Where to Adopt a Dog, Cat or Pet in Austin, TX

A list of the top dog, cat, rodent, and reptile rescues and shelters in Austin, TX.

If you've spent much time in Austin, you probably know that it is truly a pet parents' paradise. It's also pretty great if you're a dog, cat, rodent, bird, or reptile! And with tons of fantastic dog parks and outdoor adventures, it's easy to keep active with your best friend. There is also no shortage of pet-friendly restaurants, breweries, bars, and patios for when you decide to hit the town with your furry sidekick. Another major contributing factor that makes Austin one of the most pet-friendly cities globally is how many rescues, shelters, and resources it has available. With an animal shelter for almost any breed or type of pet you might be looking for, it's easy to find your perfect pet in Austin.

Once you have done your research and decided to take the serious but incredibly extraordinary step of becoming a pet parent, it's time to find the right pet for you! There are many options for adopting dogs, cats, and many other adorable animals. If you haven't considered it yet, you might also think about adopting from a shelter or rescue. When you adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue, you give an animal a second chance in life. And if you do decide to adopt from a shelter or rescue, as an Austinite, you're in luck. Austin is not only the largest no-kill city in America; it's also home to many excellent shelters, rescues, and organizations. To help you find your perfect pet, we've put together a list of some of the top shelters and rescues around town.

So now when you see all the Austinites around town enjoying the company of their pets and fawning over adorable pet pictures, you'll no longer feel like you're missing out. You'll be happy to join in when everyone starts passing around pictures of their fur babies. You'll also get extra credit when you tell everyone your perfect little angel is also a rescue. Who saved who, right? And when it's time to head out on vacation, or if you need to find a reliable daily dog walker, it will be incredibly easy. With Local Pet Care, you'll be able to check out all of Austin's top pet care pros and find the perfect pet sitter or dog walker for your newest family member!

Austin Animal Shelters, Rescues, and Adoption Centers

Austin Pets Alive!

Austin Pets Alive! is one of Austin's largest animal rescues. It's also one of the main driving forces that has helped Austin gain the title of the largest no-kill city in America. With a constant rotation of volunteer opportunities and resources for pet parents and soon-to-be pet parents, Austin Pets Alive! has undoubtedly cemented itself as an Austin institution. As a bonus, you can shop at Austin Pets Alive! Thirft Stores around town that support APA's mission.

Austin Animal Center

Another of Austin's larger animal rescues, Austin Animal Center shelters over 16,000 pets every year. In addition to pet rescue and adoption, Austin Animal Center also provides many other resources to Austin's pet parents. This city-run shelter is a public service that exists to protect and shelter the pets of Austin.

Happy Hearts Dog Rescue

Happy Hearts Dog Rescue is a small, non-profit dog rescue that focuses on saving dogs from kill shelters across Texas. Happy Hearts Dog Rescue is a volunteer-based rescue that houses dogs with foster parents until they are adopted. Happy Heart Dog Rescue operates in Austin, TX.

Austin Humane Society

The Austin Humane Society is always an excellent choice for adopting a new pet looking for a forever home. The Austin Humane Society is Austin's largest pet adoption center. They are also a no-kill shelter that helped Austin earn its title as America's most pet-friendly city. The AHS also has many additional resources and events for the pet parents of Austin. Make sure to check out some of their awesome community events.

Central Texas Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal

The Central Texas SPCA is a no-kill animal shelter in Leander. They operate exclusively on donations and with the help of volunteers. They put extra emphasis on housing pets with families that are the best fit for each animal.

Forgotten Friends

Forgotten Friends is a mixed breed rescue that provides shelter and services to the dogs of Texas. Forgotten Friends is a non-profit, volunteer-based rescue.

Thundering Paws Animal Sanctuary

Thundering Paws is a cat rescue in Dripping Springs, TX that offers safety and services to homeless, neglected, injured, or abused cats. Thundering Paws is a non-profit, no-kill animal sanctuary.

Austin Dog Rescue

Austin Dog Rescue (ADR) is a non-profit that has specialized in finding homes for Austin's dogs since 2006. ADR is an all-volunteer rescue that homes all dogs with foster parents until they are adopted. They focus on helping the dogs of Central Texas, including those that other rescues cannot help.

PAWS Shelter of Central Texas

PAWS Shelter of Central Texas is a leader in animal welfare, specializing in both rescue and prevention services. They offer a range of programs, from adoption and foster care to humane education and community outreach. What sets them apart is their comprehensive approach to animal welfare, addressing not just the symptoms but also the root causes of animal homelessness.

New Hope Animal Rescue

New Hope Animal Rescue is another remarkable Austin-based rescue that focuses on saving at-risk animals from kill shelters across Texas. They welcome pets of any age, breed, or health status.

Cuz i Matter Animal Rescue

An Austin-based rescue that focuses on helping abandoned, injured, or distressed pets. Cuz I Matter believes that all animals have the right to live. And more than that, they should live lives filled with love and compassion.

Austin Sheltie Rescue

New Hope Animal Rescue is another remarkable Austin-based rescue that focuses on saving at-risk animals from kill shelters across Texas. They welcome pets of any age, breed, or health status.

Animal and Breed-Specific Rescues

• Pugs — Pug Rescue of Austin
• Chihuahuas — Ay Chihuahua Rescue
• Small Dogs — Wee Rescue
• Great Danes — PAWS of Austin
• Hounds — Hound Rescue of Texas
• Greyhounds — Greyhound Rescue Austin
• Golden Retrievers — Gold Ribbon Rescue
• Shetland Sheepdogs — Austin Sheltie Rescue
• Pit Bulls — Reunion Rescue
• German Shepherds — German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas
• Cocker Spaniels — Cocker Spaniel Rescue of Austin and San Antonio
• Boxers — Austin Boxer Rescue
• Kittens — Purrfect Pals Rescue
• Siamese Cats — Austin Siamese Rescue
• Guinea pigs and other small rodents — Austin Guinea Pig Rescue
• Rabbits — House Rabbit Resource Network
• Reptiles and small animals — Texas Reptile Rescue
• Farm animals — Austin Farm Sanctuary

Adopt a pet in Austin!

Ready to find your new best friend? At Local Pet Care, we're here to help you find not only the best places to adopt in town, but also the best dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants, and pet care pros in Austin, TX! With all of these resources, you will be set up for pet-parenting success!