Banner collage of shelter animals. A tabby cat mid-sneeze, a happy white dog wearing a tie during a walk, a black-and-white cat resting on a volunteer’s shoulder, a small white puppy being held, and a small black puppy receiving veterinary treatment.

Special Programs

Brown dog sitting next to an open backpack with toys for overnight stay.

Doggy Day Out or Sleepover Program

Spend time with a shelter dog, help them shine outside the shelter and maybe find a new home.

Austin Animal Services offers a special program that allows community members to take shelter dogs on short outings or weekend sleepovers. These experiences give dogs a break from the shelter, reduce stress, and help them show their true personality in a home or public setting. It’s also a great way to decide on adoption or fostering by spending time with a special dog.

Visitors can stop by the shelter lobby to learn about eligible dogs, review program guidelines, and complete a quick check-out process. A rotating list of dogs is available, and staff help match each participant with a dog that fits their lifestyle and experience.

Outings

Take a dog out for a fun dog-friendly field trip.

Days: Wednesdays and Saturdays
Pickup time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Dropoff time: Before 6 p.m. the same day.
Staff provide recommendations for dog-friendly locations based on each dog’s needs and personality

Weekend Sleepovers

Enjoy a weekend with a shelter dog.

Duration: Friday through Sunday afternoon (2 night minimum)
Friday Pickup: Any time during regular hours, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Sunday Return: Between 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
A great opportunity to see how a dog does in a home environment

Requirements

Valid photo ID is required
Up-to-date contact information must be provided
Participants must review and sign program agreements before taking a dog

This program is a simple way to support shelter dogs while spending meaningful time with them. Whether considering adoption, fostering, or just helping a dog enjoy a day out, every outing makes a difference.

Stop by the shelter today to get started and meet a future best friend. For more information, contact Animal.Foster@austintexas.gov.

Silhouette graphic of a man kneeling with a flag waving above him as he shakes a dog's paw.

Enduring Service Program

Training program that helps shelter dogs become more adoptable through work with incarcerated veterans

Austin Animal Services partners with the Travis Unit and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Travis Unit to give shelter dogs a real path to adoption while supporting incarcerated veterans working toward a fresh start through the TDCJ Veteran Services Programmatic Re-Entry program.

Enduring Service is a 12-week foster and training program that helps shelter dogs become more adoptable while incarcerated veterans build practical skills, structure, and confidence for life after release.

How it Works

Dogs leave the shelter and stay at the Travis Unit with assigned inmates, where they receive daily care, consistency, and training.

Veteran participants work hands-on with the dogs every day using positive reinforcement, building trust while teaching skills like sitting, leash walking, and staying calm around people.

Safe, Daily Care for Dogs

The safety and wellbeing of the dogs is always the top priority.

Dogs are housed in clean, secure spaces
They receive frequent daily interaction
They follow consistent routines for care and training
Veterinary and behavioral support by Animal Services is always available
This steady environment helps dogs feel secure, reduce stress, and make faster progress.

Second Chance for Dogs and Incarcerated Veterans

The primary goal of Enduring Service is to help dogs find homes, but the impact goes further.

Veterans in the TDCJ Travis Unit Veteran Services Programmatic Re-Entry program gain meaningful, hands-on experience in animal care and training, helping them build job-ready skills and a sense of purpose. Participants will also have the opportunity to earn a dog grooming certification at the jail through Austin Community College creating a clear pathway to employment after release.

What Happens Next

At the end of the 12 week training sessions and practice with their handlers, dogs graduate from the program.

The goal is for each dog to move quickly into adoption or foster care, continuing their progress and transitioning successfully into a home.

Why it Matters

With time, training, and daily human connection, these dogs build trust and confidence.

At the same time, veterans strengthen skills, responsibility, and stability that support long-term reentry success.

Both leave the program better prepared for what comes next - a real opportunity for a new beginning.

How to Support: Community support helps keep this program going. You can donate through the Enduring Service Amazon wish list or on the Animal Services Donation page.

Meet the Enduring Service July 2026 Graduates

Interested in adopting a trained lifelong companion with an interesting story? Our first graduating class will be available for adoption or foster on April 28th!