City of Elk Grove Animal Services

Joy wants to let you know that even though it is December, we still have lots of adoptable kittens somehow! Ranging from 2-6 months old (and plenty of teenagers older than that too).

Throughout the year you can adopt a kitten from our shelter for $75 or a pair for $100. All of our kittens are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and have age appropriate vaccines. Come get yourself a new little friend or two!

Oh to be a sweet black dog in a crowded shelter…

Black dogs have the unfortunate ability to fade into the background at animal shelters. Your eyes tend to just skip over them with so much going on. So we’re helping you out, and shining a spotlight on Cole!

Cole is 2 years old with the cutest face ever. She’s got a really affectionate personality with people and really enjoys her walks in the grass yard at the shelter.

If you’d like to give an overlooked dog a chance, would you come and meet Cole?

Will you play ball with me?

Hey! I’m Oogie Boogie but my friends call me Oogies. I am 3 years old in human years, which means I’m in the prime of my life!

I don’t know what breed is, but my friends say I might be a Rottweiler mix. I prefer the company of humans, but I’m a big guy that doesn’t always know my size so small humans probably wouldn’t like me as much.

Do you know a family that is currently dog-less who needs a best bud to play fetch with? Send them my way to the Elk Grove Animal Shelter tomorrow. I’d love to meet them!

The holiday season is upon us once more! People from all over the world will be celebrating lots of different holidays over the next few weeks, and we know that gift giving can be a big part of that.

We know the holidays can be a rather magical time to bring a new family member home. Since pets are often a 5-20 year commitment (even longer for some), you should definitely ask yourself some question first.

And if you've decided to give the gift of love, make it impactful by choosing to adopt! In fact, this year we're offering Adoption Certificates so that you can have something nice for your loved one to unwrap, but still allow them to be part of choosing their new pet.

Available for the month of December, you can purchase an official Elk Grove Animal Services Adoption Certificate for a $100 donation to the shelter. The recipient of the Adoption Certificate will be able to redeem their certificate for one adoption fee for a pet of their choosing (or for a pair of kittens!). Adoption certificates will be valid for several months so that people can adopt on a timeline that works well for them!

Dear Adopters,

We accept the fact that we are not the cutest, most exciting kittens on the block. But we think you’re crazy for making us write an essay telling you why you should adopt us. You see us as you want to see us… In our kennel, sleeping in our cat tree. But what we found out is that each one of us is a snuggler, and an athlete, and a chatterbox, a princess, and a little baby…

Doesn’t that make you want to take us home?

Sincerely yours,
The Breakfast Club

There are still some appointments available for our Drive Thru Clinic this Saturday December 2nd!

Free pet vaccinations are available only to Elk Grove residents (please have your valid ID and/or proof of residence ready when you signup for the appointment).

Sign up here: https://egasscheduling.as.me/drive-up-vaccines

Calling all Rottweiler fans 😍

4 year old Angela Lansbury is hoping to catch the eye of a Rottweiler fanatic that has room for another blocky headed baby. She is a shy gal that would really benefit from an experienced home that can give her the space, time, and gentle reassurance she needs to thrive. She’s been social with a few different medium to large dogs here and may benefit from having a confident, playful K9 friend to show her the ropes!

We’re so happy that active and playful Tra is in foster, having a much needed break from the shelter! But he still needs to find his forever home ❤️

His foster family made a great flyer after having him in their home for two weeks. Shelter dogs often take several weeks to acclimate to a home and foster homes are essential to helping us learn about their true personality.

Interested in Tra? DM us or give us a call at (916) 687-3042 so we can coordinate a time for his foster family to bring him to the shelter for a meeting.

20 adoptions?! Spoocchini was shocked when we told her the news! She was one of the 17 kitties and 3 dogs adopted during the first day of our Flash Sale!

Don’t miss out because there’s still so many wonderful animals needing new homes and adoption fees are WAIVED tomorrow from 12-5:30pm.

This Saturday 11/25 and Sunday 11/26 get 100% off all adoption fees at the Elk Grove Animal Shelter!

Kittens? 100% off!
Dogs? 100% off!
Rabbits? 100% off!

You can’t put a price on love, so come fall in love and take your best friend home for the low low price of $0.00

(All regular adoption processes still apply, shelter is open from 12-6pm with adoptions stopping at 5:30)

Happy Thanksgiving! Today we are so grateful for so many wonderful people in our community. Our volunteers, foster families, donors, staff, and of course our adopters!!

Here’s some of the happy faces that went joke over the last few days. Several of our kitties headed home too, but it’s a little trickier to get adoption photos of them once they’re all packed up in their boxes.

What are you thankful for?

Before you start whipping up your holiday favorites, here are some considerations for which foods to share with your furry friends.

If your pet is nervous around visitors, set up a calm and safe place tonight for them to hang out in while company is over. Even if your pet is a social butterfly, don't forget to keep an eye on them and give visitors helpful tips for interacting safely.

After needing to say goodbye to his 120 pound dog not so long ago, this gentleman came to our shelter to meet Boba (who is coincidentally also about 120 pounds). Not only was Boba's size perfect, but his gentle giant personality made him an easy choice to head home. Happy Trails Boba and family!

Boba was one of just 8 dogs adopted last week, but we know we can find more adopters than that this week! Can you help us take more happy adoption photos like this one?

We're open today and tomorrow from 12-6pm with 44 adoptable dogs, 53 adoptable kitties, and a handful of other fun pets!

Upcoming holiday hours at the shelter! Don't you worry about the shelter pets, we will have staff and volunteers onsite to care for them even while we are closed to the public.

Our Sweater Weather adoption promotion may have ended, but do you know what's 100% free all the time? FOSTERING!

When you foster for EGAS, whether it's a short Doggy Day Out field trip or a longterm foster situation, we provide all of the food, vet care and essentials. So if you're aching to have another furry friend around the house, but can't financially commit to permanently adopting one...consider being an open foster home on a short or longterm basis.

If you are thinking about fostering, but aren't sure where to start or having some questions, please leave a comment or send us a DM so we can get you started!

Or just sign up to foster: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfr9eIb-7QO3xI4WQ_2Q_LpEPrAePpEilxkzFTL_TG9EzqkUw/viewform

In the park where joy runs free
Oh tennis ball, you mean the world to me
With a wagging tail and eager eyes
I chase you under the open skies
🥎
Through grassy fields, we frolic and play
Together we dance the day away
You're not just a ball, you're my best friend
And I'll chase you till the very end
🥎
-A poem by Skittles, 1.5 years old

If you're inspired by the poetic phrasing of Skittles, the young Belgian Malinois mix, then you should most definitely come whisk him away to a better life. Skittles has been at our shelter for 71 days now and is over it, with a capital O. He's really stressed and we'd love to see him get out of the shelter. Come meet him and take him home today!

“Be sure to get my good side!”

How adorable is adoptable guinea pig Toupée? He’s an adult male looking for a cavvy-savvy home with lots of snacks, room to explore, and hopefully some new friends. Guinea pigs are social animals so he’s feeling a tad lonely here.

Come visit Toupée in our small animal room, along with some fabulous adoptable rabbits!

The weekend came and went and sadly we didn’t have as many dogs adopted as we were really hoping to. We did have a few redemptions, a few adoption, and a few foster pick ups but we’ve got a long way to go before we are no longer at critical capacity.

Tra is one of our longest residents and he’s having a rough time in the kennel environment so our staff gave him a break in the offices today. It was a nice reprieve, but what Tra really needs is a home! If you can foster or adopt this hunky handsome dude, please come visit him. We’re closed tomorrow since it’s a Monday but we will open again at 12pm on Tuesday.

P.S. As one of our struggle bus dogs, Tra’s adoption fee is WAIVED for an appropriate adopter.

PARTY! Mork left for foster this morning and another one of our very stressed boys Daffy Duck left yesterday for a nice foster break.

We’re closed today observing Veteran’s Day, but we will be open tomorrow and hoping to get several more dogs adopted or placed in foster.

Keep showin up Elk Grove. We’re so happy to be saving lives with you!

🆘 We need YOU! 🆘

We are at complete capacity for dogs with no more open kennels. We know you've heard this message from some of our neighbor shelters, and you'll probably keep hearing it. The only solution to this crisis is to get dogs OUT. How can you help?

ADOPT - This is a big one and while we know it's not in the cards for everyone...you can help this ongoing crisis by choosing to adopt your next family pet from a shelter near you (maybe even our shelter!)

FOSTER - If you have even a little bit of space in your home to temporarily house a shelter dog, you can foster. Right now our shelter has several medium and large breed dogs, but we even have a few small dogs that also need a place to land. We have kid and dog friendly dogs, even a few cat friendly dogs. But if you don't currently have any other pets at home, you are our MOST valuable kind of foster. It does not cost you anything to foster. We'll supply food, toys, a crate if needed, vet care and all other basic necessities. You just give them a warm place to call "home" temporarily.

SHARE - If you can't help take a dog out of the shelter right now, share this post. Share it everywhere you can possibly think of!

Our shelter is full of dedicated and compassionate staff and volunteers who love each and every one of these dogs. We want them to succeed and we want to find them loving homes, but we desperately need your help.

The shelter is open 12-6pm today, with adoptions stopping at 5:30pm. View all of our adoptable dogs (who are also eligible for foster) on our website: https://www.elkgrovecity.org/adoptions/current-dogs-shelter

Is your lap feeling a little empty? That spot next to you on the couch a little cold?

Come find your perfect Sweater Weather cuddle buddy! Adoption fees are still reduced to just $20 through November 15th.

We’re open from 12-6pm today (adoptions end at 5:30pm).

UPDATE - Wowza! Appointments are currently all booked up. You're welcome to check to see if there are any cancellations, but for now we are full.

We're partnering with Tiny Moments Photography for a limited fundraiser on Saturday November 25th!

Bring your pets for a holiday themed photo. For a minimum $10 donation, you will get one digital download. You can choose to have just your pets photographed or be in the photo with them (up to 5 humans allowed!)

Appointments are very limited, so don't hesitate to sign up here: https://egasscheduling.as.me/pet-portrait-fundraiser

What say you, Facebook? Does Bebe the kitten seem guilty to you? 🤣🤣🤣😏

Along with other city facilities, we will be closed to the public on Friday November 10th, 2023.

We will resume our regular hours on Saturday November 11th, 2023.

On a seemingly normal Saturday in August, an alien being just appeared in Elk Grove. This lengthy, majestic creature appeared to be part horse, part dog, and part human. Upon meeting him, our staff named him Mork.

How did we know that Mork was not a regular dog and was, in fact, an actual alien? Mork didn't know how to "dog". And so for the last few months our staff and volunteers have been teaching him how to walk on a leash, take naps, play with toys, and socialize with other dogs in an appropriate way. Mork is a quick study!

But here's the very serious problem. We've run out of things to give Mork to keep his extraordinarily evolved brain busy. It is quite impossible for Mork to accurately assimilate to Earth while here at the shelter. He needs to learn about the word outside of the shelter in order to earn his Honorary Earthling certificate. So we need your help! If you have space in your home to be a gracious host to this goofy and fun-loving alien either on a temporary (foster) or permanent (adopter) basis, please come to the Elk Grove Animal Shelter!

P.S. Mork's human friends love him very much and hate seeing him suffer mentally and emotionally from kennel-related stress. Please help share his story to get him out!

Which of these snuggly pups would be your cuddle buddy? Yes, we know that technically Jon is in a raincoat but he was so excited to wear it we couldn't tell him it's not the cuddliest of garments.

All 4 of these cuties are available for adoption today with fantastic new photos thanks to Tiny Moments Photography

More info on each pup is available in the caption of their photo. Click for the caption!

It's finally cold enough to cozy up with your best friend in a warm sweater. Don't have a furry friend yet? We've got you covered!

We currently have over 90 adoptable cats and dogs available for adoption today and truly there's something for everyone. We've even got a few small dogs for you small dog fans!

Our shelter is open from 12-6pm today with adoptions ending at 5:30pm. Come pick out your perfect cuddle buddy!

🎶 When you’re the best of friends 🎶

Being in the shelter is hard for an animal, but having a best friend can make it just a little easier. These are some of our favorite shelter duos right now. Which pair of BFFs is your favorite?

Is it twins Spiral Notebook and Composition Book? Or maybe mud buddies Tra and Hula? Can’t go wrong with soulmates Half Mile and MJ! But cattle dog lovers will probably go nuts for OG besties Cuddlebug and Canelo!

The kitten duos would be best suited to go to homes as pairs! The dogs will probably enjoy getting their own homes, but maybe their adopters could be friends so they can have play dates?

We’re closed today, but open tomorrow with some Halloween fun planned for the pets!

🏃🤸‍♂️ Calling all active folks! ⛹️‍♀️🤾

If you’re looking for a running buddy, we have a dog for you! Tra is a young, smart, and athletic dog full of energy to burn. He’s a bright and sweet dog that’s unfortunately struggling at the shelter without enough mental and physical stimulation every day.

Tra goes on runs with Doggy Day Outers several times a week and while he takes full advantage, it’s just not enough. What he urgently needs is a foster or forever home that will provide him with a daily routine and lots of love.

Tra has played well with some female large dogs that are tolerant of his very rough play style. But he might not be the right match for your dog, so please reach out if you have other dogs at home and want to know more about Tra’s play style!

👽 We're being invaded 🛸

UFO and Martian just crash-landed on the adoption floor after spending the last several weeks learning how to be earthlings in a foster home. They were taught by dogs, though, so if they make a few mistakes...blame the dogs!

UFO & Martian and all their friends are ready to meet you! We're open 12-6pm, with adoptions stopping at 5:30pm.

A story over a year in the making...

Back in June of this year, Reggie "celebrated" his 365th day in the shelter. We plastered his photo all over the shelter and got his story out into the world here on social media as well as with the help of local news stations. So many people were invested in getting this sweet and sensitive soul out of the shelter!

A few weeks after that, on his 387th day at the shelter, Reggie took this photo as he headed off on a foster-to-adopt journey. Because he had been in the shelter so long and we knew it would take time for him to settle before his new family would be ready to say "Yes, this is definitely the right home for him" we kept the happy news to ourselves until things were official.

Last week, Reggie's new dad finalized his adoption. The two of them are living happily as the young, active gentlemen they are. Reggie also has local "grandparents" that spoil the heck out of him. We're so happy to finally, officially say Happy Trails Reginald!!

Cordell packed up some nice dog sweaters, toys, and other goodies to share with pets in the community at the Old Town Plaza today!

He’s also hoping that maybe his forever family will stop by and take him home in a cute little sweater too. We’ll be at the Old Town Plaza from 10am - 12pm just getting to know the community and hopefully finding Cordell a home!

We recently partnered with Tiny Moments Photography to take some photos of our adoptable cats and kittens. Of course we broke out the fall themed sets and props and we are simply blown away with how wonderful these pictures came out!

Each of these kitties is available for adoption today (yes, including petite and perfect Butterfly Rainbow in the first photo). So don't miss out on your opportunity to adopt your own feline model!

And yes, we plan to keep working with Tiny Moments Photography to continue to capture high quality photos of our pets. Dogs are up next!

The important work of veterinary technicians so often goes unrecognized, so this week we are shining a spotlight on how important our veterinary support team is to us.

Every single animal that has ever come through the animal shelter has benefited from the care and attention of one of our veterinary support staff. From giving medication, to monitoring animals during their spay/neuter recovery, and everything in between, our veterinary assistants and technicians keep our clinic running smooth and clean so that shelter animals get and stay healthy and happy!

Have you had the opportunity to meet one of our wonderful vet techs? If so, give them a shout out in the comments!

Adoptober Fest was a huge success! Over the last two weeks, 108 animals were adopted including some of our longest residents pictured here.

We’re so happy for Bolero, Sudoku, Sienna, the dynamic duo Fun Gus & Fun Guy 🥳 and of course the many, many more happily adopted pets.

Adoption fees return to their normal prices for now, but stay tuned because you know we always like to keep things fun and fresh at EGAS!

It’s Friday the 13th. Have some black cat facts!

🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

▪️Black cats have been associated with both good and bad luck by many different cultures for hundreds of years!

▪️Black cats can have a variety of patterns underneath their dark fur, which are often visible in the sun.

▪️Black cats were the preferred choice to join British sailors on ships to hunt mice and bring luck for a safe journey home.

If you love black cats as much as we do, we have several cuties who would love to meet you today!

Got space in your house for a temporary visitor? Some of our really wonderful dogs are struggling in the kennel environment and could really benefit from even a week in foster care.

We know large dog foster homes are few and far between, so please give this post a share far and wide so we can find those open foster homes!

We currently have 3 open positions in our beautiful, state-of the art veterinary clinic here at the animal shelter. RVTs and Veterinarians, please apply! If you know anyone looking to join the fast paced and rewarding world of shelter medicine, please send them this posting.

Apply online: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ElkGrove

Sudoku took a field trip to our admin area today. It was his first time on a harness and he was a natural! He passed on some wisdom to tiny foster kittens, inspected our chairs, and worked on his selfie skills.

We’re baffled that this affectionate, social, rockstar dude is still here after months of charming visitors. He LOVES other cats and would love to go home to resident cats (if you don’t have another cat at home yet, he’ll help you pick a buddy here at the shelter).