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Monday 12pm - 4pm Tuesday 12pm - 5:30pm Wednesday 12pm - 5:30pm Thursday 12pm - 5:30pm Friday 12pm - 5:30pm Saturday 12pm - 4pm

Ames Animal Shelter

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Ames Animal Shelter

This is the official page of the City of Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Services Division.
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This is an official page of the City of Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control Division of the Ames Police Department. For more information about the City of Ames, please visit www.cityofames.org. This site is intended to serve as a mechanism for communication between the public and the Ames Animal Shelter on the listed topics, and as a forum to further the mission of the Division. Questi

ons or comments can be addressed to Ron Edwards, Animal Control Supervisor at [email protected]. Terms of Use Guidelines
Comments posted to this page will be monitored and inappropriate content will be removed as soon as possible and without prior notice. We reserve the right to remove inappropriate content, including, but not limited to:
•obscene language or sexual content
•content that threatens or defames any person or organization
•content that incites violence or references killing anyone or anything
•content that violates the legal ownership interest of another party
•content that promotes illegal activity
•content that is repetitive or duplicative
•content that promotes commercial services or products or SPAM.
•content that promotes, foster, or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, genetics, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or intellectual disability, or sexual orientation.
•content that is off-topic
•content that identifies personally identifying information including, but not limited to: email address, phone numbers, addresses, medical information, etc.
•content that is considered organized political activity

The City disclaims any and all responsibility and liability for any materials that the City deems inappropriate for posting, which cannot be removed in an expeditious and otherwise timely manner. Before posting on our page, please review the following:
•For issues regarding the safety of an animal or if you feel the safety of a human is at risk due to an animal, please contact the Animal Control Officer at 515-231-1080 M-F 8am-8pm, Sat and Sunday 8am-5pm. For animal emergencies outside these hours, please contact the Ames Police Department at 515-239-5133
•For all other animal related concerns or questions, you can contact the Ames Animal Shelter at 515-239-5530.
•Do not use this page to make an animal control report. Please contact the animal shelter or animal control officer directly by phone at the numbers listed above
•This page is not continually monitored by employees of the Ames Animal Shelter.
•Posting information related to an animal investigation on this page is not deemed anonymous. You may be contacted by an Ames Animal Control Officer if you are a witness to an event under investigation.
•Any use of the "like" feature between the Ames Animal Shelter and a private person does not indicate endorsement of that person’s actions or comments.
•A posting on this page constitutes acceptance of these Terms of Use.

09/01/2024

The Shelter will be closed for the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 2nd.

Animal Control will also be off duty on Monday, September 2nd.

The Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control will resume normal hours on Tuesday, September 3rd.

If you have an animal emergency during this time, contact the Ames Police Department at 515-239-5133. This is for emergencies ONLY.

08/31/2024

Do you recognize this pet? They are currently at our shelter as a stray animal missing their family.
𝙉𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙂𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧: Goose
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙚 & 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚: 8/31/24 12:00pm
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣:400 block of 16th St
𝙊𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: No microchip or collar
If you know this animal or have any information to help us find their family, please call us at 515-239-5530. If you call us outside of our hours, please leave us a message so we can return your call!
For more information, please visit our website at www.AmesAnimalShelter.org

08/30/2024

Draintech Plumbing Drain Cleaning Hydro Jetting is always so supportive of our shelter. And it doesn't stop with the owners, Linda and Mike, even their wonderful employees are patrons and supporters. Kenyon needed a new furry friend, so he came here to adopt Pearl. Pearl was an outdoors mama cat who incredibly deserves someone who will love and adore her, and we know her new dad will!

Congratulations to Pearl and Kenyon!

08/29/2024

Update: A new truck cab was able to come and hitch up to the trailer at about 4:45 PM to get these little guys on their way after being at a standstill since about 1 PM. We got a tow truck to bring them to ISU's Hanson Agriculture Learning Department by about 2:45 PM, where our wonderful Ames Fire Department team kept them as cool as possible with hoses running on either side of the truck until the new transport engine could get there to hook up. We had an incredible group of volunteers from the ISU vet college, and our own shelter volunteers showed up at the site, ready to help should the pigs' health have deteriorated enough to require them to be removed from the truck. The original timeline for a new truck was 6 hours, but they were able to get someone there in 1.5 hours from the call.

Original Post:
Ames Animal Shelter is currently closed due to a stalled hog semi on the highway. If you have an emergency, please call Ames Dispatch at 515-239-5133. Our Animal Control Officer will also be unavailable.

08/28/2024

It’s Whisker Wednesday!
Here are some interesting whiskers facts:

Did you know that whiskers…

- are made of keratin like our hair and nails?

- are super sensitive and may become over stimulated?

- send messages to the brain about the cat’s surroundings and should never be cut?

- come in even numbers, usually 24?

- can change color as a cat ages?

- are often a mood barometer? Forward is excited or alert, flat against the cheeks is angry or scared, and to the side is calm and relaxed.

- make cats look dashing?

Check out some of these whimsical, whiskered wonders you can meet at the shelter!

08/28/2024

In today's episode of Animals in Ames, we learn about a new cat hoarding case. Also, we meet a family of guinea pigs needing a forever home.

08/28/2024

Our shelter is FULL of the sweetest cats and kittens. And right now, they’re only $25.00 to adopt!

To start your adoption journey, fill out an application on our website at www.AmesAnimalShelter.org. Once we complete the approval process, we’ll schedule an appointment to come meet all our furry feline friends who are looking for their forever home!

All cats are tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, and cats over 6 months of age are tested for heartworms. They are also tested for intestinal parasites and receive routine dewormings. All cats are vaccinated against distemper, and cats over 12 weeks are vaccinated against rabies. They also receive a flea preventative, are spayed/neutered before adoption, and have a microchip. Adoption fees include the initial automated registration of the microchip at the time of adoption.

08/26/2024

Happy National Dog Day! We have some amazing dogs waiting for their forever homes right now. One of them is Morty, he loves to play and is a favorite among the volunteers as you can see. Morty has been through a lot and is looking for a kind and patient home. To find out more about Morty and our other adoptable pets go to www.amesanimalshelter.org

08/26/2024

The Ames Animal Shelter will host mini microchip clinics every other Wednesday from 10 AM – 11 AM, with a total of four spots available for each clinic. These mini-clinics will take place at our shelter location at 325 Billy Sunday Road, Ames, IA 50010.

To sign up, please fill out the registration form at www.CityofAmes.org/Microchip. Once we receive your registration paperwork, you’ll receive a link for the $15.00 payment. Once the payment is received, you can sign up for your appointment time through a link we provide.

If you are unsure if your pet already has a microchip you can:
1 – Contact the agency you adopted your pet from to find out if the pet was microchipped or check your adoption records
2 – Ask your veterinarian to scan your pet for a microchip
3 – Shelter staff can scan for microchips during certain days/hours

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 515-239-5530.

08/21/2024

5 Reasons to Adopt an ✨Older Cat✨

Did You Know... Older cats are often overlooked and have the longest stays in shelters. And yet here are so many benefits to adopting an older cat!

1. Known Temperament: older cats have established personalities, making it easier to find one that fits your lifestyle
2. Nap Buddies: perfect nap companion... they love to sleep as much as you do!
3. Less Demanding, Lower Energy: they don't require the amount of playtime that kittens do
4. Instant Lap Cat: many older cats are more content to snuggle and spend more time on your lap
5. Great Listeners: they have the patience to listen to all of your stories, no matter how many times you tell them

We have a few older cats at our shelter who would love to meet you! Check everyone out on our website at www.AmesAnimalShelter.org.

08/20/2024

Do you recognize this pet? They are currently at our shelter as a stray animal missing their family.
𝙉𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙂𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧: Gerdie
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙚 & 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚: 8/20/24 10:00am
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 5000 block of Maryland St
𝙊𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: No microchip or collar found. Recently spayed female
If you know this animal or have any information to help us find their family, please call us at 515-239-5530. If you call us outside of our hours, please leave us a message so we can return your call!
For more information, please visit our website at www.AmesAnimalShelter.org

08/19/2024

Do you recognize this pet? They are currently at our shelter as a stray animal missing their family.
𝙉𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙂𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧: Beegee
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙚 & 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚: 8/19/24 8:00am
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 200 block of S Duff Ave
𝙊𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: No microchip or collar found
If you know this animal or have any information to help us find their family, please call us at 515-239-5530. If you call us outside of our hours, please leave us a message so we can return your call!
For more information please visit our website at www.AmesAnimalShelter.org

08/18/2024

Last day for the Iowa State Fair! Be sure to check out the butter sculptures of cats and a dog! Made by our very own shelter animals!

Note: this isn’t a real display. just for fun 😸

08/17/2024

ANOTHER ONE! Well, TWO!

Two more all-black kittens were adopted on Black Cat Appreciation Day - What a great afternoon of adoptions!

Congratulations to these two sweet babies and their new parents. We know you'll have an amazing life together.

Our cats are going fast, so don't hesitate to fill out an application at www.AmesAnimalShelter.org! All cats of all ages are only $25.00 to adopt, but it won't last forever. So fill out an application to meet the love of your life!

08/17/2024

Happy National Black Cat Appreciation Day! We adopted out a black kitten this morning 🥹

We have MANY more black cats and kittens who would love to go home with you on this awesome holiday. AND ~ only $25 to adopt for a limited time! Submit an application at amesanimalshelter.org ❤️

08/17/2024

Update! He was reunited with his family

Do you recognize this pet? They are currently at our shelter as a stray animal missing their family.
𝙉𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙂𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧: Charles
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙚 & 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚: 8/17/24 9:00am
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: E Oneil Dr and Duff Ave
𝙊𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: No microchip or collar found
If you know this animal or have any information to help us find their family, please call us at 515-239-5530. If you call us outside of our hours, please leave us a message so we can return your call!
For more information please visit our website at www.AmesAnimalShelter.org

08/16/2024

A huge thank you to Treats On A Leash LLC for sponsoring the adoption of four of our longest-resident cats!

Tigger, Mor, Junbox, and Jamari (pictured here) all now have WAIVED adoption fees thanks to the generous support of Treats on a Leash.

Tigger, Mor, Junbox, and Jamari aren't the only ones in on the fun. ALL of our cats of ALL ages currently have a reduced adoption fee of just $25.00. We have so many furry feline friends in the shelter right now who want to get into YOUR home!

To submit an application, visit our website at www.AmesAnimalShelter.org. Applications are REQUIRED for adoption, and subject to approval upon review by our adoption team. All normal adoption processes/requirements still apply.

08/14/2024

Do you recognize this pet? They are currently at our shelter as a stray animal missing their family.

𝙉𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙂𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧: Zazu
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙚 & 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚: 8/13/24
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: Stockbury St (North Ames)
𝙊𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: No microchip/collar found

If you know this animal or have any information to help us find their family please call us at 515-239-5530. If you call us outside of our hours please leave us a message so we can return your call!

For more information please visit our website at www.AmesAnimalShelter.org

08/12/2024

Do you recognize this pet? They are currently at our shelter as a stray animal missing their family.

𝙉𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙂𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧: Farah
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙚 & 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚: 8/12/24 1:30PM
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 2800 Block of Greensboro Cir.
𝙊𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: No collar or microchip.

If you know this animal or have any information to help us find their family please call us at 515-239-5530. If you call us outside of our hours please leave us a message so we can return your call!
For more information please visit our website at www.AmesAnimalShelter.org

08/12/2024

Do you recognize this pet? They are currently at our shelter as a stray animal missing their family.
𝙉𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙂𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧: Rouse
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙚 & 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚: 8/12/24 8:00am brought to shelter at noon
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: Maricopa
𝙊𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: No collar, tag, or microchip
If you know this animal or have any information to help us find their family, please call us at 515-239-5530. If you call us outside of our hours, please leave us a message so we can return your call!
For more information, please visit our website at www.AmesAnimalShelter.org

08/11/2024

As the Olympics come to a close, we want to look back on all of our cats’ amazing achievements in the Catlympic Games! Some cats did so well that their gold medal was getting adopted (like Utopia’s cannon ball)

Many of our cats didn’t get gold yet, so they are still available for adoption at amesanimalshelter.org 😸

08/09/2024

In honor of Book Lovers Day, we want to share ours: If You Give a Cat a Snuffle Mat!

If you give a cat a snuffle mat, he’ll want some treats to go with it. If you give him some treats to go with it, chances are, five more cats will want some too.

A snuffle mat is an enrichment activity we provide for cats. Treats are hidden amongst the many folds, then cats have to work and explore to find them. This provides mental stimulation and fights boredom as cats use their natural instincts to find food.

Check out all of our adoptable cats on our website at www.AmesAnimalShelter.org

08/06/2024

Unfortunately, when we were already at capacity for cats, our officers responded yesterday to a call for animal neglect. While 5 animals were left abandoned in the apartment, throughout the investigation our staff received a total of 11 cats, 10 kittens, and one dog from the owner.

Our staff have been working diligently to care for the cats, the worst of which are the kittens. Many of them are incredibly emaciated and continue to struggle to recover from their neglect. They require the absolute best food and the best medical support for survival, many of which are expensive prescription levels of food.

If you're able to help, please consider donating. We will be especially in need of monetary funds to pay for prescription foods and supportive treatments/medications, but any donation would be an incredible support to our shelter for all the animals in our care. Consider donating in the following ways:
- Through our website at https://secure.usaepay.com/pay/4nkt6r3h4k6d6hn83/xNDAd0Gw
- Checks can be made payable to Ames Animal Shelter and mailed to Ames Animal Shelter, 515 Clark Ave., Ames, IA 50010.
- You can also make a donation in person at our facility, 325 Billy Sunday Road, Ames, IA 50010.
- In-kind donations through our Amazon Wishlist at https://a.co/7oitfo3

AMES, Iowa — An Ames woman has been accused of abandoning five cats at an apartment last week with no food or water. On August 5 the Ames Police Department responded to a report of an animal …

08/06/2024

Update: He has been reclaimed by his owner.
Do you recognize this pet? They are currently at our shelter as a stray animal missing their family.

𝙉𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙂𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧: Unger
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙚 & 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚: 8/6/24 ~5 PM
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: Hilltop Rd/State Ave
𝙊𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: Has microchip, but is not registered.

If you know this animal or have any information to help us find their family please call us at 515-239-5530. If you call us outside of our hours please leave us a message so we can return your call!

For more information please visit our website at www.AmesAnimalShelter.org

08/05/2024

Do-nut tell us you could resist a donut from one of these adorable bakers!

To learn more about these cats and other animals available for adoption go to amesanimalshelter.org.

08/04/2024

Do you recognize this pet? They are currently at our shelter as a stray animal missing their family.
𝙉𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙂𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧: Marcel
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙚 & 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚: 8/4/24 12:00pm
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 200 block of Sheldon Ave
𝙊𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: No microchip, collar, or ID tag
If you know this animal or have any information to help us find their family, please call us at 515-239-5530. If you call us outside of our hours, please leave us a message so we can return your call!
For more information, please visit our website at www.AmesAnimalShelter.org

Address

325 Billy Sunday Road
Ames, IA
50010

Opening Hours

Monday	12pm - 4pm
Tuesday	12pm - 5:30pm
Wednesday	12pm - 5:30pm
Thursday	12pm - 5:30pm
Friday	12pm - 5:30pm
Saturday	12pm - 4pm

Website

http://www.AmesAnimalShelter.org/

Alerts

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Videos

Our furry friends are ready for the first Iowa State kickoff of the season! Aksel, Zazu, and Snoopy are ready to celebrate the touchdowns with YOU! Set up a time to meet them by applying on our website! Go Cyclones! #caturday #football #iowastate #IowaStateCyclones #gocyclones #animalshelter

Animals in Ames | August 28, 2024

In today's episode of Animals in Ames, we learn about a new cat hoarding case. Also, we meet a family of guinea pigs needing a forever home.

In honor of National Black Cat Appreciation Day, here are some void-berries (or blackberries!) looking all cute 😻 #nationalblackcatappreciationday #blackcat #kitten #animalshelter #caturday

Edna is our longest resident and she wanted to give a sneak peek of how many purrs she would offer if she could go home with you. It’s only $25 right now to adopt her!

Telling flattering lies about our current cats to help them get adopted 😹 Who is your favorite? *Part 2 coming soon! FYI: Cats and kittens are only $25 to adopt right now! #rescuecats #animalshelter #internationalcatday #adoptme #cats

We had 6 kittens come in looking pretty rough. After some time in a clean environment, they were able to groom themselves and look much better! Enjoy our before and after video! #rescuecats #kittens #animalshelter #beforeandafter

Animals in Ames | July 31, 2024

On this episode of Animals in Ames, meet Minnie, Moa, Wink, Tuffy, and Pepper. See all the animals that are available for adoption at www.AmesAnimalShelter.org

Good morning and happy #caturday to everyone! What are your plans today? #goodmorning #rescuecats #adoptme

Meet our longest resident: Kitty! She’s been here 231 days and would love to find her furrever home soon. If you’re interested in meeting her, put in an application on our website! #rescuecats #animalshelter #adoptdontshop #cat #blackcat

Flan…now known as Maggie… has been adopted! Here’s a behind the scenes look at what it looks like when our kitties get ready to go to their furrever home! #adoption #animalshelter #rescuecats #kitten

Rate Tuffy’s wobble cat skills! What does she get? Tuffy is a cat with cerebellar hypoplasia aka “wobble cat” but she can still run and play! Tuffy is available for adoption! #kitten #animalshelter #ratingthings #cerebellarhypoplasia #cat

July 12th from 3:30-6 you can get some cat, dog, and human cookies at Josie’s Lemonade & Cookie Stand fundraiser! Location: 20th & Burnett, Ames ~ enjoy some kitty #asmr #cat #dog #animalshelter

We wish you an a-meow-zing day! #4thofJuly #cat #kitten #animalrescue

Jamari is a very brave boy and a graduate of our Foe to Friend program. He has come so far in his time at the shelter. He used to be so afraid and has learned how awesome pets and snuggles are. He would love to meet you! #transformation #cat #animalshelter #animalrescue

If you're looking for a cat who lets you dance with him, Tiger is your man. Look at that belly. Come visit him by putting in an application through our website! #cat #catbelly #toebeans

Don’t forget that all cats 6 months and older are only $25 to adopt!

Meet Tigger!

Animals in Ames | June 5, 2024

Meet Tiger, Maverick and Snow in this week's episode of Animals in Ames. Come by the animal shelter or go online at www.AmesAnimalShelter.org to adopt your new best friend.