Austin Animal Center
Our Mission
Austin Animal Services is dedicated to providing shelter and care to thousands of animals annually as we work toward our goal of placing every adoptable pet in a loving forever home. Through our commitment to animal protection and pet resource services, we strive to create positive outcomes for the animals in our care.
Serving Our Community
As the municipal shelter for the City of Austin and unincorporated Travis County, we serve as a vital resource for our community. We proudly accept stray and owned animals regardless of their age, health, species, or breed, ensuring that every animal in need has a place to turn.
How We Operate
Our operations are designed to help pets thrive whether they are in the shelter, in the community, or in your home. We utilize a blend of adoption, foster care, and rescue partner groups to give every animal the best chance at success. Our dedicated staff and extensive network of resources ensure that each pet receives the specific support they require.
Your Role in Our Family
Adding a new companion to your life is a joyful journey, and we are here to support that connection. With more than 500 animals in our care every day, your decision to adopt makes a meaningful impact on the life of a pet and strengthens our mission. We believe every animal deserves a second chance to be part of a caring family.
Start Your Journey Today
Whether you are looking to adopt, volunteer, or become a foster parent, there are many ways to get involved. We invite you to view our current list of adoptable pets or visit our facility to meet your future companion in person. Together, we can continue to provide a better future for the animals of Austin.
- Friendly and dedicated volunteers
- Clear and accessible animal selection
- Operational friction regarding intake policies
10/3 - Emancipet's East Austin Clinic Reopens, Renamed for Amy Mills
Austin's original low-cost vet clinic just got a 4,000-square-foot glow-up and a new name.
9/17 - Studio 512 Pet of the Week: Sunshine Is Ready to Brighten Your Life
Looking to add a little sunshine to your life? Meet Sunshine, this week’s Studio 512 Pet of the Week, brought to you by Austin Animal Services. This sweet, playful pup is searching for her fo…
9/10 - Federal judge temporarily blocks Major the dog's euthanasia
A federal judge halted Major's impending euthanasia while a disability lawsuit moves forward.
9/2 - Wednesday Friendsday: Austin Animal Services is maxxing out on cuteness with Max
We're maxxing out on cuteness this Wednesday Friendsday!Max is a big, beautiful German shepherd puppy with one very charming floppy ear — and after a difficult
9/2 - Austin dog held 500 days isolated as his owner fought to save him
Major has spent 500 days isolated in an Austin shelter, unable to walk the trails or visit the dog park just yards away. He still faces euthanasia.
8/24 - AC failures at Austin Animal Center lead to 90-degree temperatures in some kennels
Two kennel spaces have been operating using portable AC and box fans since Aug. 14, when the air conditioning went out.
8/24 - Fosters needed as some Austin Animal Center kennels lose air conditioning, animal services says
Austin Animal Service said in a Monday social media post that two of the facility's six dog runs lost AC.
6/12 - Austin Wildlife Rescue stops accepting some animals due to screwworm quarantine
The Texas Animal Health Commission is enforcing an animal quarantine for warm-blooded animals in 10 counties across Texas due to a rise in New World screwworm cases.
6/9 - Austin Animal Services hosting free drive-through pet clinic Wednesday amid continual shelter overcrowding
Amid a continual battle to deal with overcrowding at Austin’s animal shelter, Austin Animal Services and Austin Humane Society are hosting a free, drive-through pet clinic as a way to prevent…
5/24 - Program at state prison in Austin helps shelter dogs get adopted
The Austin Animal Center is often overcrowded, but there is a new program, called Enduring Service, connecting dogs with volunteer trainers in the hopes of getting them adopted.
5/20 - Pet of the Week: Meet Princess, a Lovable Pup Ready for Adoption in Austin
Austin Animal Services’ Pet of the Week is Princess — a sweet, playful dog looking for her forever home. If you’re ready to welcome a loyal companion into your life, Austin Animal Services ha…
5/14 - Austin woman accused of threatening victim, witnesses after deadly dog attack case
An Austin woman whose dogs were previously ordered euthanized after a severe dog attack is now accused of threatening the victim and others connected to the cas
5/7 - Austin Animal Center looks to speed up adoptions with program awareness
Austin’s city animal shelter is waiving adoption fees through May 17 as part of the Bissell Foundation’s nationwide “Empty the Shelters” campaign, one of a number of strategies new director Monica Dangler is using to move more animals into new homes.
5/6 - Austin's 'School-tastic' adult book fair returns after buzzy first event
Austinites, prepare for a nostalgia overload as the School-tastic Book Fair for Grownups returns for its second edition on May 16.
