BARC ANIMAL SHELTER AND ADOPTIONS
Turning In A Pet
Surrendering a Pet to BARC
BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions is Houston’s municipal animal shelter. If you're considering surrendering a pet, we ask that you please review all other possible options first, as the shelter should be a last resort.
BARC Intake Requirements
- Houston Residents Only: BARC accepts pet surrenders only from residents of Houston city limits. If you live outside the city, we’ll do our best to connect you with the appropriate agency or shelter in your area. Note: your address may read “Houston,” yet still be outside city jurisdiction. To verify if you’re within city limits, check that your water utility bill is from the City of Houston or visit www.houstontx.gov/council/whoismycm.html.
- Proof of Adress: Please bring a valid Texas ID or state-issued ID along with a recent utility bill showing your current Houston address. This ensures we’re able to provide services specifically for our Houston community.
- Each citizen may surrender ONE pet per week. This applies to both scheduled appointments and our open intake process on Sundays.
Making an Appointment to Surrender a Pet
To provide the best care and manage shelter capacity, all pet surrenders at BARC require an appointment. You can book a separate appointment for each individual pet you need to surrender. Litters or a mom with her litter count as one booking, but please schedule all other animals separately.
How to Book: Appointment availability opens up 14 days in advance, and new time slots are added daily. Check our scheduling system below regularly to find the soonest available opening.
Exception for Sick or Injured Animals: If your pet or a stray animal you’ve found is sick or injured, you do not need an appointment. These animals can be brought to BARC right away for surrender.
Thinking About Surrendering Your Pet?
We understand that life can bring unexpected changes. Giving up a pet can be a difficult decision, and we encourage you to consider it only as a last resort. Pets are family, and with some guidance, you may be able to find a solution that lets your pet stay by your side.
Things to Try Before Surrendering Your Pet
1. Prepare Your Pet for Rehoming
If you're having trouble keeping your pet, consider first preparing them for a new home. A pet that's well-cared-for has a much better chance of finding a loving family. Here are some tips to help:
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• Make sure your pet is spayed or neutered.
• Keep vaccinations up-to-date and check that they’re in good health.
• Ensure your pet is clean, well-groomed, and house-trained.
• Practice basic commands and reinforce good behavior.
2. Try Networking Your Pet for Adoption
You know your pet best, and you may be the most effective person to find them a new home! Before bringing your pet to BARC, consider posting them on www.rehome.adoptapet.com, where many pet owners have successfully found adopters. It’s easy to use and connects you with potential adopters directly.
If you've exhausted all other options, you can schedule an appointment to surrender your pet to BARC. Please note that intake for owned pets is by appointment only.
Found a Stray Pet?
Thank you for caring about the welfare of stray animals in our community. Before bringing a stray animal to BARC, we ask for your help to safely reunite the pet with its owner:
1. Try to Find the Owner First: Many lost pets are found close to home. If possible, hold onto the pet temporarily while checking for identification, posting in neighborhood groups, or putting up signs. You may be able to reunite the pet with its owner before they even reach the shelter.
2. Holding the Pet Until an Appointment: If you pick up a healthy stray, please be prepared to care for them at home until an intake appointment becomes available. If this isn’t possible, we ask that you do not pick up healthy stray animals. Instead, you can report the loose animal by calling 311, especially if the animal is in a dangerous situation.
3. Ill or Injured Animals: If the animal appears sick or injured, no appointment is required. Please bring these pets to BARC as soon as possible to receive the care they need.
Stray Animal Intake
On Sundays from 12-2 p.m., BARC has open intake for stray animals on a first-come, first-served basis. During this time, no appointment is needed for Houston residents turning in a stray, and you may bring ONE animal per address (litters count as one). Keep in mind that capacity limits may cause cancellations—check our social media for updates.
BARC Information
Houston, TX 77026
Call 3-1-1 for more information
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