Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care

Animal Holding and Redemption

Impounded animals are held by BARC for three calendar days to give owners the opportunity to identify and reclaim their pets [Houston City Code § 6-111(a)]. However, impounded animals with city license tags not more than two years old or current local veterinarian vaccination tags will be held for six days from the date the owner was notified by telephone or notice was mailed to the owner [Houston City Code § 6-111(b)]. An owner will be contacted, if possible, by telephone or through certified mail at the address shown in the city’s records for such license if the animal is wearing a city license tag, or to the address shown in the local veterinarian’s records if the animal is not wearing a city license tag but is wearing a local veterinarian’s tag [Houston City Code § 6-111(b)]. After the appropriate holding period, a healthy impounded animal may be adopted. However, the person entitled to possession of the animal may redeem the animal within 30 days from the date of adoption by paying the purchaser double the amount paid for the animal and the purchaser’s reasonable expenses for keeping the animal [Houston City Code § 6-137(b)].

IMPOUNDMENT FEES

Owners of impounded animals are required to pay the prescribed fees for impoundment as set out below. All applicable fees must be paid in cash at the time an animal is reclaimed. All fees are subject to change.

Fee Description Animals Other than dogs and cats and altered dogs and cats Unaltered dogs or cats
1st Impoundment $25.00 $50.00*
2nd Impoundment $50.00 $75.00*
3rd and Each Subsequent Impoundment $75.00 $100.00* (1)
Boarding Fee (Per Day of Impoundment) $9.25 $9.25
Rabies Vaccination FEE (if Unvaccinated) $12.00 $12.00
City License (If Unlicensed) $10.00 $25.00
Medical Treatment (If Necessary) (Actual costs) $25.00 (Min.) $25.00 (Min.)

*A $20.00 refund may be obtained upon proof of mandatory alteration (dogs and cats) within 30 days.
(1) Requires Mandatory Spay/Neuter of the Animal on 3rd Offense

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