Galveston Island Humane Society

To advocate for animals in the Galveston Island community who cannot speak for themselves, and provide high-quality care while working to find them forever homes.

Galveston Island Humane Society began as the Galveston Animal Shelter and Adoption Center in 1981. Since its inception, our 501(c)3 organization has served as the only shelter on Galveston Island. We are a coastal open-intake facility that supports not only our local community, but the influx of pets during high-volume tourist seasons. While not a municipal shelter, we are contracted with the City of Galveston Marshal's Animal Services Unit. We house strays, surrenders, court-ordered seizures, pets of arrested owners, wildlife (for transport), and are a licensed animal quarantine facility.

Adoptions, Fostering Program, Spay/Neuter Services, Medical Care, Training/Behavior, Animal Rescue/Transport, Public Education, Volunteer Program

Adopting your new best friend is easy! Many adoptions can be completed in as little as one hour!

Step 1: Submit an adoption application and wait for approval.
Step 2: Meet your match. If you don't already have a pet in mind, our Adoption Counselors will help you find one that fits your lifestyle.
Step 3: Speak with an Adoption Counselor about your new pet, the responsibilities of pet ownership, and ask any questions you may have.
Step 4: Finalize your adoption by completing paperwork, paying the adoption fee, and taking home your new companion, along with their medical records and an Adoption Kit.

To adopt from the Galveston Island Humane Society, you must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Present a valid U.S. government-issued photo ID.
Be permitted to have a pet where you live.
Be able to provide the time, care, training, and financial resources your pet will need.
Bring all household members (including children) to meet your new pet. If adopting a dog, please bring any resident dogs for a meet-and-greet.
Be able to take your pet home the day of adoption, if they are ready.
Spend up to one hour with an Adoption Counselor during the adoption process.
Have any resident pets spayed or neutered before adopting.
*We understand there are some responsible reasons why you might choose to not spay or neuter your pet. If that is the case in your home, please bring along the related veterinary records and ask to speak to a manager who will help determine whether we are able to approve your application to adopt.

Interested in adopting from out of town or out of state? We welcome long-distance adopters! Some requirements may vary depending on your location, so please contact us to discuss your situation and we'll be happy to help.

Adoption Fees:
Puppies & Kittens, up to 6 months: $99
Dogs & Cats, 6 months and older: $70
Senior Pets, 7 years and older: $25
Critters: TBD
Adopt from Foster, Adult & Puppy: $50
Adopt from Foster, Senior: $12.50
On-site Event Adoption: $20

GIHS welcomes both walk-ins and appointments during operating hours. Visitors are invited to browse our adoptable pets and meet any animal they're interested in. Dogs can be introduced in our Meet & Greet rooms or play yards, while cat lovers are welcome to spend time with our free-roaming adoptable cats in the Community Cat Room.

Our team is here to answer questions, share each pet's personality and history, and help match you with the best fit for your home and lifestyle.

You can also meet our adoptable pets at community adoption events throughout the year, where we often offer special event adoption fees of just $20.

If you're unable to visit during business hours, you can submit an adoption application online or contact us to schedule a time to meet a specific pet.