Austin Animal Services mission is to provide public service and a safety net for lost and homeless animals in the community by providing necessary food, water, shelter and standard municipal veterinary care for animals in need.

To provide placement services that will assist lost, homeless or sheltered animals to their homes or find new homes when necessary, to provide live outcomes for at least 95% of sheltered animals.

To enforce animal regulations and assist the public with animal-related concerns, including impoundment, quarantine and other rabies control services in order to protect citizens and animals in our community.

To provide animal services to the public in order to educate and prevent animal homelessness and promote humane, compassionate treatment of animals and responsible pet ownership.

Austin Animal Services is the municipal shelter for the City of Austin and unincorporated Travis County, providing shelter to thousands of animals annually as well as providing animal protection and pet resource services. We accept stray and owned animals regardless of age, health, species or breed.

Our goal is to place all adoptable animals in forever homes through adoption, foster care, or rescue partner groups.

Animal Services has numerous programs and partnerships designed to help pets in the shelter, in the community, and in your home.

Adoptions, Fostering Program, Volunteer Program

We recommend customers visit the shelter in person to start the adoption process. We have staff onsite to help you meet the animals and then you'll complete a brief application with our counselors and usually the pet is ready for you to take home right away! We also offer trial adoptions, just in case you want a little more time to see if the pet will settle in well at home!

People can view our pets online and then visit the shelter in-person to complete the adoption process. Appointments are not required and customers can visit the shelter any time we are open to the public! Most animals are ready to go home the same day!