Pet Adoption

Why Adopt a Pet?

You'll save a life.

Each year, 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States, simply because too many pets come into shelters and too few people consider adoption when looking for a pet.

You'll get a great animal.

Animal shelters and rescue groups are brimming with happy, healthy pets just waiting for someone to take them home. Most shelter pets wound up there because of a human problem like a move or a divorce, not because the animals did anything wrong. Many are already house-trained and used to living with families.

It'll cost you less.

Usually, when you adopt a pet, the cost of spay/neuter, first vaccinations (and sometimes even microchipping!) is included in the adoption price, which can save you some of the up front costs of adding a new member to your family. Depending on the animal, you may also save on housebreaking and training expenses.

Newly Adopted Pet? Get a Complimentary Pet Exam!

We at Central Texas Animal Hospital support the efforts of local adoption groups & animal shelters. Not only do they have a great selection of adult animals for adoption, but they also have kittens and puppies, even purebred animals.

Once you’ve adopted your perfect pet, bring him/her to see us – we can’t wait to meet your new family member, and, we offer a COMPLIMENTARY NEW PET EXAM for newly adopted pets (within 30 days of adoption). Note: The free adoption exam is only for those with the qualifying Certificate from participating shelters and rescue groups.

What to Expect When Adopting

We at Central Texas Animal Hospital support the efforts of local adoption groups, here is a list of a few we suggest if you’re looking to adopt:

We suggest that you check with them as you consider adding a new pet to your family. Animal shelters can be a great source when looking for a pet. Not only do they have a great selection of adult animals for adoption, but they also have kittens and puppies, even purebred animals. On average, purebreds account for about 25 to 30 percent of a shelter’s dog population.

Waiting Lists

Don’t be discouraged if, when you first visit the shelter, there are no animals of the breed or type you want. Shelters receive new animals every day. Your shelter may also have a waiting list and can call you when an animal matching your preference becomes available.

Adoption Counseling

In an effort to make good matches between people and animals and to place pets in lifelong homes, many shelters provide adoption counseling and follow-up assistance, such as pet parenting and dog-training classes, and behavior counseling.

For Pedigreed Pets

Although we would recommend selecting your next fur baby from a shelter or rescue group, we do understand the joys of hand selecting a pure-bred critter to love and raise. For those of you who choose this route, we recommend selecting your new family member from a responsible and reputable breeder. Not all breeders are the same, and there are steps to follow should you wish to select a healthy individual.

Here is a link to the Canine Health Information Center. This is an information search platform that illustrates common maladies for each particular breed, as well as the tests necessary to ensure a healthy breeding line. This resource allows you as prospective pet parents to select a qualified breeder and ultimately a healthy pup.

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Shelter Adoption Fees

Another advantage is that shelter adoption fees are usually much less than an animal’s purchase price at a pet store or breeder. And your new pet is more likely to be vaccinated, dewormed, and spayed or neutered.

Questions about adopting? Call 512-251-BARK or contact us online!