The Best Austin, TX Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

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.

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.

Austin Boxer Rescue

Throw a Dog a Bone Dog Rescue

Throw a Dog a Bone is an all-breed dog and cat rescue located in Austin, TX. We focus on saving dogs primarily in the rural shelters in South Texas. Many of these shelters have no exposure and very few resources. Our mission is to rescue as many of these dogs as possible and find them loving forever homes. What We Do We find dogs and cats in the rural kill shelters who are at risk for euthanasia and place them in foster homes. When they are ready to find a forever home, we place them up for adoption both locally and out of state. If we find an out of state adopter, we arrange transport. We follow our dogs throughout their transport and into their forever homes. How You Can Help We need volunteers to help us find all of the rural shelters in the state, donate supplies and volunteer in the rural shelters. We also need help transporting dogs, foster homes and veterinary technicians. Of course, we always need donations and help with fundraising as well. Please help us save more pups!

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.

Love-a-Bull

LOVE-A-BULL, Inc. is an outgrowth of the former Austin American Pit Bull Terrier Meetup Group, which was formed in 2003. This social meetup group for owners and dogs to connect and form a community evolved into a group of people who wanted to see change. Since that time, organizers recognized that the political climate warranted the need for change. As a result, LOVE-A-BULL org achieved 501(c)(3) status in 2008 so that the group could more fully attain its mission and goals. LOVE-A-BULL was organized to educate and advocate on behalf of the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (all breeds commonly referred to as pit bulls) and pit bull mixes. The message we try to spread is that they are dogs, just like any other dog, they just happened to be called pit bulls. Our mission is to promote responsible guardianship and improve the image and lives of pit bull-type dogs through community support, education, advocacy, and rescue. In 2020, we saved a record 200 pit bull-type dog lives more than quadruple the amount as in the previous year. In our history as an organization, we have supported the community through spay/neuter and vaccination clinics, providing resources on Austin, TX pit bull-friendly housing, financial assistance, and low-cost training. We have also provided active advocacy against breed discriminatory legislation and started one of the country's first all pit bull-type dog therapy programs. We currently maintain a foster-based rescue program and work daily to promote a more positive and accurate public image of all pit bull-type dogs through various local outreach and social media efforts. LOVE-A-BULL regularly hosts fun activities, but its main goal is to promote advocacy and education. Our group is comprised of members who live in Austin and the surrounding areas, as well as national members who wish to support our mission. We welcome the support of proud pit bull parents and others interested in supporting the above ideals and those who will work to further our goals.

Cuz i Matter Animal Rescue

Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation Texas and Oklahoma

The Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation (IGRF) is dedicated to helping Italian Greyhounds in need of our care. We have a national network of VOLUNTEERS that make our mission possible. This website caters to Oklahoma and Texas specifically. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and we rely on donations to keep the rescue machine running. As a foster-based Rescue, our volunteers and foster families are the foundation and most important aspect of our ability to do what we do-without foster families we can't take in orphans that need our help. All of our IGs live as members of a family until their forever home comes along. They are all fully vetted and any medical issues are addressed and disclosed to potential adopters. Education about this wonderful and quirky breed is a very important part of what we do as well. This breed IS NOT for everyone. Please ask lots of questions and browse all of our IG-related materials to help decide if an Italian Greyhound is the right dog for you!

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.

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.

German Shepherd Dog Rescue and Holistic Care Education Center

German Shepherd Dog Rescue and Holistic Care Education Center (GSDRHCEC) is a breed specific rescue located in Austin, TX. GSDRHCEC is a non-profit 501c3 and a volunteer based organization. We are funded entirely by private donations and receive no government support. About 50% of the dogs we rescue come from streets of Houston, 40% comes from shelters about 10% as owner surrenders. We are focused on saving German Shepherd from bad situations, rehabilitating and finding loving homes for them while educating fosters and potential adopters on how to maintain pet's health through daily lifestyle choices and how natural alternatives can be beneficial to pets when issues arise. We work with holistic vets to ensure that pets are not over medicated and treated naturally when possible, including essential oils, chiropractic care and more.

Rescue PAC

Bastrop County Animal Shelter

Bastrop County Animal Services was established in 1998. We have grown since then and continue to do so as Bastrop County grows. Currently, we have 3 separate buildings containing a total of 90 large indoor/outdoor kennels and 8 play yards. We have 2 cat housing areas including our communal cattery. Bastrop Animal Services encompasses both Animal Control and the Bastrop County Animal Shelter. We offer animal control services 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm as well as limited emergency after hour and holiday animal control response. The animal shelter is open to adoptions and owned animal surrenders during normal business hours. Owned animal surrenders are accepted by appointment- with proof of residency and identification. We allow people looking for lost or missing pets 7 days a week when staff is present and working (typically 8am-4pm except for County recognized holidays). The Bastrop County Animal Shelter is a Public Service organization and “Open Intake Facility”- meaning that all dogs and cats within the County as well as those that are picked up by the City Animal Control Officers for Bastrop, Elgin and Smithville are housed here. We do our best to find adoptive homes and work with rescues to save as many animals as possible. Our “Open Intake” status prevents us from being “No Kill” as a policy, but we strive to remain “Low Kill” and typically have near “No Kill” save rates.

Luling Animal Welfare Society (LAWS)

The Luling Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) is a 501(C)3, Non-Profit Corporation formed to work with the City of Luling Animal Control to benefit lost, seized and abandoned animals within the City of Luling. We conduct active adoption programs and have successfully placed hundreds of Dogs and Cats that would otherwise have been euthanized. LAWS also raised significant funding to build the current Animal Shelter located behind the Police Department.

Kingdom Rescue

Kingdom Rescue is a foster-based 501(c)3 charitable animal rescue organization run by volunteers and fosters. We utilize Biblical Principles of charity, to "Help His Helpless" through quality care, compassion, and selflessness to bring God's hand of mercy to each family and animal we connect with.

Small Chance Rescue

Georgetown Animal Outreach

Giddings Animal Shelter

The City of Giddings provides a temporary haven for lost, homeless, endangered, or orphaned cats/kittens and dogs/puppies. The shelter is a designated as a 501(c)(3) tax deductible non-profit organization according the US Internal Revenue Service and all donations are tax deductible.

Austin German Shepherd Dog Rescue

Austin German Shepherd Dog Rescue was inspired by the relationship between one abandoned German Shepherd Dog puppy named Helmut, affectionately known as "Mutt". Mutt was rescued on a country road where he and his litter mates had been abandoned. Only he was alive. Mutt became the Companion in Chief of his rescuer, and stayed by her side for the rest of his life. The organization known as Austin German Shepherd Dog Rescue was conceived in 1998, inspired by the strong bond between the founder and her Mutt. When AGSDR incorporated as a non-profit in 2001, it adopted the Mission Statement reflecting its spirit. "To rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home German Shepherd Dogs from across the State of Texas" is a broad statement, and the members like it that way. The broad mission statement allows the organization to help some dogs that would otherwise not be considered, as well as helping highly adoptable dogs. AGSDR has always stressed quality of match between dog and adopter over quantity of placements, striving to find homes where the human-animal bond will be nurtured and grow strong. Some months AGSDR places many dogs, some months only a few. There is no quota, no demand for quick turnover, just the dedicated search for the right home for each dog accepted into the organization. Occasionally an AGSDR dog doesn't get adopted, so it lives out its days in the home of a member. Saving German Shepherd Dogs who would otherwise be euthanized at shelters requires a strong foster team and adequate funding. As with most rescue organizations, foster homes and funding are the rate limiting steps in the rescue process. Over the past five years, an average of $500-$800/dog is expended per dog. The money is used to get the dog out of the shelter, provide veterinary care, heartworm treatment, grooming, training, and other needs. All in an effort to get the dog "adoption ready", which facilitates fitting in with their new family and becoming a cherished companion. Adoption fees, which are nominal in comparison to the average expenditure per dog, results in the constant need for members to raise funds in addition to taking care of the dogs and making matches with applicants. Members are diligent and hold an annual Christmas Gift Wrap event, participate in Macy's Shop for a Cause, Dogtoberfest, they hold monthly Meet and Greets, an annual Calendar Dog competition, and they design and sell T-shirts. As well, purchases made at Amazon Smile benefit the organization, along with proceeds received from purchases made from Pet Rescue RX, Last, but certainly not least, AGSDR has been the recipient of donations in various amounts, and for a variety of reasons. Memorial donations, honorary donations, and friendship and support donations are made by generous individuals. AGSDR welcomes all such donations at the Donate page, and pledges to use all donations carefully, responsibly, and in the best interest of the dogs.

Central Texas Ruffugees

Happy Hooves Healing Hearts

Furever friends and rescue

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

Jack Jack's Pack

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

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.

Blue Dog Rescue

Blue Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, charitable organization that works to find permanent, loving homes for at-risk homeless dogs in the Central Texas area, all the while preparing them for the best possible relationship with you! Most of our dogs come from Central Texas shelters where they might not have a chance at adoption due to size, color, breed, or medical condition. Because we are a network of foster families, there is no shelter facility

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.

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: lockhartanimalservices@lockhart-tx.org