Adopt a Pet | AustinTexas.gov

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-19, our adoption process has changed*

1. Browse available pets above and make note of their animal ID number.

2. Fill out an adoption application.

3. Wait for further instructions! Staff will contact you to setup an appointment to meet potential new family members! *due to the current volume of applications, wait time is approximately 5-7 days

Steps to Adopt During Regular Operations

*AAC is currently BY APPOINTMENT ONLY due to COVID-19. See steps above for adoptions*

Visit the Austin Animal Center any day from 11am to 7pm.

Stop in at the front desk to pick up a map of the facility to ensure you see all the animals available for viewing.
Meet and greet available pets and select the right match for your family.
Once you have found the pet you want, you can meet with an adoption counselor to learn about the pet.
If the animal is available and already spayed or neutered, you can complete your adoption and bring your new pet home. If your pet needs to be altered, you will come and pick up your pet after it has been altered.

Adopting a Pet from Foster

Some of our animals may be at 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.

Pets in our foster program are not on a first come first serve basis. The foster parent(s) may take several applications and meet with different applicants before they decide which would be the best fit for that particular animal.

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.

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.