Free Pet Services

Our shelter has more than 500 available cats and dogs every day, so we’re sure to have the right pet for your family. At Austin Animal Center, you can find all breeds, ages, and personality types. 

We’ve changed our adoption process! Here’s how to adopt:

  1. Browse available pets below or come to the shelter in person. AAC is open for walk-ins Monday – Sunday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. 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.
  2. Find a pet you want to meet? In a pet’s profile, click the pink “Adopt Me” button. This will prompt you to complete an adoption questionnaire. This questionnaire does not hold the animal for you.
  3. Once complete, you’ll receive an email with additional information. Check your spam/junk mail!
    • For foster animals, review the email for next steps. 
    • For animals onsite at our shelter, come to the shelter with your driver’s license or government-issued photo ID. 
       

** No email? Call 311 for assistance!
** Adoption fees are currently waived.

​​​​​​Browse Available Pets

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.

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. 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 24 Petwatch microchip

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.

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 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.