With more than 500 available cats and dogs every day, we’re sure to have the right pet for your family. At Austin Animal Center, you can find all breeds, ages, types and personality types.
Browse Available Pets
Steps to Adopt During COVID-19
*Due to COVID Stage 5 restrictions, adoptions will be processed virtually*
We’re going virtual! Here’s how it works:
1. Browse our website to find a few shelter pets you’re interested in learning more about. Fill out an adoption application here.
2. An adoption counselor will call you and give you in-depth information on up to three shelter pets. If you’re ready, we can process an adoption over the phone!
3. We’ll schedule curbside pick-up for your new buddy!
To see cats who need you most, visit our Cactus Cats page!
Adopting a Pet from Foster
Some of our animals may be in a foster home. To adopt an animal in foster you must complete a Visitor Profile. Once your profile is complete, you can contact the shelter at ASOanimaladoption@austintexas.gov and request the foster parent’s email to follow up with the foster directly.
Please keep in mind that pets in our foster program are not available on a first come, first served basis, but potential adopters will be considered in the order in which they make contact with the foster care provider.
Not ready to adopt, but interested in fostering a shelter pet? Learn how here.
What to Bring for Adoptions
All you need to bring is a valid photo ID when you're ready to adopt. We accept Driver's license, US or International passport, Government or other official photo identification, and Mexican Consulate Cards.
Fees
AAC accepts cash, checks and all major credit cards except American Express. The adoption fee for cats and dogs is $75 and includes the following:
- Spay or neuter surgery
- Vaccines including the rabies vaccine if the pet is over four months
- A HomeAgain microchip
- An adjustable, nylon collar and tag (dogs only)
Important Documents
- View a sample adoption agreement to be signed and initialed at the time of adoption.
- View tips for adopting a cat here and tips for dog adopters here.
- View the medical care agreement here.
Other Important Information
Animals can be adopted during their state-mandated three-day stray hold. If you choose to adopt an animal on stray hold, you agree:
- The adoption will be voided if the animal is reclaimed during the stray period.
- If the animal is not picked up on the agreed-upon date and time (arranged at the time of adoption), custody will revert back to Austin Animal Center.
- To adopt any animal, you must come to the shelter in person. You cannot ‘hold’ an animal by calling or emailing.
- If an animal with a confirmed adopter is reclaimed, our team will contact the adopter immediately to let them know.
- Animals that appear online are not necessarily available for adoption. If you are interested in a certain animal, the best thing to do is come to the shelter and see if that animal is still here and available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adoption Groups
Specialty groups work to help our most at-risk animals.
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 facilitates the adoptions of senior pets that have been displaced from their homes.
The Orange Dot Crew advocates for and works with dogs who struggle the most with shelter life.