Austin Animal Center is the municipal shelter for the City of Austin and unincorporated Travis County, providing shelter to thousands of animals annually as well as providing animal protection and pet resource services. We accept stray and owned animals regardless of age, health, species or breed.
Our goal is to place all adoptable animals in forever homes through adoption, foster care, or rescue partner groups.
Animal Services has numerous programs and partnerships designed to help pets in the shelter, in the community, and in your home.
Mission Statement
The Austin Animal Center's mission is to provide public service and a safety net for lost and homeless animals in the community by providing necessary food, water, shelter and standard municipal veterinary care for animals in need.
To provide placement services that will assist lost, homeless or sheltered animals to their homes or find new homes when necessary, to provide live outcomes for at least 95% of sheltered animals.
To enforce animal regulations and assist the public with animal-related concerns, including impoundment, quarantine and other rabies control services in order to protect citizens and animals in our community.
To provide animal services to the public in order to educate and prevent animal homelessness and promote humane, compassionate treatment of animals and responsible pet ownership.
— Read more about the No-Kill Plan.
Media
Media Contact
For media inquiries, please contact Animal.Media@austintexas.gov
Social Media
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Work at Austin Animal Center
To view available vacancies, visit the City of Austin Jobs page.
Event Requests
As the community shelter, Austin Animal Center loves to participate in events around the Austin area. Depending on the purpose and logistics of the event, expected attendance, and availability of staff and volunteers, participation may include:
- Informational material and giveaways
- Free pet ID tag engraving
- Free microchips
- Booth with adoptable pets
- Mobile adoption unit
To request AAC participation in your event, please fill out the event request form.
Community Involvement
Each year, Austin and Travis County spend over $1 million on community spay and neuter programs. Below is a list of programs and the amount of funding in Fiscal Year 2022 that went towards each of these programs.
| Program | Budgeted Funds | Source |
| Free Days with Emancipet Mobile | $1,120,000.00 | COA Gen Fund |
| Spay Neuter Outreach | $50,000.00 | Donations |
| Rabies Clinics Spay and Neuter | $29,112.75 | Donations |
| Community Cats TNR & SNR | $132,500.00 | COA Gen Fund |
| Free Days with Emancipet Mobile (County) |
$190,000.00 | Travis County |
| Total | $1,311,802.75 |
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