Central Texas SPCA is a small non-profit adoption center. We are not a public drop off and do not accept stray animals or owner surrenders. We rescue dogs and cats at risk of euthanasia by pulling them into our shelter from high kill shelters. We provide them with a unique home-like shelter with spacious indoor condos for the cats, size-appropriate crates for the dogs, as well as outdoor kennels and off-leash play areas for the dogs. For over 35 years, we’ve been dedicated to personalized, force-free, 1:1 care and attention of each and every one of our rescued animals to ensure they are healthy, and well-adjusted before their adoption. Our adoption process is informative and pleasant with a friendly staff.
The Central Texas SPCA was the first no-kill shelter in Williamson County when it opened in 1988. We are a private, independent organization relying solely on private donations, grants, adoption fees and fundraisers to save hundreds of homeless pets annually. Throughout our 33 years, we’ve never wavered from our commitment to provide quality, compassionate care to homeless dogs and cats for however long they need us. Our primary sources of animal intake are small, rural shelters in the Central Texas area where animals are at risk of euthanasia due to high intake numbers and low adoptions.
We led the way in our area many years ago in the movement to provide home-like spaces for the animals. The cats have large condos with cat towers, climbing shelves, room to run and a space for human visitors to sit down. Most condos have natural light from windows to the shelter grounds. The dogs we rescue enjoy large outdoor play runs on our two-acre property. Runs have shade and splash pools during hot weather. All are large enough for volunteers to enter for a game of tug or fetch. Dogs are off-leash most of the day and often are paired with other dogs for exercise and companionship. During the night and on inclement weather days, they are in their size appropriate crates inside and are walked on our tree-shaded grounds multiple times a day.
Every animal is spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before adoption. We also provide age-appropriate vaccines, species-specific testing, heartworm prevention and any special veterinary care needed through our local vet partners. Because of our 1:1 care, we know each animal’s personality and needs, which allows us to make matches that align with our Forever Family goal. All adopters are carefully screened to ensure the greatest likelihood of success with each adoption. Since 1988, we’ve rescued and found loving homes for more than 7000 dogs and cats.
Adoption Policy
Generally, we will only adopt in the Central Texas area. All potential adopters must come to the shelter to meet the animals and to give us the opportunity to meet you
1. Adoption Fee
• ADULT CATS (6 months of age and older) = $50
• KITTENS (under 6 months of age) = $95
• ADULT DOGS (7 months of age and older) = $95
• PUPPIES (under 7 months of age) = $150
These fees cover only a small portion of the cost of spaying or neutering, rabies shot, tests, and other necessary vaccinations.
2. Screening
All potential adopters will be required to fill out an application which will cover the following:
1. Current and past pets. Some of our pets may not be compatible with your own and we would like to find this out before creating a problem for you. We will also call your vet to verify that your pet has had the appropriate vaccines and HW prevention (dogs) the entire time you have owned them.
2. Animal’s living arrangement. Where will the animal be spending his or her time.
3. Details concerning your residence. We have guidelines governing an animal’s compatibility with his or her living environment, wanting to ensure the environment is the appropriate one for both the family and the animal you are applying for. We require ALL members of a household to meet the animal you are wishing to adopt.
4. References. All applicants must submit 3 references. These must be non-family members. If you have pets currently in the home, you will provide 2 non-family references and 1 veterinary reference.
It can take up to a week for our adoption counselors to review your application, contact references and complete the screening process, so animals do not go home the same day. We will take up to two applications per animal.
3. Adoption Denials
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept every application for adoption. We do want you to know that our adoption counselors are well trained and are required to be very detail-oriented concerning potential living arrangements for our animals. While some opinions may differ from ours, we must adhere to the guidelines that have been set.
Applications are not approved on a “first come, first served” basis, but are approved based on which application is the best match for the animal.
Our volunteers are always ready to give you the most helpful assistance. If, however, you feel that you were not treated in a professional manner, you may consult one of our senior volunteers on site. Any further complaints (or compliments) may be addressed to the Board of Directors in writing. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 98, Cedar Park, TX, 78630-0098. Your letter will be followed up immediately by one of our board members.
4. Return Policy
Animals adopted from the Central Texas SPCA shall not be abandoned, sold or given to any individual or organization that does not care for animals in a humane manner. Please contact the Central Texas SPCA before surrendering your pet to any organization that does not share the Central Texas SPCA No-Kill mission. In most instances, the Central Texas SPCA will assist you with the safe return of your pet to our care, as long as you have provided adequate medical care and kept up with vaccinations and preventatives while the pet was in your care. If you are having behavioral, medical or other issues with the pet, please contact the Central Texas SPCA and specify the problem. We are willing to assist you and may be able to provide guidance or additional resources that will negate the need for return.
If you are unable to keep or provide humane care for the adopted pet, the animal may be returned to the Central Texas SPCA within one (1) year from the date of adoption upon the adopter providing reasonable advance notice to the Central Texas SPCA, kept up-to-date with all vaccinations, and the animal is in the same health condition it was when adopted. Any and all returns are dependent upon Central Texas SPCA having adequate space to accept an adopted pet return. If requested by the adopter, the adoption fee for a returned pet within two (2) weeks from the adoption date may be refunded. If we are unable to accept an animal due to lack of space you will be referred to one of our local, no-kill shelter partners that are public intake facilities in your county of residence. Many times we do not have the capacity to accept returns due to our limited space.
https://www.centraltexasspca.org/dogs-for-adoption
Testimonials
No testimonials submitted

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you
See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Austin
See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Austin
See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Austin
- Amarillo, TX
- Beaumont, TX
- Brownsville, TX
- Corpus Christi, TX
- Dallas, TX
- El Paso, TX
- Houston, TX
- Katy, TX
- Killeen, TX
- Laredo, TX
Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development.
David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature.
David is based in Salem, MA.
Read more