Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter
3320 Beltagh Avenue
Wantagh
(516) 785-5220

Animal Control officers respond to over 6,000 requests for service, including 500 night emergency calls, every year. If you have a problem concerning a loose or stray dog or an injured or sick cat contact the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter at (516) 785-5220. After hours, contact the Department of Public Safety at (516) 538-1900.

Adoption Information

The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter boasts one of the highest adoption rates in the nation. Adoption hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Come tour the Animal Shelter and bring the abiding love of a pet into your home! All pets are adopted at your own risk, and we do advise you to have your newly adopted pet examined by your veterinarian.

Dogs ADOPTION FEES Cats
$85.00   $75.00
Adoption fees include all required vaccinations including rabies vaccine,
New York State dog license, spaying or neutering and microchipping.

You may view the adoptable pets from the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter by visiting PETFINDER.COM, the oldest and largest searchable directory of adoptable pets on the Web.



NEW!   Pet Microchipping

What is pet microchipping?
A microchip contains a registration identification number associated with your pet. The chip, as small as a grain of rice, is implanted under your dog's or cat's skin.

What are the benefits of microchipping?
If your "chipped" pet gets loose and is brought to any animal shelter nationwide, it can be scanned for your dog's or cat's contact information. Subsequently, you will be notified so you can be reunited with your furrry family member. Included with the microchip is a lifetime membership in the Petlink International Directory.

What is the cost?
All dogs and cats adopted from our shelter will be chipped free of charge before leaving the shelter. Pets that already have a loving home can participate for a $25 fee (cash or check only).

When can we bring our pets to the shelter to be microchipped?
Our microchipping hours are Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary but we recommend that you call ahead for availability.

Are there any specific requirements for microchipping?
There is no minimum age to participate and your pet MUST be in good health.

How can I find out more about microchipping?
Call our Animal Shelter staff at (516) 785-5220 for further details.

Humane Education Program

Among the services provided by the shelter is the Humane Education Program, which is geared towards primary and secondary school age children and focuses on proper animal care and responsible pet ownership. Channel, a five year-old Pomeranian, Brandi, a three year-old Pomeranian, Monte, a three year-old Black Labrador and Keeva, a 6 month-old domestic short haired kitten, frequently participate in programs offered by the Animal Shelter. To schedule a Humane Education program for your school, scouting, church or civic organization, please e-mail jmirenda@tohmail.org or gfreese@tohmail.org or call (516)785-0197. Tours of the Animal Shelter may be arranged for your group. In addition, Pet Therapy visits to nursing homes and other health related facilities are provided as well as a "hands-on" anti-bite program training for U.S. Postal Service carriers.

Annual Rabies Clinic and Pet Adoption Fair

Cats and dogs can get rabies, which is an extremely serious disease. That's why the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter is hosts an annual Rabies Clinic in partnership with the Long Island Veterinary Medical Association. At this year's event, which was held on October 4, 2008, just under 300 pets were vaccinated against rabies and 40 pets were adopted from our shelter. In addition, over 50 pets were microchipped. The 2009 Rabies Clinic is scheduled for Saturday, October 10.