BARC ANIMAL SHELTER AND ADOPTIONS
Urgent Pets
Annually, BARC takes in more than 15,000 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
Urgent pets need a plan by 1 p.m. the same day they are placed on our Code Red list. They must also be picked up by end of that same day, as well. If you contact us after 1 p.m., the pet's availability is not guaranteed. In this situation, a plan refers to a local adopter or an approved BARC foster or rescue who can take the animal in need from the shelter that same day.
Adopt
Please come to BARC before 1 p.m. or contact BARCadoptions@houstontx.gov before 1 p.m. to confirm your visit to adopt that day before BARC closes for adoptions. You must be over the age of 18 and have a valid ID and proof of address. Visit www.houstontx.gov/barc/adopt_a_pet.html for more information on our adoption process.
Foster
Before you can foster a Code Red animal, 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.
Reminder: if you are interested in fostering a Code Red animal, you must reach out to the foster office before the 1 p.m. deadline.
Rescue
All rescue tags must be come from an approved BARC rescue and be communicated to BARC.Aid@houstontx.gov before 1 p.m. the day an animal appears on the Code Red list
To become an approved BARC Rescue, visit www.houstontx.gov/barc/rescue-and-transport.html
Urgent Pet Reports

Code Yellow Report
Code Yellow - Dogs
(.pdf, updates at :45 every hour)
Code Yellow - Cats
(.pdf, updates at :15 every hour)

Code Orange Report
Code Orange - Dogs
(.pdf, updates at :45 every hour)
Code Orange - Cats
(.pdf, updates at :15 every hour)

Code Red Report
Code RED - Dogs & Cats
(.pdf, updates at :00 every hour)
Shelter Residency 15+ Days

(.pdf, updates at :31 every hour)
Shelter Residency 15+ Days
Urgent Pet Report Key Terms and Definitions
BARC News
BARC frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Email BARC.Communications@houstontx.gov!