Our most frequently asked questions are listed below. Simply click one to see the answer. If you can't find what you're looking for, consider browsing our website, submitting an inquiry here, or calling us at 412.847.7000.

What are your hours?

Where are you located?

Is parking available?

How is Animal Friends different from other shelters?

Where does Animal Friends get funding, and how can I help?

How many animals do you have at your facility?

What types of animals do you care for?

What can I do to locate my lost pet?

What is the process for adopting a pet from Animal Friends?

How much does it cost to adopt?

What's included in the adoption fee?

Can my kids come to Animal Friends?

How do I become a volunteer?

Do you offer spay and neuter services?

What should I do if I suspect or see someone abusing an animal?

Who should I call to get help with training my dog?

Do you accept unwanted animals on a walk-in basis?

What are your hours?Our normal hours are:
Monday through Friday | 11 - 7 pm
Saturday and Sunday | 10 - 5 pm

Please note that Animal Friends is closed on New Years Day, Memorial Day, Easter, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check our website for any other special closings.

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Where are you located?
Animal Friends' facility, the Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center, is located on 13.5 wooden acres at 562 Camp Horne Road in the North Hills.  Stop in to see us - we are truly Thinking Outside the Cage! You'll be pleasantly surprised by how an animal shelter can look and operate! To get to us from downtown Pittsburgh, take I-279 to Exit 8 at Camp Horne Road. We're just 0.5 miles west!

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Is parking available?
Yes, you are welcome to use the free parking available in our parking lot.

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How is Animal Friends different from other shelters?
Animal Friends serves pets and people through pet-focused programming. In addition to rescuing animals in need and placing over 2,500 dogs, cats and rabbits into loving homes each year, we also serve tens of thousands of people through our therapeutic and educational outreach programming. Animal Friends is a full-service animal welfare organization dedicated to building comprehensive, compassionate solutions for the pet overpopulation crisis. We never euthanize animals to make cage space. Instead, we work hard to place homeless animals into loving homes; keep owned pets in their homes through behavior training; reduce pet overpopulation through spay and neuter programming; and educate the community about proper care and respect for all living beings. 

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Where does Animal Friends get funding, and how can I help?
Animal Friends is an independent non-profit organization that relies solely on donations. Our donors’ financial backing is what makes it possible for us to care for and place thousands of dogs and cats into loving homes each year. There are so many ways to support Animal Friends! Click here to see a few.Click to go back to the top.

How many animals do you have at your facility?
We have kennel space for up to 250 dogs, cats and rabbits. Our network of foster homes enable us to care for many more animals outside the walls of our facility.

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What types of animals do you care for?
We shelter and place homeless dogs, cats and rabbits into loving homes. If you know of a wild animal in need of assistance, you will need to contact a licensed wildlife rehabber. You can find a list of resources here.

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What can I do to locate my lost pet?
Lost your pet? Know that not all animal control facilities are required by law to contact each animal's owner. Dogs usually get a maximum of 48 hours, but cats, in some facilities, get none at all! Scroll through the Facilities List here to find your community and its respective animal control facility and keep the number handy. Remember, the first 24-48 hours are critical for finding your pet!

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What is the process for adopting a pet from Animal Friends? 
It's simple. Stop in and look at the wonderful pets we have to offer for adoption. Complete an adoption application by downloading an application here (dog, cat, or rabbit). Meet with one of our adoption counselors to ensure that this pet is a good match for you. You must be 21 years of age to adopt.  Everyone who lives in your household should be part of the selection process. You should bring a valid form of ID that shows your current address. If you rent your home, please bring a copy of your lease that states that you are allowed to have pets. We request a $75 adoption donation for dogs and cats over the age of 24 weeks, and a $100 donation for puppies and kittens up to and including 24 weeks. The requested donation to adopt bunnies is $60, or $100 if you adopt two.  If you meet all adoption criteria and the pet is ready to go home, a happy match can be made that day! Click here to read more.

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How much does it cost to adopt? 
We request a $75 adoption donation for dogs and cats over the age of 20 weeks, and a $100 donation for puppies and kittens up to and including 20 weeks. A rabbit adoption is $60.

Golden Age Adopters (age 60 and over) benefit from discounted adoptions. We request the following donations from adopters 60 and over:

Kittens 20 weeks or under: $50.00
Cats over 20 weeks: $25.00
Dogs 3 years and older: $25.00
Rabbits 3 years and older: $25.00
Puppies 20 weeks or under: $100.00 (no discount)
Dogs 20 weeks to 3 years: $75.00 (no discount)
Rabbits under 3 years: $60 (no discount)

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What's included in the adoption fee? 
All dogs are spayed or neutered, updated on vaccinations (including rabies if over three months of age), and are micro-chipped and provided a lifetime AVID registration. All cats are spayed or neutered, updated on vaccinations (including rabies if over three months of age), have tested negative for FeLeuk and FIV, and are micro-chipped and provided a lifetime AVID registration. All rabbits are spayed and neutered and have been checked by a vet. We know the personalities of our animals and will work with you to find the perfect match. An adoption starter kit, collar and identification tag accompany all adoptions.

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Can my kids come to Animal Friends?
Absolutely! We encourage everyone in the family to be present when choosing a pet. We do ask that you talk to your kids prior to the visit about safety around animals. The kennel can be an exciting but overwhelming place. Let them know what they will be seeing - lots of cute animals! Hands and fingers must remain in pockets -- never in cages. Please do not open the cages--one of our adoption counselors will be happy to assist you. And please stay with your children at all times.

We'd also love to see your kids at our camps and classes for young animal lovers! For information about classes, scout programs and group tours for children, cheak out our Humane Education program information.

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How do I become a volunteer? 
Visit this page to apply online. You will be asked to complete an application and attend a brief and fun orientation. We want to ensure that you have a safe, comfortable experience, so additional training may be provided, depending on what role you choose. 

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Do you offer spay and neuter services?
Yes. Our Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Program helps low-income pet owners to ensure that anyone can afford to have their pet spayed or neutered. For more information, contact us at 1.800.SPAY.PGH or visit this page.

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What should I do if I suspect or see someone abusing an animal? 
Call our humane investigations department immediately at 412.847.7066. Leave a message with your name and phone number and someone will call you back as soon as possible. Any non-emergency concerns can be emailed here. Please DO NOT email any emergency reports - call us instead!

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Who should I call to get help with training my dog?
Call our obedience trainer at 412.847.7071. We can talk with you about your problem or concern, or arrange for you to attend one of our obedience classes.

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Do you accept unwanted animals on a walk-in basis?
Due to the high demand of our services (and our kennels), we are constantly full and unable to accept unwanted pets on a walk-in basis. Pets are surrendered to Animal Friends through scheduled admissions. We urge you to call us first so that we can make the necessary arrangements for placement of the animal. Click here to learn more. 
 
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