Looking to add a new pet to your family? Austin Animal Center has more than 500 animals every day in need of loving homes.

Adoption fees waived for all shelter animals!

Before adopting

It’s important to think about the type of pet that would best fit into your family and lifestyle. Please see our guides for adopting a cat and adopting a dog to make sure you can meet their needs.

Adopting a Cat Guide (431 KB)

Adopting a Dog Guide (574 KB)

Adopters must

  • Be 18 years or older 
  • Have a valid photo ID such as a: 
    • driver’s license 
    • passport 
    • government or other official photo ID 
    • Mexican Consulate Card 
  • Pay the adoption fee (listed under Applying to adopt) and take financial responsibility for the pet after adoption 

Choosing a pet

Browse pets online

View dogs, cats, and other pets available at the shelter or in foster care. You can also create a profile online to save your favorite pets!

Meet pets at the shelter

Dropping in 

You can drop into the shelter to browse some of our available animals during the shelter's open hours. We have dozens of animals that won't be listed online yet because they're still in their stray hold period, but can be pre-adopted at the shelter in case their owner doesn't come for them. 

Hours

  • Walk-In Adoption & Reclaim: Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.*
  • Pet Resource Center: Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.* for microchips and resources

*In order to ensure you are assisted prior to closing, please sign in by 6 p.m.

Connect with us on social media

Shelter address

7201 Levander Loop, Austin, TX 78702

Applying to adopt

The adoption process depends on whether a pet is at the shelter or in foster.

For pets at the shelter

When you’re ready to adopt a pet at the shelter, bring your photo ID to apply in person. The shelter will provide an adoption agreement (156 KB) for you to sign.

You will also need to pay an adoption fee with cash or credit card. The fee helps cover the cost of the animal’s care and includes vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and a microchip. The adoption fees are: 

  • $80 for cats up to 6 years old 
  • $80 for dogs for 6 months to 6 years, 30 lbs. and up 
  • $100 for dogs under 30 lbs. or under 6 months 
  • $30 for small animals 
  • No fee for senior pets 7 years and older and dogs living in pop-up crates 
For pets in foster care

In the pet’s online profile, click the pink “Adopt Me” button to submit an application. If it’s selected, you’ll have an interview and a visit with the pet before completing the adoption.

Bringing your pet home

Now for the fun part – starting a life with your new pet! Check out these resources for tips to help you get off to a great start. 

Tips for adopting a cat (431 KB)

Tips for adopting a dog (574 KB)

Dog to dog introductions (193 KB)

Rule of three when adopting a dog 

Not finding the right pet?

Check out our Home to Home site. This tool lets people looking to re-home their pet connect directly with adopters.

You can also sign up for notifications about newly listed animals that fit your criteria.

Adoption groups

Specialty groups work to help our most at-risk animals. They can help you find a pet in these high-need groups.

  • The Cactus Cats program works with our most shy kitties, socializing and training them for a successful home life. 
  • The Desperate Housecats program has saved the lives of more than 1,700 of the center’s most difficult-to-adopt felines.
  • The Classic Canines group advocates for and works with senior dogs that have been displaced from their homes.
  • The Orange Dot Crew advocates for and works with dogs who struggle the most with shelter life.