Old Friends

$25 adoption fees for all dogs that are over the age of 5 years

Older animals require more emotional and medical attention than younger pets, and finding new homes for them can be challenging. Thanks to a generous Maddie's Fund grant, we are able to reduce the cost of adoption to only $25 on all dogs that are over the age of 5 years in hopes that they will find wonderful homes quickly.  The added stress of shelter life can be especially hard on older pets, and finding good homes for them as quickly as possible is a priority.   


Added Benefits of Adopting an Older Pet Calmer temperments

Older pets are less likely to have that crazy puppy/kitten energy that can challenge even the most patient of pet owners! Older pets often enjoy just hanging out with their people or going for quiet walks.

What you see is what you get: You know how big the dog is going to get (he's already full grown) and you know his temperament.

Many older cats and dogs are already good house pets:  They're housetrained/litter trained, know what they should (or shouldn't) chew, and are happy to find a soft place to nap. And they're happy to share their nap time with their people, too.

You give a deserving pet a loving home:  Every animal needs love, even older ones. They still have lots of love to give and deserve a family that will return that love.

Homes Suitable for Older Pets:  There's no easy answer to figuring out what kind of home is best suited to an older pet. Senior pets' personalities and abilities are as varied as younger dogs (and people)! Some of the things to consider, though, include:

Easy access around the house

It's easier for older pets with joint or mobility problems if they don't have to navigate a lot of steep stairs. There are ways around this, of course - many companies these days manufacture ramps that will help dogs and cats climb onto their favorite couches, beds, etc.

Quieter household

Young, rambunctious children or dogs (or other pets) might not be the best fit for a senior pet that enjoys his sleep!

Families willing and able to care for an older pet

This includes time, effort, and finances. Many cats and dogs live to a ripe old age, happy, active, and with only minor health issues. However, if the aging process starts to catch up with the pet, his family should be willing and able to put in the extra effort and money into his care.

Older Pet Health and Financial Considerations

Many people believe that older pets automatically come with health problems. While it's true that older animals, just like older people, may have health issues to consider that younger animals might not, we should note that younger animals can have health issues too. Being young doesn't always mean perfect health, unfortunately. Taking care of health issues is just a part of being a pet owner!

Health Issues 

This should be taken into consideration because they will affect the adoptive family too. It's always best to go into an adoption with as much information as possible so that you are prepared for additional care or costs that might occur. Older pets that have been surrendered to humane societies or rescue organizations by their previous owners may have more information available about them.

Treating illness or injury always comes with a financial responsibility too. The adoptive family should be prepared to manage any known health issues their new friend has, as well as any that might be found (or might develop) as they continue to age.

Many older pets continue to lead active and healthy lives. Watching them happily basking in their retirement years is a great joy!

Adoption Lobby Hours:

12:00 - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
12:00 - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. First Saturday of each month

Closed Mondays FOR ADOPTIONS
To submit a pet adoption profile, you must do so 15-minutes before closing to allow sufficient time for processing.

Adoptions number:

260-427-5502


Business Office Hours (lost & found pets, citations, or other law enforcement concerns):

11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Mon-Fri
CLOSED Saturday & Sunday


Animal Control Officer Assistance
260-427-1244
9am-8pm Monday - Friday
After 8pm, weekend & holidays,
call 260-449-3000

After Hours / Immediate Officer Assistance:
1:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. Emergencies
260-449-3000


General Contact Information:
Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control
3020 Hillegas Road
Fort Wayne IN 46808
260-427-1244
After 8 p.m. and on weekends and holidays, call 449-3000 for assistance.
Fax: 260-427-5514


It is our mission to serve our community in a humane, public safety capacity while working to keep pets with loving families by providing education opportunities and resources or facilitating re-homing or adoption when necessary.

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