BARC ANIMAL SHELTER AND ADOPTIONS



Urgent Pets


Urgent Pets Annually, BARC takes in more than 20,000 animals and works hard to find a home for all adoptable pets. Animals become candidates for our Urgent Pets’ lists based on several factors, including, but not limited to, an animal’s physical and mental health, behavior, amount of space available in the shelter, and staffing levels. Our outreach office partners with adopters, fosters, and rescue groups to find live outcomes, where possible, for our Urgent Pets.


How You Can Help


Adopt

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. You must be over the age of 18 and have a valid ID and proof of address to adopt. Visit www.houstontx.gov/barc/adopt_a_pet.html for more information on our adoption process. Email our adoptions team at BARCadoptions@houstontx.gov to inquire about a specific pet!

Foster

Before you can foster any animal from BARC, you must receive approval to be a BARC foster. You can complete a foster application online at www.houstontx.gov/barc/foster_a_pet.html. Once you are approved, you can contact the BARC foster office regarding any pets available for the foster program at BARCfoster@houstontx.gov. When contacting the foster office, you will need the pet’s seven-digit animal ID number, which can be found on our reports and begins with the letter A.

Rescue

All rescue tags must be come from an approved BARC rescue and communicated to BARC.Aid@houstontx.gov. To become an approved BARC Rescue, visit www.houstontx.gov/barc/rescue-and-transport.html

Urgent Pet Reports


Long Stay Card

BARC Long-Stay Pets

This report highlights pets that have been in the shelter for 15 or more days. These animals could be in danger of euthanasia during periods of high intake and are top priority when the shelter is full.

Shelter Residency 15+ Days
(report updates at :31 every hour)




Priority Pets Card

BARC Priority Pets

This report highlights pets that have been recognized as having medical or behavioral issues, experiencing physical or mental decline due to prolonged stays in the kennel, or a mix of these factors. Although they are not in immediate danger of being euthanized, they are considered a priority.

Priority Dogs
(report updates at :45 every hour)

Priority Cats
(report updates at :15 every hour)

At-Risk Card

BARC At-Risk Pets

This report highlights pets that are at risk of euthanasia, requiring immediate adoption, fostering, or rescue support.

At-Risk Dogs
(report updates at :45 every hour)

At-Risk Cats
(report updates at :15 every hour)



Report Key Terms and Definitions

  • FELV/FIV Status: Refers to cats only and indicates a cat's staus (negative, positive or not tested) in regard to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and/or Feline Leukemia Virus (FELV).
  • Heartworm Status: Refers only to dogs six months or older and indicates the dog’s Heartworm status (either negative/NAD, low positive, or high positive).
  • Outcome Request - Rescue Only: If an animal is designated Rescue Only, that means the animal is not available to adopt or foster. Rescue-only status may be assigned to an animal due to several potential factors, but it is often due to the potential safety risk this animal poses to the population at large, or its extensive health or behavior issues that will require an experienced handler, beyond what a potential inexperienced foster or adopter can provide.
  • PURRFURRED: PURRFURRED pets are specially selected by staff at BARC to help highlight them and find a forever home quickly. PURRFURRED pets can be selected for various reasons, they can be staff favorites, have been in the shelter longer than their other friends, or need a little extra help to find a home. PURRFURRED pets have reduced adoptions fees.

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    BARC frequently asked questions


    BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions is committed to transparency when it comes to our daily operations and procedures. Visit our FAQ page to learn more.

    FAQ Link

    Still have questions? Email BARC.Communications@houstontx.gov!

    BARC Information

    3200 Carr Street,
    Houston, TX 77026
    Call 3-1-1 for more information

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