Guilford County Animal Center Expands Accessible, Health-Focused Pet Adoptions

The Guilford County Animal Resource Center provides a streamlined adoption process aimed at pairing residents with healthy, vetted animals while addressing community public health concerns. The shelter is located at 980 Guilford College Road in Greensboro and is open for adoptions from noon to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Walk-up registrations are accepted; no appointment is needed.

Adoption fees typically run about $75 for adult dogs and cats and $75 for puppies and kittens, with senior discounts available. Fees include age-appropriate vaccinations, a rabies vaccine, microchip implantation, spay or neuter surgery, a full veterinary checkup, and flea and tick treatment. These medical inclusions reduce the risk of zoonotic disease, support rabies prevention, and increase the likelihood that adopted animals will remain healthy in their new homes.

Operations are first-come, first-served and the shelter does not hold animals. Some animals may be on stray hold or reserved for rescue-only placement and therefore not available for immediate adoption. Residents who have lost or found a pet can access the shelter’s lost-and-found resources and reuniting guidance by calling the center at 336-641-3400.

Beyond standard adoptions, the shelter runs a Working Cat program that places barn or rodent-control cats for a low fee, and it maintains volunteer and foster programs to expand care capacity and community engagement. Volunteer and foster opportunities provide ways for residents to help reduce shelter crowding and to assist animals that need extra time or medical attention before adoption.

The public health implications extend beyond individual adoptions. Mandatory vaccinations and spay/neuter procedures reduce disease transmission and curtail unplanned litters that contribute to shelter overcrowding. Microchipping and lost-and-found services shorten the time lost pets spend in the system and lessen the emotional and financial burden on families. Flea and tick treatment decreases household parasite exposure and lowers the risk of vector-borne disease.

At the same time, the shelter’s no-appointment, walk-up model increases access for many residents but can disadvantage people with limited work flexibility, transportation barriers, or caregiving responsibilities. Cost remains a concern even with included medical services, and targeted policies such as expanded hours, mobile clinics, or subsidy programs could further reduce inequities in access to safe, affordable pet ownership.

For residents seeking to adopt, foster, volunteer, or report a lost or found pet, the Guilford County Animal Resource Center is reachable at 336-641-3400. The center’s services play a practical role in animal welfare, neighborhood public health, and community stability across Guilford County.