Rochester Animal Services adjusts public hours on Tuesday Jan. 27 to allow staff to take part in professional development training

Rochester, New York – Rochester Animal Services will operate on an adjusted schedule on Tuesday, Jan. 27, as the department temporarily closes its doors for staff training aimed at strengthening service delivery and animal care practices.

The city-run animal services facility will be closed to the public from 12 noon until 3 p.m. that day to allow all staff members to participate in a professional development session. After the training concludes, the shelter will reopen and resume normal operations for the remainder of the afternoon, welcoming visitors from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Officials say the temporary closure is part of an ongoing effort to ensure employees are equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills needed to handle the wide range of responsibilities involved in animal welfare. While the shortened hours may cause minor inconvenience for residents, the training is intended to improve long-term service quality and operational efficiency.

Outside of this one-day adjustment, Rochester Animal Services maintains its standard weekly schedule. The facility is typically open from 12 noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, providing opportunities for pet adoptions, animal reclaim services, and general inquiries. On weekends, the shelter operates on reduced hours, remaining open from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on both Saturdays and Sundays.

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City officials encourage residents planning to visit the shelter on Tuesday to take note of the revised hours and plan accordingly. Those needing assistance during the closure window are advised to return after 3 p.m. or schedule their visit for another day when full operating hours are in effect.

Rochester Animal Services plays a key role in the community, caring for stray and surrendered animals while promoting responsible pet ownership. Regular professional development sessions, officials note, are essential to maintaining high standards of care and ensuring staff are prepared to respond to evolving challenges in animal control and shelter operations.

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Normal hours will resume immediately following Tuesday’s training, and no additional schedule changes have been announced at this time. Residents seeking more information about services, adoption procedures, or operating hours can contact Rochester Animal Services directly during open hours.