My name is
RITA!

To adopt, you must be 18 years of age and you will need a state-issued photo id with current address. If the address on your id does not match your current address, please bring a utility bill with current address. You will complete an application here at the shelter, and as part of the application, you will need to show proof of homeownership or provide your landlord’s contact information, as well as proof of paid pet deposit or that payment arrangements have been made. In most cases, home ownership can be verified online. Please check the pet policies at your residence, including any breed or size restrictions, prior to visiting the shelter. You should have permission for the pet from all adults in the household. Your application will be reviewed to ensure that you can provide a loving home with the proper environment and care needed for the pet you have selected. Be prepared to spend some time at the shelter--pet ownership is a lifelong responsibility so we want you to spend time getting to know the animals, and we want to help you to make a choice that is a good fit for you!

If you’ve found a pet online or wish to come in person to view our dogs and cats, the BARC shelter is located at 3200 Carr Street, Houston, Texas 77026. We also have offsite adoptions. Animals that are already spayed/neutered are able to go home the day of the adoption. Otherwise, they are scheduled for surgery the next available weekday and the adopter may pick up their new pet that same afternoon. BARC supplies cardboard enclosures for transporting cats and leashes for adopted dogs.

Because BARC cares first and foremost about the safety and well being of our animals, people who want to adopt must complete an adoption application and agree to an interview with BARC respresentative. BARC encourages responsible pet ownership; we only adopt out animals to people who are qualified to meet the needs of bringing a new pet into their lives.

BARC only allows adoption of companion animals. Companion animals are just that, companions...they are adopted as pets and for no other reason. BARC uses criteria based on the animal’s behavior and health to determine whether an animal is fit to be a companion. This decision is solely in the discretion of BARC. BARC’s decision in this matter is final in all cases.

Animals that arrive at BARC may not be immediately available for adoption. We set a specific timeframe that gives us sufficient time to assess the animal’s health and behavior, as well as to allow owners a chance to claim their lost pets. Once that time frame has passed, the animal will become eligible for adoption. Animals that are too immature or not healthy enough for spay/neuter surgery are not available for adoption but may be available to be fostered. Please check with the shelter for our foster requirements.

Take one of our pets home and receive the gift of the unconditional love. Our standard adoption fees are as follows:

•Dogs - $50
•Puppies (4 months and under) - $75
•Cats - $20
•Kittens (4 months and under) - $35
•PurrFurred Pets (animals that have been at the shelter 20 days or longer) - $20 for cats/dogs
•Veterans’ Companion Program – Half off the full adoption fee for all dogs/$20 for all cats for Active Military & Veterans with proof of service
•Seniors for Seniors – Animals 2+ years old are FREE to qualified adopters over 60 years old (City of Houston residents must pay $5 for city license)

With your new pet you will also receive:

Spay/Neuter Surgery
Microchip with lifetime registration
Initial Vaccinations
Rabies Vaccine
City License (if within Houston city limits)
Enrollment in AKC Canine Good Citizen Obedience School
and more!

Open Tuesday-Sunday 12pm-5pm
(Closed Monday)
Please allow at least 1 hour to meet animals and complete the adoption process.
BARC is at 3300 Carr Street off of 59 near the north loop.
MAP: http://www.houstontx.gov/barc/map.html

As the City of Houston's municipal Animal Shelter, BARC receives more than 15,000 animals each year. Many of these pets are adoptable and made available to the public, and thousands have found forever homes through BARC’s adoption program. Looking to adopt a new BFF? You've come to the right place!

Adoptions are done on a first come, first served basis. We recommend visiting the shelter as soon as possible as animals are often adopted quickly! Please note that we are not able to place adoption holds for pets.