Top Dog Shelters in Texas

If you’re looking for a handy list of the best dog shelters in Texas, below we’ve featured 10 of them for you.

1. BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions (Houston)

Located in Houston, TX, BARC Animal Shelter is the only city shelter legally required to accept every animal that comes to them. This means that they take in dogs of all breed, age, temperament, and health status. Many are strays, some are surrendered by their owners, and others have been rescued or confiscated from undesirable situations.

Each dog at BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions received necessary veterinary care, food, and temporary housing until a permanent home can be found. The organization works with local rescue groups and also uses social media in order to find homes for as many dogs as possible. If you’re interested in adopting, view the available dogs here. You can donate to BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions here.

2. Everman Animal Shelter (Everman)

The team at Everman Animal Shelter in Everman, TX, is dedicated to ensuring the humane treatment of all animals. They take in abandoned, neglected, or unwanted dogs and cats, give them any required medical care and shelter until they can be adopted into loving homes. They also work with local communities to promote responsible pet ownership.

While many animals are kept at the Everman Animal Shelter, some are also placed in foster care with volunteer families – a great way to get a dog ready for their new life as a pet. If you’re looking for a new family member, view their available dogs here. Donate to Everman Animal Shelter here.

3. Operation Kindness (Dallas)

Operation Kindness is one of the top no-kill animal shelters in Texas. Based in Dallas, this organization provides care and help for animals that are homeless, sick, or neglected. They provide medical care, shelter, and a safe environment where pets can rehabilitate and get ready for life with a new family.

Operation Kindness also has a pet foster program, a pet food pantry, and a surrender prevention program to keep pets with their families whenever possible. In 2019 alone they facilitated the adoption of over 4300 animals. If you’d like to add to that number, view their adoptable dogs here. You can donate to Operation Kindness here.

4. South Houston Animal Shelter (Houston)

The South Houston Animal Shelter is an organization in Houston, TX, that provides shelter and care for homeless, stray, or abandoned animals. The non-profit organization provides medical care for animals they are looking after and works hard to find suitable homes for all animals in their shelter.

Many animals taken in by the South Houston Animal Shelter are placed in foster care with volunteers, while others remain at the shelter until they are adopted. If you’re considering adopting (or fostering) a dog, view their available pets here. You can also donate money or supplies to the South Houston Animal Shelter – learn more here.

5. Austin Animal Center (Austin)

The Austin Animal Center cares for a staggering 16,000 animals each year. They also provide animal protection and pet resource services across the city of Austin, TX. They bring in stray animals, as well as pets surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them. The organization welcomes all animals, regardless of their species, breed, age, or health.

Austin Animal Center provides care, shelter, food, water, and medical treatment for animals in need. The organization usually has more than 500 cats and dogs available for adoption at any one time – you can view them all here. Looking after that many animals isn’t cheap – consider donating to the Austin Animal Center here.

6. Sachse Animal Shelter (Dallas)

The Sachse Animal Shelter is located in the Dallas area and is home to some adorable shelter animals. These pets-to-be are cared for at the shelter until they can be adopted into permanent homes. The adoption fee for the Sachse Animal Shelter is $80, and includes spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, and a microchip. If the animal was already spayed/neutered, the adoption fee is $25. View available pets here, or donate to the Sachse Animal Shelter here.

7. Converse Animal Shelter (San Antonio)

First founded in 1982 in the San Antonio area, the Converse Animal Shelter is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter dedicated to providing care and housing to animals in need. Since its humble beginnings, over 20,000 animals in need have been helped by the organization, which also provides community education and activities promoting responsible pet ownership.

Before being listed for adoption, all animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, examined by a veterinarian, and microchipped. View their available dogs here – if any catch your eye, you can complete an application and arrange a meeting with your new four-legged friend. You can donate to Converse Animal Shelter here.

8. Harris County Pets (Houston)

Harris County Pets accepts all animals, regardless of their age, breed, or temperament. This organization is based in the Houston area, and serves the entire unincorporated Harris County. As well as sheltering animals and finding loving new homes for them, Harris County Pets also works with the community to encourage responsible pet ownership. They also work with rescue organizations that take many of their animals and facilitate a greater number of adoptions.

Adoption fees are $80 for puppies or $50 for dogs, with a 50% discount offered to seniors and military personnel. The adoption fee includes microchipping, spay/neuter surgery, deworming, rabies vaccination, an annual pet license, and the medical history of the animal during their time at the shelter. View available dogs here, or donate to Harris County Pets here.

9. PAWS Shelter of Central Texas (Kyle)

PAWS Shelter of Central Texas is a non-profit organization in Kyle, TX, that was founded in 1986. Their team of animal lovers is dedicated to providing care, support, and food for homeless, abused, or abandoned animals throughout central Texas. All animals are provided with medical care at the shelter, which also has a strict no-kill policy.

All dogs at PAWS Shelter of Central Texas are vaccinated, microchipped, and provided with any medical care they need. Each pet also undergoes a behavior testing program to ensure that animals are adopted into a home that is a good fit for them. View available dogs here, or donate to PAWS Shelter of Central Texas here.

10. Euless Animal Shelter (Euless)

The Euless Animal Shelter (in Euless, TX) is a city animal shelter where all animals are cared for responsibly and either reunited with their owners or adopted into new families. To adopt a dog from the Euless Animal Shelter, you must be 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license. You must also agree to spay/neuter the dog and vaccinate them against rabies. View the available dogs here.

“Emily is an avid writer and dog lover who usually prefers the company of pets over people. Based in Los Angeles, when not stuck in traffic she spends her days reading in the sunshine, relaxing at the beach, or planning her next adventure.”