If you see a dog out on the road, please call MCACC at 602-506-PETS (7387). A dog-at-large will be picked up by one of our Animal Care Officers and taken to one of our facilities (only in the cities we contract with. See our Field Enforcement section for a complete list). If you have an after-hours emergency, call your local police department.

MCACC does not pick up stray cats unless they have bitten someone. If you have been bitten by a cat, you must report it by calling 602-506-PETS (7387). We will ask you a few questions to find out more about the cat. You can bring a stray, tame cat yourself to our East or West Valley Animal Care Centers. MCACC does charge a $96 fee for stray cats. Cats are not covered under current State Law, except for cats that have bit someone. The average cost of providing shelter services to a cat is over $100. This fee will allow MCACC to recover some of the cost. The fee will be reduced in cases where there is financial hardship or for humane reasons.

Once a stray dog or cat enters our Center, he/she is held for a minimum of 72 hours in the hope of finding the owner. If the dog is wearing a current Maricopa County license, we will attempt to contact the owner and hold the animal for up to five days (three days for an expired County license).Once the holding period is up, the animal's health and temperament are evaluated to determine eligibility for adoption. Once an animal is deemed adoptable, there is no set time period that he/she is held for adoption. The time frame is based solely upon the availability of space at our Center and the continued health and temperament of the animal.

If you see a wild cat or one that acts skittish around humans, that is a feral cat. Feral cats were born on the street and have had no human contact. They may be alone or part of a group - a colony.