Free Pet Services

DISTEMPER NOTICE 8/10/23: Austin Animal Center has seen an increase in canine distemper cases. Please see information for recent adopters here. 

Our shelter has more than 500 available cats and dogs every day!

Adoption Process

Animals are available for adoption on a first come, first served basis. Pets that are still on their strayhold will not show up online but pre-adopt requests can be placed in person. 

For pets at the shelter: Adoptions must be completed in-person at the shelter. AAC is open for adoption walk-ins Friday through Tuesday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m, and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 - 7 p.m. Feel free to browse available pets online prior to your visit. You can also create a profile online to save your favorite pets! A shelter pet’s availability can change at any time, so we recommend choosing a few favorites. 

NEW! Meet My Match: Overwhelmed by the choices or want someone to walk you through the shelter personally? Austin Animal Center will be open by appointment on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 11 am to 3 pm before opening for walk-ins from 3 to 7 pm. Schedule an appointment here. 

For pets in foster:  In the pet’s profile, click the pink “Adopt Me” button. This will prompt you to complete an adoption questionnaire. Submitting an application does not hold the animal for you, and you will receive a notification if an animal you have applied for has been adopted. The foster parent will work through applications; a response is not guaranteed if multiple applications have been received. 

​​​​​​search pets icon Browse Available Pets

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. 

Due to space, all adoption fees for all pets are currently waived!

Not finding the right pet?

  • Try our Home To Home site, a direct-to-adopter tool for pet guardians looking to re-home their animal.
  • Sign up for notifications through 24petconnect about newly listed animals that fit your criteria. 

Adoption Policies

  • Bring a valid photo ID when you're ready to adopt. We accept driver's license, passport, government or other official photo identification, and Mexican Consulate Cards.
  • Adopters must be 18 years or older to adopt. 
  • We do allow adoptions out of state, but do not arrange transport. 
  • View a sample adoption agreement to be signed and initialed at the time of adoption.

Fees

AAC accepts cash and all major credit cards. The adoption fee includes the following for cats and dogs:

  • Spay/neuter
  • Age-appropriate vaccinations
  • 24Petwatch microchip
  • Flea/tick preventative
  • FeLV/heartworm screening

Adoption Fees:

  • $80 cats & kittens up to 6 years old
  • $80 dogs 6 months to 6 years, 30 lbs and up
  • $100 dogs under 30 lbs and/or under 6 months
  • $30 small animals
  • No fee for senior pets 7 years and older

Important Documents

Adoption Groups

Specialty groups work to help our most at-risk animals.

  • 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.