Helping Stray Animals in Our Community

At Crossroads Animal Shelter, we want to be fully transparent with our community about our ability to help strays. We know that finding a stray animal can be stressful, and we appreciate the compassion and concern that motivates people to help.

Crossroads is a private, limited-admission shelter. Unlike municipal impound facilities, we do not have contractual obligations to house stray animals from specific cities or counties. Instead, our ability to accept stray animals is based on our available space, financial resources, staffing, and our existing commitments to the animals in our care and our rescue partners.

We work hard to help whenever we can, but we cannot always accept every stray animal brought to us. During periods when our shelter is at capacity, we must prioritize the animals already in our care and the commitments we have made to our rescue partners.

What We Can Do

• Contact us before bringing in a stray. Our ability to accept a stray depends on current space and resources. Please call ahead so we can let you know whether we have space and resources to intake.

  • Please note hours of operation – We do not operate Full-time.

·       If we cannot accept the animal, we can provide guidance. We may be able to direct you to the appropriate local agency or another resource based on where the animal was found, or you may submit a Stray Services Request through our website under the services tab/supporting strays

• Microchip scanning: If you have found a stray animal and need assistance determining whether it has a microchip, please contact us to ask about our current availability for this service.

• File a found pet report: Go to our services/lost & found tab and click on “File a FOUND pet report”. Enter your information and the found pet’s information in case a potential owner contacts us. (Can we have a link embedded here to the Found report)

Stray Intake Services

When space is available, Crossroads provides paid stray intake services. These fees help offset a portion of the cost of housing, feeding, cleaning, and providing initial medical care during the stray-hold period.

Stray Intake Fees:

• $75 per animal

• $100 per litter of juveniles

The actual cost of caring for a stray animal is significantly higher than the intake fee. A five-day stray hold for a relatively healthy animal can cost approximately $225–$300 per animal, with costs increasing substantially when additional medical care is needed.

A Note About Outdoor Cats

If you are concerned about an outdoor cat, please contact us before removing the cat from its environment. We can help you determine what resources or options may be appropriate.

Please note: Crossroads does not accept feral cats as strays. Our Community Veterinary Clinic may be able to assist with TNR services for eligible community cats.

Thank You for Helping

We are grateful for the many people who take the time to help an animal in need. Your willingness to get involved can make an important difference.

At the same time, we must balance each request for assistance with our available housing, financial resources, staffing, the needs of the animals currently in our care, and our commitments to rescue partners.

Thank you for understanding and for helping us make thoughtful decisions that allow Crossroads to continue caring for animals and serving our community.