for licensing, photos or descriptions for lost pets, or medical records if you're surrendering an animal with health issues.

How to book your appointment

Call St. George Animal Services directly at (435) 627-7387 during business hours. A staff member will ask what you need the appointment for and offer you available time slots. Have your calendar ready so you can confirm the date and time on the spot.

Some shelter services may also be bookable through the city of St. George website or the shelter's social media pages. Check the St. George Animal Services Facebook page or the city website for current booking methods, as these can change.

When you call, be clear about your reason: adoption, surrender, lost pet, found pet, licensing, or microchip services. This helps the staff set aside the right amount of time and have the correct paperwork ready.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring a photo ID and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) for any service. These are standard requirements for adoption, licensing, and animal surrender.

If you're adopting, bring payment method for adoption fees. If you're reporting a lost pet, bring a clear photo or detailed written description of the animal, including breed, color, size, and any distinguishing marks. If you're picking up a found pet, bring identification that proves ownership—microchip records, photos of the animal with you, or a collar and tags.

If you're surrendering an animal, bring any medical records you have, including vaccination history, medications, or known health conditions. This information helps the shelter care for the animal and find it a suitable home.

Appointment types and what each one covers

Adoption appointments let you meet available animals, ask questions about their behavior and medical history, and complete adoption paperwork. The shelter will discuss fees, spay/neuter status, and any behavioral notes about the animal.

Surrender appointments are for people who need to give up an animal they can no longer care for. You'll discuss the animal's history, behavior, and medical needs with staff. The shelter will explain what happens next and answer questions about the surrender process.

Lost and found appointments cover both reporting a missing pet and claiming a pet the shelter has found. If your pet is missing, staff will take a description and check their current animals. If you're claiming a found pet, bring proof of ownership.

Licensing and microchip appointments handle dog and cat licensing for the city, microchip registration, and microchip scanning if you've found an animal. Bring proof of residency and vaccination records if required by the city.

How long appointments typically take

Adoption appointments usually run 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how many animals you want to meet and how many questions you have. Surrender appointments also take 30 to 45 minutes because staff need to gather information about the animal's history and behavior.

Lost and found appointments are usually shorter—15 to 30 minutes—unless the staff needs to do a detailed search of the shelter's current animals or scan a found pet for a microchip.

Licensing and microchip appointments are typically 15 to 20 minutes. Arrive a few minutes early to fill out any paperwork, but do not arrive more than 10 minutes before your scheduled time, as the shelter may not have space for early check-in.

What to expect during your visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and confirm your appointment time. A staff member will call you back to a private or semi-private area depending on your appointment type. For adoptions, you may be taken to the animal areas; for surrenders or lost pet reports, you'll likely stay in an office.

Staff will ask detailed questions about your situation. For adoptions, they'll ask about your living situation, other pets, and what kind of animal you're looking for. For surrenders, they'll ask about the animal's behavior, medical history, and why you're surrendering it. For lost pets, they'll ask for a detailed description and take your contact information.

Be honest and thorough in your answers. The shelter uses this information to match animals with suitable homes and to provide the best care for animals in their custody.

Canceling or rescheduling your appointment

If you need to cancel or reschedule, call the shelter as soon as possible at (435) 627-7387. Canceling ahead of time frees up the slot for someone else and helps the shelter manage their schedule.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, the shelter may require you to reschedule and may prioritize other requests. If you're running late, call immediately to let staff know—they may be able to hold your slot or fit you in later that day depending on their schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just show up without an appointment?

No. St. George Animal Services operates by appointment only and will not accept walk-ins. You must call or book online to schedule a time slot before you visit.

How far in advance do I need to book?

Book as soon as you know you need an appointment. During busy seasons or if you have a specific animal in mind for adoption, book a week or two ahead. For urgent situations like a lost pet, call the same day and explain the urgency—staff may fit you in sooner.

What if I found an animal and need to report it?

Call the shelter to schedule an appointment and describe the animal. Bring the animal with you if it's safe to do so, or bring clear photos. Staff will check for a microchip and help you report the found pet to local lost-and-found networks.

Do I need an appointment to ask questions about adoption or surrender?

Yes. All interactions with the shelter require an appointment. If you have quick questions, you can ask them when you call to book, but you cannot visit the facility without a scheduled time.

What happens if the shelter is fully booked?

If available slots are full, ask to be placed on a waitlist or offered the next available opening. During peak adoption season or after holidays, appointments may fill up quickly, so calling early helps secure your preferred date and time.