The Best Austin, TX Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Austin Pets Alive!

Austin Pets Alive! is a unique 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal shelter pioneering comprehensive, innovative programs designed to save the animals most at risk for euthanasia. We provide public adoption services for companion animals which includes lifetime behavior support, as well as community support in re-homing or obtaining resources for companion animals through our Human and Animal Support Services program.

Austin Animal Center

Austin Animal Center is the municipal shelter for the City of Austin and unincorporated Travis County, providing shelter to thousands of animals annually as well as providing animal protection and pet resource services. We accept stray and owned animals regardless of age, health, species or breed. Our goal is to place all adoptable animals in forever homes through adoption, foster care, or rescue partner groups. Animal Services has numerous programs and partnerships designed to help pets in the shelter, in the community, and in your home.

Austin Bulldog Rescue

ABR is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing of unwanted English Bulldogs, education of owners on responsible dog ownership, and education of the public on the English Bulldog breed. ABR takes in adoptable English Bulldogs from animal shelters, other rescue groups, and owners who can no longer properly care for their English Bulldogs. We provide for their medical and behavioral needs. Considering the Bulldog's background and your family's needs, we intend to make the best match. Every Rescue Bulldog is different: personality, temperament, energy, comfort with kids and other animals, medical needs, and more. We take all of these factors into consideration when making a furever-home match. We take our responsibility of finding forever homes for Rescue Bulldogs very seriously. All our rescued dogs live with families in foster homes in Austin, Texas. We often operate statewide and occasionally take in dogs from other areas of Texas, but we primarily service the Austin/NW San Antonio area. We do not run a shelter that you can visit.

Operation Barking Squirrel

OPERATION BARKING SQUIRREL is a Texas registered nonprofit that is seeking to fill the gaps in dog and cat rescue. We believe that all pets in rescue deserve a home of their own and we want to make that happen. We all see the pets that have been surrendered or dumped in Texas due to age, breed and no microchip to get them back to their parent, and, sometimes, no transportation to get them home.

Rockdale Animal Shelter

The Animal Control Officer responds to calls involving animals at large, barking dogs, and removal of dead animals from public property and streets. The animal shelter is located at 290 Beverly Drive. To have a pet released or to adopt a pet, please call 512-446-3436.

Small Chance Rescue

Acres of Love Animal Rescue

Our rescue is located in Southeastern Blanco County, Texas, where unclaimed pets from Blanco County Lost and Found Pets' Facebook page are housed and cared for until a new, forever home and family can be located. This is only after all resources have been exhausted to locate the owner. Acres of Love Animal Rescue is a no-kill rescue, which means no pet is killed due to lack of space. Many of our pets come here without ever having exposure to human companionship and care. With time, love and positive guidance, our pets are able to develop trusting, bonding relationships with people and live happy lives in forever homes. Community programs, workshops, and clinics are a few of the resources available to have area pets spayed, neutered, microchipped, and vetted as necessary for the well-being of every pet and pet owner. Please check out available programs and see how we may help you and your pet(s) stay together. The adoptable pets you see are loving, fully vetted sweethearts that are currently seeking their forever homes. Please adopt from a shelter or rescue and you will be saving multiple lives by adopting just one pet!

Caldwell County Animal Coalition

Caldwell County Animal Coalition, CCAC, is a 501C3. Our purpose is to advocate and educate for animal welfare in Caldwell County. CCAC’s goals include hosting and promoting educational workshops and low-cost/no-cost clinics to help citizens be better stewards towards their animals.

Lockhart Animal Shelter

Lockhart Animal Shelter staffers and volunteers will still be on-site even though the facility is closed to the public. These days will be used for deep cleaning and facility maintenance, along with the day-to-day care for shelter pets; including, but not limited to, feeding, watering, and exercising for dogs. The following services will also remain available even while the shelter is closed to the public: • Pet transports • Pet reclaims by appointment • Working with animal rescue groups for new homes The Lockhart Animal Shelter is located at 547 Old McMahan Road. Turn on Hwy 20 East off Hwy 183 (towards Bastrop), go exactly one mile and turn right on Old McMahan Road. The shelter is 1/2 of a mile on the right. Contact the Shelter at 512-398-4401; ext. 2 or email: [email protected]

San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter

The Adoption Center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from noon to 7 p.m, and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. It is closed Wednesday and Sunday for deep cleaning and animal enrichment. The Intake/Reclaim office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m to 6 p.m. Those dropping off stray animals, owner surrenders, and owner reclaims are encouraged to call or email to make an appointment. If you found a stray dog or cat, please call 512-805-2655 for resources to help get the pet back home, or check our Lost/Found list.

Haven Animal Rescue of Texas

Haven Animal Rescue of Texas is a non-profit organization formed to prevent cruelty to animals by rescuing abandoned or homeless animals and subsidizing spaying and neutering as well as further vetting. We strive to help people obtain further education to provide the proper care for their pets and offer assistance to those needing a helping hand. Our goal is to help people find ways to properly care for and keep their pets even if they’ve fallen on hard times. Helping families find their perfect furry family member and dogs find their forever homes is our main goal for the abandoned, homeless, and neglected animals we save.

Austin Humane Society

The longest-standing no-kill, non-profit pet and adoption center in Austin We’re dedicated to saving Austin’s homeless cats and dogs, educating our community about responsible pet ownership, and reducing pet overpopulation. Serving our community since 1952, the Austin Humane Society (AHS) is the longest standing no-kill shelter in Austin. AHS transforms the lives of animals and the people who love them through life-saving programs that find animals homes, serve animals and people in times of crisis, prevent future homelessness through spay and neuter, and engage the community to be a part of the solution. Over the past year, AHS has unleashed hope for over 11,000 animals thanks to the generosity of our donors.

New Hope Animal Rescue

New Hope Animal Rescue, NFP is an accredited 501c3, focused on Animal Rescue Through Fostering and Adoption We are a fully accredited 501c3 nonprofit organization, created to help save the lives of dogs and cats who are at risk of euthanasia. We save the discarded, the lost and the unwanted and we can't do it without your help! We are not a shelter. All of our rescues are cared for by fosters and volunteers. We provide them with the medical care they need so they can find their forever homes.

Viva Perros

Viva Perros is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that raises money to help homeless and abused dogs get the medical care they need and find good homes. Joe King Carrasco, known for his revved-up Tex-Mex brand of rock n roll, has been a long time supporter and lover of dogs. Viva Perros is his way of taking some of the profits from his music and putting it into the hands of non-profit rescue groups that work relentlessly to improve the lives of dogs around the world. Help us raise money to help homeless dogs get healthcare and homes in memory of Marty. 100% of the money raised by the Tribute shirt goes to help dogs through Viva Perros. Viva Perros raises money to help estabilished Dog Rescue groups around the world continue the hard work they do making lives better for abused, neglected, and homeless dogs. Money is also raised through the sales of Joe King Carrasco's CD, Concierto Para Los Perros, as well as other Viva Perros merchandise and donations. The CD was recorded at Ruta Maya in Austin, TX at the Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch benefit concert. Donations from these sales go to a different rescue group determined by the board of directors.

Georgetown Animal Shelter

The Georgetown Animal Shelter is a municipal shelter, meaning it is supported by taxes like any other City department. It is an open-door shelter that accepts all dogs and cats found within the city limits or surrendered by owners that live within the city limits. It has been in the same location for about 25 years: on College St. near San Gabriel Park.

Paws of Austin Great Dane Rescue

PAWS of Austin (Protection for Animal Welfare Services) is a non-profit animal rescue organization established in Austin, Texas for the purpose of providing refuge to stray and unwanted companion animals. PAWS breed expertise is Great Danes.

Williamson County regional animal shelter

The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is the only shelter solely devoted to the lost and abandoned animals of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Hutto, Leander, and Williamson County.

AY CHIHUAHUA RESCUE

Ay Chihuahua Rescue is an all volunteer-operated, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home Chihuahuas in Central Texas. We are solely funded by adoption fees, merchandise sales, and principally through generous donations from Chihuahua and animal lovers just like you! In-Home Foster Families We do not have a brick and mortar facility, so all our Chihuahuas live with volunteer foster families dedicated to improving their health and mental well-being. As the backbone of our organization, our cherished foster families know that their participation truly means the difference between life and death for an at-risk Chihuahua. Donations Go Straight to the Dogs This also means that without overhead, every dollar donated to Ay Chihuahua Rescue (ACR) is used in direct support of the Chihuahuas in our adoption program!

Austin Dog Rescue

Austin Dog Rescue (ADR) has been rescuing and finding homes for homeless dogs since 2006. In the summer of 2007 Austin Dog Rescue applied for and received its 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit status. With our careful placement and commitment to being our dogs' lifelong advocate, we have assisted thousands of homeless dogs throughout Central Texas. We are an all-volunteer organization and have no paid employees. All our dogs are housed and cared for by foster caregivers in a home setting. We focus on rescuing dogs that will fit in to most homes, but we also save dogs that may have medical issues other rescues are unable to help.

Highland Lakes Canine Rescue

Highland Lakes Canine Rescue is a non-profit organization designated as a 501-c(3) with the IRS. We are managed by a volunteer board of directors and operate entirely on private donations and eligible grants. Highland Lakes Canine Rescue was founded in 1999 as Highland Lakes SPCA, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, by community members who wanted to rescue homeless dogs in the Central Texas region. HLCR initially started as a “foster only” organization. However, through generous community support, a location was found near Marble Falls, Texas and HLCR became a no-kill dog shelter. Since then HLCR has built a kennel facility, outdoor pens and walking trails, has a staff and resident caretaker, and is blessed with an active and passionate group of volunteers who work tirelessly supporting HLCR and its mission. In 2019, we changed our name from Highland Lakes SPCA to Highland Lakes Canine Rescue to more appropriately reflect our focus and mission.

Paws in Prison

Paws in Prison educates female inmates for greater responsibility and empathy through the rescue and training of shelter dogs to be adopted by the public. The women who participate in the Paws in Prison program are given an opportunity to earn certifications that could benefit them for job opportunities after prison release. OUR HISTORY. Over the years this unique program has grown, serving Lockhart, Seguin, San Antonio, Austin, and the surrounding Texas communities. In December 2007, Paws in Prison was established by founder Machellle Gaconnet to become the first women's only dog training program in Texas prison! Machelle saw how these programs had such a positive impact in various men’s prisons and was offered an opportunity to run one for women only at the correctional facility in Lockhart. In 2014 the program lost its funding through the contracted prison management group. As a result, Friends of Paws in Prison was established to financially support PIP. WHAT WE DO. We provide a unique training program designed to rehabilitate prison inmates through the dogs we rescue from our local shelters. Paws in Prison pairs rescue dogs from rural kill shelters with female inmates who learn to care for and train the dogs, through positive reinforcement techniques. Those dogs are then adopted by the general public. Since its inception, over 500 dogs have been placed into forever homes and thousands of women have been rehabilitated! We offer inmates the opportunity to learn the life skills of patience, responsibility, accountability, teamwork and compassion that they can take with them outside the prison walls as better wives, mothers, daughters, employees and neighbors. We provide inmates with the opportunity to learn skills within the animal care industry, and training certifications that can help them obtain jobs in their communities upon release. We believe in second chances, and have seen that compassion change the course of a life. We believe that by helping to heal another, an individual allows their own healing to begin. We believe that when you help someone else you make your own life better. We believe that with unconditional love, anything is possible.

Forgotten Friends - Mixed Breed Rescue

Forgotten Friends started rescue efforts in 1999 taking in mixed breed dogs who would never have found forever homes and remained forgotten. In 2004 we became a 501(c)(3) which enabled us to greatly improve our ability to save more lives and contribute to the happiness of our adopter families. Our goal was and is, to speak for the voiceless, restore them as close as possible to good health, and find forever homes that can commit to their lifetime care. We are a totally volunteer based group and all of our donations and adoption fees go directly to our dog’s veterinary care, food, heartworm prevention and basic needs. Any donations given to Forgotten Friends are tax deductible. Puppies and dogs enter our program from area shelters and enter one of our foster homes. The dogs are then cared for by the foster who will work with them on things like house training, if needed, before going to their new forever home. Our commitment to the potential adopter and to our dogs is to screen all applications carefully to find the very best match between the needs of the adopter and our dog.

Heart of Texas Lab Rescue

The Heart of Texas Lab Rescue is a non-profit 501(c)(3), all-volunteer organization based in Austin, Texas. Our mission is to rescue Labrador Retrievers from shelters, pounds, abandonment , and other situations, and place them in loving, caring homes. The HOT Lab Rescue serves Austin, San Antonio, and surrounding areas. It is HOTLR's policy to accept and place dogs ONLY in the state of Texas. All of our dogs are microchipped, current on shots and heartworm prevention, spayed or neutered at 6 months of age or older, and being treated for heartworms if they are positive. We are always in need of volunteers to foster dogs, and help us with various other activities to help us achieve our goal of finding homes for our dogs.

Furever friends and rescue

A small, yet mighty, 501(c) (3) non-profit foster based rescue, near Austin Texas

Central Texas Little Dog Rescue

Central Texas Little Dog Rescue was started to help fill a void in the North Austin/Round Rock community. Our founder started the rescue after volunteering with a local shelter and a few different rescues for the past 9 years. She decided to start her own rescue to better serve the smallest pets out there. Little dogs need someone who understands their specific issues and health needs. Our focus will be on pets that are less that 25 pounds. We will make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

A.D.O.P.T. - American Dog Owners for Proper Training

Texas Humane Heroes -- No Kill Animal Adoption Centers

Texas Humane Heroes is a No Kill, private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Leander, Texas. Established in 1979, Texas Humane Heroes enhances the lives of pets and people through adoption, availability of our low-cost spay/neuter and vaccinations as well as family-friendly community events. We are 100% funded by donations, grants, and modest fees for services. Texas Humane Heroes does not receive any local, state, or federal government funding.

Rescue PAC

Lil Paws Maltese Rescue and other Petite Paws

Lil' Paws Maltese Rescue is a home-based, non-profit rescue organization made up soley of volunteers. We are dedicated to helping homeless Maltese and other small dog breeds in the Austin area by fostering, providing the best possible health care, and placing them in loving forever homes. Lil' Paws Maltese Rescue and other Petite Paws exists to rescue, rehabilitate, and carefully rehome neglected and homeless Maltese and other small dogs. We are a 501c3 non-profit rescue group run entirely by a small group of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about the welfare of these dogs. What we do We are committed to rescuing Maltese and other small dogs. Lil' Paws spays/neuters every dog we take in, gets them examined by a veterinarian, gets them vaccinated, microchipped, heartworm tested, gives heartworm prevention, dentals, surgeries.....anything it takes to get the dogs healthy and ready to make the transition to their new lives. We take particular care in placing our dogs. Our screening process includes an application, phone interview, personal and veterinary reference checks, and a visit to the potential owner's home to ensure the home and family is compatible with the pet's needs and our requirements. We do not adopt our dogs on a first come, first serve basis. Because we want this to be a permanent adoption, we will place the dog in the home best suited for him/her. How we do it We are run entirely by volunteers. We receive no public funding. Any volunteer you meet, speak to, or correspond with, is giving generously of their time and energy, to keep Lil' Paws going. Our organization is completely dependent on contributions from adopters and donors. We do not have a facility. All of the dogs in our rescue live in the homes of our volunteers until they find their forever home. They are cared for and loved as our own dogs and receive the safety and affection they so deserve while waiting to find their forever homes. This also gives us an opportunity to get to know the dog one on one and give an accurate evaluation and assessment of each dog's personality, therefore enabling us to match the dog to the type of family it needs. Our Commitment We are committed to the well being of every single dog we rescue. We often take dogs that others are unable to because of an injury or medical condition that must be taken care of before the dog is adoptable. We have a lifetime commitment to all of our dogs. Should any unforeseen situations arise with the adoptive family and the dog can no longer be cared for by them, we will always accept them back into our organization. In fact, our adoption contract includes a "return to rescue" provision in which the adopting family must agree to return the dog to us if for any reason they cannot properly care for the dog. We take pride in the level of service and care we give to our dogs and make great effort to ensure their safety and well being for the rest of their lives. Placement of our dogs happens only when the correct match for the dog is found.

Jack Jack's Pack