Adopt a Houston area pet (2024)

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Adopt a Houston area pet (1)

You can save the lives of dogs and cats in your community when you adopt from a shelter in the greater Houston area.

Greater Houston continues to see a record number of homeless dogs and cats in our communities, and because of that, many shelters and rescue groups in the area are over capacity.

You can save the lives of cats and dogs in Houston when you adopt from your local shelter. When you adopt a homeless pet instead of buying a pet online or from a pet store, you not only give a safe home to an animal who could have been at risk of losing their life due to lack of resources, but you also create space for another pet in our community to be rescued.

That’s why we are asking pet lovers to locate their nearest shelter in greater Houston and step up to support it by adopting, fostering, volunteering, and promoting the shelter to the rest of their community.

Adopt a pet in Houston and save a life

Shelters and rescue groups throughout the greater Houston area are full of loving cats and dogs looking for homes with people like you.


Don't see your local shelter listed above?

Find a Shelter Near You

See how your community is doing

In 2022, 68,945 dogs and cats were killed in animal shelters across Texas, but together with your help, we’re changing that.

Saving the lives of dogs and cats in animal shelters is the responsibility of everyone in every community. By choosing to adopt from your local shelter or rescue group, you make a lifesaving impact for that pet and further support making Houston a no-kill community. A shelter is considered no-kill when its save rate for dogs and cats combined is at least 90%.

Shelters near you need help to save more lives and achieve no-kill. Find your nearest shelter below to see the status of your community.

See how your community is doing »

Adopt a Houston area pet (3)

Adoption gives homeless pets the second chances they deserve.

Image One-of-a-kind cat’s personality shines after surgery After undergoing surgery, Butters needed a comfy place to recover. But foster care wouldn’t be just a temporary stop on his journey. Watch him in action Video
Image Faces of No-Kill: Cat gains doting family after accident After losing his eyesight in an accident, Jack was adopted by a family who helped him relearn how to navigate the world. Now he's home where he belongs Video
Image Cat regains sight thanks to dedicated volunteers When volunteers discovered Bongo had a dangerous eye condition, they went above and beyond to help this community cat. His second chance at life Video

Adopt a Houston area pet (7)

When you adopt a pet, you save lives

By adopting a cat or dog from a shelter or rescue group you’ll not only save a life, but you’ll also you gain a friend — a loyal companion who can offer you comfort and love, no matter what uncertainty life holds.

Adopting from a shelter or rescue group

Adopt a Houston area pet (8)

Fostering a pet saves lives

By bringing a pet into your home for a short time, you’re not only helping that animal, you’re helping to make room in shelters for more cats and dogs in need.

A shelter can be a noisy and stressful place, especially for shy and frightened animals. By providing a loving, quiet place for pets to learn and grow, you’re helping to alleviate the burden for a local shelter.

Foster a Pet

Adopt a Houston area pet (9)

Found a lost pet?

Before taking a lost pet to your local shelter, try visiting a veterinarian’s office to see if the pet has a microchip. Then try to reunite the pet with their family via social media.

Reunite lost pets with their people

Adopt a Houston area pet (10)

About Best Friends

Best Friends Animal Society is working to save the lives of cats and dogs all across the country, giving pets second chances and happy homes.

Just a few short years ago, cats and dogs were killed in staggering numbers in this country simply because shelters didn't have the community support or the resources to save their lives. That number is now less than half a million per year, but there’s still work to do to ensure a bright future for every dog and cat in America.

Best Friends operates the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals and is committed to saving the lives of homeless pets by working with shelters and passionate people like you. Together, we will bring the whole country to no-kill in 2025. Together, we will Save Them All.

Adopt a Houston area pet (2024)

FAQs

How to answer pet adoption questions? ›

Be honest in your answers and don't lie about anything that you're asked. It's tempting to write down what you think the rescue wants to hear, but this could lead to you matching with a cat or dog who won't fit well in your home environment.

Why do you want to adopt a rescue dog answer? ›

There are so many healthy, lovable dogs scheduled for euthanasia in shelters right now that it just doesn't make sense to pay a breeder for an animal. Rescue dogs are intelligent, emotional beings who deserve a chance at a long, happy life, and the rewards you get from rescuing are far greater than buying a dog.

What does barc mean in Houston? ›

BARC is the City of Houston's Animal Shelter and Adoption Facility.

Do you have a pet answers? ›

Do you have a pet? Yes I have two dogs, an Alsation and a Boxer. They are quite big and boisterous so some people are afraid of them but they are really affectionate. We also have a cat and a few goldfish in a big tank.

How to answer why do you want a dog? ›

I have a dog because I love animals and going for long walks." “When my husband occasionally has to leave for work before dawn, it makes me feel safer to have dogs for protection - in addition to the unconditional love they give!” “I wanted both an incentive and a partner to hike in the Santa Monica Mountains.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for adopted pets? ›

Understanding the 3-3-3 Rule for Adopting a Rescue Dog

It suggests that the first three days should be used for adjusting to its new surroundings, the next three weeks for training and bonding, and the first three months for continued socialization and training.

What happens to pets that don't get adopted? ›

At that point, when the owner either cannot be found or does not want the animal, the best interests of the animal are determined by the shelter. Adoptable animals are generally held and placed with a new family; animals that are too sick, old, or unsociable to be adopted are euthanized.

Why do dog adoptions fail? ›

Most lack training or socialization. If they were feral or lived on the streets, they can have emotional issues. It's understandable that they need instruction and patience. An adopted pet can become a wonderful member of the family, but they can at first require extra attention, time, and training.

What to say on a dog application? ›

Provide as many details as possible about your living situation, family experience and how you plan to care for the animal. Explain your previous experience with raising an animal, including training and exercise regiments. The more information you're able to provide, the better you'll look on your application.

What is a pet adoption interview? ›

First, adoption counselors want to understand how experienced you are as a pet owner. There will be questions about the type of pets you've had and if you've ever had to re-home any. Second, they want details about your current pets, including species, age, size (for dogs), and spay/neuter status.

What is the slang term for Houston? ›

"H-Town" is a widely popular modern nickname for Houston. It is commonly used in reference to the city both locally and internationally, especially within the entertainment community.

What does ISS mean in Texas? ›

1. ISS (IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION) - this action group pertains to all in-school suspensions whether full day or part day. a. ISS ACTIONS - the number of times or occurrences an ISS action was taken. A student can receive more than one ISS action.

Do I need to register my dog in Houston? ›

Registering your pet is the law.

A City of Houston pet registration identifies and protects your pet in case it becomes lost. Even indoor pets can get out and become lost. You are required to renew your registration yearly and updated when you move and/or your pet is given away, lost, stolen or is deceased.

How do you answer a question about adoption? ›

If the question is asked by someone with whom you or your child has an ongoing relationship, you might say, “It sounds like you are curious about adoption and may want to know more.” This response allows you to educate the person about adoption and even give them some resources to refer to.

How do you answer adoption reference questions? ›

Include how you know the person you are writing the reference letter for and how long you have known them. If you have witnessed the individual or couple's involvement with children, either your children or others, tell how they interact and what qualities they have that would make them good parents.

How to nail a dog adoption interview? ›

Ask a Lot of Questions

The rescue wants to know that you're committed to providing a forever home. Put together a list of questions you have about the animal. You'll want to ask about any behavioral or health issues that will need to be addressed and be prepared to explain how you'll handle them.

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