Adoption Frequently Asked Questions at the Humane Society of Austin

The Humane Society SPCA of Austin. Austin's first and only no-kill shelter since 1994

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Scroll through the questions, or use the form below to find a specific question:

What kinds of animals can I adopt from the Austin Humane Society?

We adopt out dogs and cats of all ages, sizes and breeds.
At any given time we have approximately 120 furry friends
available for adoption.
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How do I adopt an animal from the Austin Humane Society?

Prospective new pet guardians can view the cats and dogs in our Adoption Center in the K-9 Habitat or through the Cattery. After filling out an application and being pre-approved by an adoption counselor, customers have an opportunity to spend time with a potential animal companion in our visitation rooms. Adoption Counselors strive to make the best possible match between pet and adopters. Once the application is processed and approved, your animal will be scheduled to be neutered. Surgeries are done by participating local veterinarians, so it may be anywhere from 1-4 days before you can pick up your animal. If you have been approved to adopt an animal that has already been spayed or neutered, you will be able to take your new companion home within 24 hours.
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If I adopt an animal from the Austin Humane Society does it have to be neutered?

Yes. Every animal adopted from the AHS is spayed or neutered in an effort to combat the serious pet over-population problem. Early neutering (an animal can now be neutered at the age of 8 weeks instead of the previously accepted 6-8 months) is an internationally endorsed and accepted practice, implemented
at the Austin Humane Society in November of 1993.
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Why should I release an animal to the Austin Humane Society,
or adopt an animal from the Austin Humane Society?

Animals accepted into the Austin Humane Society Adoption Center have the best possible chance for finding a new home. The Austin Humane Society environment is friendly, professional, and positive—extremely conducive to promoting adoptions. Guardians are guaranteed that the animal they relinquish to the Austin Humane Society will remain in the Adoption Center until adopted, as long as it remains healthy and of sound temperament. Prospective pet guardians looking to adopt are assured that each animal receives the best quality care and health care package by a dedicated and trained staff.
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Where does the Austin Humane Society get their animals?

The Austin Humane Society accepts adoptable animals from people who, for various reasons, can no longer assume responsibility for the animals. Also, in a cooperative program with the Town Lake Animal Center, and as part of our commitment to the No Kill Plan, the Austin Humane Society also transfers animals weekly from their shelter to ours.
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What is adoptable?

Adoptable includes an animal 8 weeks of age or older that at,
or subsequent to the time the animal is taken into our facility,
has manifested no sign of a behavioral or temperamental defect
that could pose a health or safety risk to the public or other animals and make the animal unsuitable as placement as a pet. An
adoptable animal, at the time of release by the Austin Humane Society, appears healthy, showing no sign of disease, injury, congenital or hereditary condition that might affect the health of the animal in the future.
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What is considered not adoptable?

Animals considered not adoptable include:

Animals for whom euthanasia is the most humane alternative due to disease or injury.
Vicious animals, the placement of whom would constitute a danger to the public.
Animals who pose a public health hazard.

Animals considered not adoptable will not be accepted at the
Adoption Center and will be referred to other organizations.
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Will the Austin Humane Society accept animals that have health
or behavior problems that could be treated?

The Austin Humane Society will accept, on a limited basis, treatable animals. Treatable includes any animal that is not adoptable, but could become so with reasonable efforts. The ability to accept animals in need of treatment will be determined by the availability of space and funds in the special care program.
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Will the Austin Humane Society accept stray animals?

The Austin Humane Society generally does not accept stray animals. Stray animals should be taken to the government operated impoundment facility, Town Lake Animal Center, so that the family will have an opportunity to reclaim their animal.
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How long is an animal kept in the Adoption Center?

Animals accepted into the Adoption Center are kept as
long as it takes to find a home, provided the animal
remains healthy and of sound temperament and behavior.
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If I donate money to the Austin Humane Society, where does it go?

Donated dollars enable the Austin Humane Society to care for and
re-home orphaned animals. Care includes feeding, healthcare, operation of the Adoption Center, and a wide variety of services on behalf of all animals: education, obedience training courses, and pet loss support group. The Humane Society of Austin and Travis County, Inc. is an independent, non-profit corporation. The Austin Humane Society does not receive any governmental funds, and relies totally on private donations.
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Does the Austin Humane Society euthanize animals because of lack of space?

No. The Austin Humane Society does not accept an animal, even if considered adoptable, if there is no space. These animals may be put on a waiting list and accepted as the room becomes available, or placed in our foster program, or referred to other rescue organizations.
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Does the Austin Humane Society euthanize animals that are sick or old at the request of owners?

No. The Austin Humane Society does not provide a euthanasia service. Guardians need to discuss their options with a veterinarian.
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Does the Austin Humane Society have to euthanize any animals?

The Austin Humane Society will only euthanize an animal if, after taken into possession by the Austin Humane Society, the animal manifests signs of behavior or health problems that are untreatable, or do not respond to treatment. These would include disease, injury, aggression, and congenital or hereditary conditions that could pose a health or safety risk to the public or other animals in the Adoption Center, or that is likely to adversely affect the animal’s health in the future. This means that euthanasia will be minimal.
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Where are you located and how do I get there?

The Austin Humane Society is conveniently located at 124 West Anderson Lane. Please click here to see a map to our facility.

Directions from I-35 going North

Take the “Anderson Lane” exit. This will take you to the access road of I-35. Cross over the St. John's intersection and then make a left at the next light.
This will put you on the northbound access road of 183. The Austin Humane Society will be on your right after the first light at Georgian Dr. We are right after the Frost Bank on the right and are across 183 from the Red Lobster restaurant.

Directions from I-35 going South
Take the exit for 183, which will put you on the access road of I-35 and move over to the far right lane. Once you are on the access road of I-35, take a right. This will put you on the northbound access road of 183. The Austin Humane Society will be on your right after the first light at Georgian Dr. We are right after the Frost Bank on the right and are across 183 from the Red Lobster restaurant.

Directions from 183 going South (toward I-35)

Take the “Waco” exit and stay in the far left lane. You will see a short U-turn lane to the left directly under the highway. Get into this U-turn lane. The Austin Humane Society will now be directly in front of you, and the U-turn lane will guide you directly toward the entrance to our parking lot.
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