5 Essential Things To Know About The Russellville Animal Shelter (AR) Before You Adopt Or Donate
The City of Russellville Animal Shelter serves as the primary hub for animal control and pet adoption services in Russellville, Arkansas, operating under a critical mission to ensure both public safety and the welfare of domestic animals in Pope County. As of December 23, 2025, the shelter continues to be a vital community resource, working tirelessly to manage stray populations, enforce local ordinances, and find loving, permanent homes for dogs and cats.
With an ongoing, urgent need for pet adopters and community support, understanding the shelter's specific operations, key personnel, and current needs is the first step any Russellville resident can take to make a meaningful difference. The facility, located on South Mobile Ave, is consistently looking for dedicated individuals to help with everything from daily care to crucial financial contributions.
Russellville Animal Shelter: Key Staff, Location, and Contact Information
The Russellville Animal Shelter, officially part of the City of Russellville Animal Control division, is managed by a dedicated team of professionals focused on upholding state law and city ordinances concerning domestic animals. Knowing who to contact is crucial for reporting stray animals, inquiring about lost pets, or discussing the adoption process.
- Official Facility Name: City of Russellville Animal Shelter
- Physical Address: 3115 S Mobile Ave, Russellville, AR 72802
- Primary Phone Number: 479-968-1944
- Director: Mike Vernon
- Animal Control Officer III: Tammie Case
The role of the Animal Control Officer is multifaceted, encompassing public safety by capturing stray animals, investigating reports of animal cruelty, and enforcing local regulations to maintain a safe and healthy environment for both residents and pets.
Current Operating and Adoption Hours
The shelter maintains specific hours for general operation and adoptions. It is important to note the difference, especially on weekends, due to staff constraints that limit their ability to answer phone calls on Saturdays.
- General Operating Hours (for intake, inquiries, etc.): Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Adoption-Only Hours: Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Note: The shelter does not answer the phone on Saturdays, so plan your visit accordingly.
The Simple, Step-by-Step Russellville Pet Adoption Process
Adopting a pet from the Russellville Animal Shelter is a rewarding experience that directly saves a life and helps reduce the strain on local resources. The process is designed to be straightforward while ensuring a good match between the pet and its new family.
Step 1: View Adoptable Pets Online
The most current list of dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens available for adoption is maintained on the Russellville Animal Shelter's Petfinder page. This is the best place to start your search, as it provides photos, descriptions, and current status of the animals in their care.
Step 2: Visit the Shelter
After finding a potential match online, you must visit the shelter in person during their operating hours to meet the animal. The Saturday adoption-only hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) are specifically dedicated to this step. Spending time with the animal is crucial to assessing compatibility.
Step 3: Submit an Application and Pay Fees
Once you have chosen your new companion, you will submit an adoption application. The adoption fees are paid directly at the Russellville Animal Shelter. These fees are significantly lower than costs at a commercial breeder or pet store and cover initial care costs.
- Adoption Fee for Dogs and Puppies: $40
- Adoption Fee for Cats and Kittens: $20
Step 4: Finalize and Take Your Pet Home
All adopted animals are required by state law to be spayed or neutered. Additionally, all dogs receive 6-in-1 and kennel cough vaccinations, while cats receive their yearly vaccines, ensuring your new family member is starting their new life on a healthy note.
How to Support and Donate to the Russellville Animal Shelter’s Mission
The Russellville Animal Shelter relies heavily on community involvement to supplement its city funding. Donations, volunteering, and simple acts of kindness are critical for maintaining the quality of life for the animals awaiting their forever homes. The shelter’s mission to maintain public safety and provide care means they are always in need of resources.
Financial Contributions
Monetary donations are the most flexible form of support, allowing the shelter's leadership (such as Director Mike Vernon and ACO Tammie Case) to allocate funds where the need is most urgent—whether for emergency veterinary care, facility maintenance, or essential operational costs. To donate, contact the shelter directly at 479-968-1944 or inquire about the process on the City of Russellville's official website.
Essential Wishlist Items and In-Kind Donations
While the shelter's specific, up-to-the-minute wishlist may change, there is a consistent demand for non-monetary items that help keep the animals clean, fed, and comfortable. Donating these items directly reduces the shelter's operating budget, freeing up funds for medical needs. Consider donating the following:
- High-Efficiency Cleaning Supplies: Bleach, paper towels, heavy-duty trash bags, and laundry detergent are constantly needed for sanitizing kennels and preventing the spread of illness.
- Pet Food: High-quality dog and cat food (both wet and dry), especially for puppies and kittens, is a perennial need.
- Comfort Items: Durable dog toys (like Kongs), cat toys, blankets, and towels (even old ones) provide comfort and enrichment for the animals.
- Office Supplies: Items like printer paper and pens support the administrative side of adoption and animal control paperwork.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the backbone of any animal shelter. While the City of Russellville Animal Control is a government entity, opportunities to assist with animal care are often facilitated through local partner organizations or directly through the River Valley United Way's network.
To find out about the specific application process for volunteering at the Russellville Animal Shelter, the best course of action is to call the shelter directly at 479-968-1944 or reach out to Animal Control Officer III Tammie Case via email. Volunteer tasks may include walking dogs, socializing cats, cleaning kennels, and assisting with adoption events.
The Role of Russellville Animal Control and Enforcing Ordinances
It is important to distinguish the City of Russellville Animal Shelter’s primary function. Unlike a no-kill rescue organization, the shelter operates as the official Animal Control facility. Its core mission is not just adoption, but maintaining public safety by actively enforcing city ordinances and state laws regarding domestic animals.
This includes the capture of stray animals, investigation of nuisance complaints, and proper handling of all animals brought into the facility. The shelter works diligently to reunite lost pets with their owners, but its capacity is limited by the constant need to manage the local animal population. This is why community support for adoption and spay/neuter programs is so critical to their success.
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