Adoption Policy

Metro Animal Services (MAS) is committed to placing healthy, temperamentally sound animals into responsible, lifelong homes.

Adoption Requirements

  • Animals are adopted primarily as companion pets—not as guard or attack dogs.

  • Only animals without known aggression or severe behavioral issues are made available.

  • Adopters must:

    • Be 18 years or older

    • Provide proof of landlord approval if renting

    • Agree to provide proper care (food, water, shelter, vet care, exercise)

    • Complete all necessary adoption paperwork

    • Spay/neuter the animal (or pay a $100 refundable deposit)

    • Pass a background check (including records in Chameleon, PetWhere, CAD, etc.)

    • Be compliant with all local animal ordinances, including licensing

Adoption Denials

Applications may be denied due to:

  • Exceeding the legal pet limit

  • History of animal cruelty, neglect, or repeated violations

  • Prior surrender of pets (evaluated case-by-case)

  • Inability or refusal to spay/neuter or sign the application

  • Safety or suitability concerns

Denial may also occur if the applicant:

  • Appears intoxicated or disoriented

  • Displays aggressive, dishonest, or evasive behavior

  • Cannot verify their name, address, or intended living situation for the pet

Applicants may appeal a denial in writing within three (3) days to the MAS Manager.

Adoption Procedures & Fees

  1. Complete an Adoption Application

  2. Provide Landlord Approval (if renting)

  3. Undergo a background check

  4. If approved, pay the adoption fee:

    • Dogs: $50

    • Cats: $35
      Includes microchip, first vaccinations, vet exam, and carrier (if needed)

  5. Provide proof of rabies vaccination to receive a license

If the animal is not spayed/neutered, a $100 cash deposit is required. This will be refunded upon proof of sterilization.

Licensing Requirements

All cats and dogs in Casper, Bar Nunn, and Natrona County must be licensed through MAS.

License fees:

Animal Status Fee
Altered + Microchipped Free
Altered $5.00
Unaltered + Microchipped $15.00
Unaltered $25.00

Licenses are available at City Hall, the Shelter, or participating veterinary clinics. A current rabies certificate is required.
Animal Ordinances FAQs

How many pets can I own?

  • Casper/Bar Nunn: Max 3 cats/dogs

  • Natrona County (unincorporated): Determined by zoning

What is "running at large"?

  • Dogs off-property without restraint

  • Cats on private property without permission or ID (tag, tattoo, or microchip)

Barking dog complaint process:

  1. Speak with your neighbor

  2. If unresolved, call Non-Emergency Dispatch: (307) 235-8278

  3. If the issue persists, complete a Barking Dog Log for review by the City Attorney. A summons may follow.

Missing Pets

If your pet is missing:

  • Search the immediate area

  • Visit the Shelter in person to complete a Missing Animal Form

  • Check back regularly, as MAS handles many animals daily

  • Microchipping and current ID greatly increase recovery chances

Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in volunteering? Call MAS at (307) 235-8398. Volunteers are always welcome.

Donations

Donations support our spay/neuter fund, pet food distribution for adopters, and general animal welfare. We accept:

  • Monetary donations

  • Pet food and supplies

Wildlife & Nuisance Animal Assistance

Wildlife is a natural part of Wyoming life. MAS may refer callers to:

  • Wyoming Game & Fish

  • Licensed wildlife rehabilitators

  • Private wildlife control services

MAS will respond only when human safety is at immediate risk. Otherwise, we provide:

  • Deterrent information

  • Guidance on non-interference

Spaying/Neutering Your Pet

Spaying/neutering is required for all adopted animals and highly encouraged for all pets. Benefits include:

  • Lower licensing fees

  • Reduced roaming and injury risk

  • Prevention of certain cancers and infections

  • Decreased aggression and marking behavior

  • Fewer unwanted litters—saving animal lives

Reminder: Over 5 million cats and dogs are euthanized in U.S. shelters each year. Help reduce this number by spaying/neutering your pets.

Jodi Decker 
Metro Animal Shelter Manager

2392 E. Metro Road
Casper, Wyoming 82601

Shelter (307) 235-8398 

Non-emergency Dispatch (307) 235-8278 

Hours of Operation
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 3pm-6pm
Wednesday 4pm-6pm
Saturday 1pm-4pm
(Closed on Sunday and all City holidays)

See the Pets at Metro

Metro FAQ

Animal Disaster Plans