IMPORTANT: Alaska Humane Society is not an open-admission shelter. Space is limited — contact us first at 907-344-8808 or text 907-230-6394 before coming. Never leave a cat unattended outside our door under any circumstances.
Which situation describes you?
The Intake Process
Contact Us First
Call 907-344-8808 or text 907-230-6394. Space is limited — we want to ensure your cat has a safe place to be. Email: ahscatshelter@gmail.com or ahscatshelter@adopt-a-cat.org.
Receive Confirmation
When you have received confirmation that the cat can be accepted into AHS' program, a volunteer will schedule a handoff time. Cats are NEVER to be left outside of the shelter unattended.
Gather Medical Records & Familiar Items
Bring their food to alleviate any digestive stress. Include bedding that smells like home, a Comfort Companion (stuffed animal with familiar scents), and toys they enjoy. An article of your clothing is the strongest form of comfort.
Complete the Surrender Questionnaire
We'll ask about your cat's behavior, social history, litter habits, and household experience. Honest answers — even about difficult behaviors — help us match your cat with the right home.
Drop Off at Your Scheduled Time
The cat is to be handed off to a volunteer at a scheduled time. Practice crate training before drop-off to reduce stress. See our crate training brochure for steps.
If We Can't Accept Your Cat Right Now
Our capacity is limited. If we're full, we can suggest alternative paths to help your cat find a new home.
- → Municipal animal control services (for emergency placement)
- → Rehoming through personal networks with our support
- → Behavioral support to address issues that may be driving the surrender decision
- → Temporary fostering arrangements
- → Referrals to other Alaska rescue organizations
🚨 If This Is an Emergency
If a cat is in immediate danger or you have a true emergency, please contact the appropriate service below. Important: Anchorage Animal Care & Control's after-hours facility is intended for found/stray animals — it is not appropriate for planned owner surrenders. Please do not use the municipal night drop for an owner surrender.
- 🐾Found or injured stray cat: Anchorage Animal Care & Control — 907-343-8172 (or after-hours drop for found animals only)
- 🏥Injured or ill cat: Contact an emergency veterinary clinic immediately
- ⚖️Animal cruelty or abuse: Alaska State Troopers or Anchorage Police
- 📞Owner surrender — urgent: Text AHS at 907-230-6394 or email ahscatshelter@gmail.com to explain your situation. We will do our best to help.
AHS is a volunteer-run organization and does not have 24/7 emergency capacity. Public emergency services are better equipped for immediate animal crises.