BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions is the City of Houston’s municipal animal shelter and animal enforcement system. Use this guide for BARC adoption hours, normal adoption fees, lost pet search steps, animal turn-in rules, 311 reporting, contact numbers, wellness services, map directions, and a practical video before you visit.
Quick Answer: What is BARC Animal Shelter and where should Houston users go?
BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions is the City of Houston’s municipal animal shelter and adoption facility. For adoptions, BARC lists the adoption center at 3300 Carr St. For lost pets and registration, BARC lists 3200 Carr St. For animal turn-in, rescue, foster, and donation drop-off functions, BARC commonly lists 2700 Evella St. depending on the service.
Most important visitor note: adoptions are done in person, no appointment is needed for adoption, adopters must be 18 or older with government-issued photo ID, and BARC says the process can take 60–90 minutes. Last adoption is processed at 5 PM.
Choose what you need today
BARC has several buildings and service routes. Pick your task first so you do not go to the wrong desk.
Source-check note: BARC says hours are subject to change based on wait times or staff availability. Always confirm before driving, especially near city holidays, high-intake periods, adoption promotions, severe weather, or temporary intake closures.
BARC hours by service area
BARC uses different addresses and hours for different services. The adoption center, lost-pet search, registration, bite cases, foster office, rescue office, and animal turn-in are not always the same counter.
Service
Location listed by BARC
Hours listed
Meet & adopt a BARC pet
3300 Carr St.
Tuesday–Sunday: 12 PM–5 PM; Monday closed
Lost pets & registration
3200 Carr St.
Seven days a week: 10 AM–5 PM
Donation drop-off
2700 Evella St.
Seven days a week: 10 AM–5 PM
Bite cases
2700 Evella St.
Seven days a week: 9 AM–12 PM and 1 PM–4 PM
Rescue office & pick up
2700 Evella St.
Seven days a week: 9 AM–5 PM
Foster office & pick up
2700 Evella St.
Seven days a week: 10 AM–5 PM
Wellness clinic
3200 Carr St.
By appointment only
Video Guide: What to do if you find a stray animal in Houston
This video is included because many BARC users are not only searching for adoption. A large number of visitors need help with stray dogs, stray cats, found pets, and when to contact BARC or 311. Watch this before picking up, transporting, or turning in a found animal.
How to use this video: use it for practical stray-animal context, then confirm current BARC intake rules, open intake windows, and 311 reporting instructions on the official Houston BARC pages.
BARC animal adoption process: how to adopt a pet in Houston
BARC says all adoptions must be completed in person and appointments are not needed to adopt a pet. Adoptions are first-come, first-served, and BARC says it cannot place holds on animals. That means the best plan is to check adoptable pets online, then visit as soon as you are ready to adopt.
Search available pets before you leave. Start with BARC’s official adopt-a-pet page and available pet listings. Pet availability can change quickly during busy adoption days.
Visit the adoption center in person. BARC lists adoptions at 3300 Carr St. during Tuesday–Sunday adoption hours. Monday is closed for adoptions.
Bring valid photo ID and proof of address if needed. BARC requires adopters to be at least 18 years old with a valid government-issued photo ID. If your ID address is not current, bring proof such as a utility bill, lease, or car insurance.
Plan at least 60–90 minutes. BARC says the adoption process can take 60–90 minutes depending on guest volume, animal interaction, medical-team discussion, and final paperwork.
Prepare to take the pet home. If the animal is already spayed or neutered, BARC says it may go home the same day. If not, it may stay at the shelter for the next available surgery date.
Ask about medical and behavior notes. Before paying, ask about age, known medical issues, vaccines, heartworm status for dogs, spay/neuter timing, energy level, and first-week adjustment.
BARC adoption fees: dogs, cats, puppies and kittens
BARC’s normal adoption fees are lower than the cost of basic private veterinary care because the fee includes important medical and registration items. Adoption promotions may reduce fees, so always check BARC’s current social channels and official adoption page before visiting.
Pet type
Normal adoption fee
Senior 4 Senior fee
Dogs, 5 months and older
$50
$2 for qualifying senior adopters and eligible pets
Cats, 5 months and older
$20
$2 for qualifying senior adopters and eligible pets
Puppies, 4 months and under
$75
$75
Kittens, 4 months and under
$20
$20
PURRFURRED pets
Reduced fee
Reduced fee
Veterans and active military
Fees waived daily with proof of service or military ID
Confirm at adoption desk
What BARC says is included: all pet adoptions include spay or neuter surgery, dewormer, age-appropriate vaccinations, rabies vaccination, flea prevention, a pet microchip, and a one-year City of Houston registration.
What to bring before visiting BARC for adoption
Government-issued photo IDBARC requires adopters to be 18 or older with valid government-issued photo ID.
Proof of current addressIf your ID address is old, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, car insurance, or another proof BARC accepts.
Travel crate or kennelBARC provides a cardboard carrier for cats or a leash for dogs, but a secure crate or kennel may be safer for transport.
Time bufferPlan at least 60–90 minutes and do not arrive at closing expecting a full adoption process.
Home planDecide where the pet will sleep, who handles feeding, how introductions will happen, and what supplies you need.
Vet follow-upBARC recommends a veterinarian follow-up within 72 hours after adoption.
Lost pet in Houston: how to search BARC and Petco Love Lost
BARC partners with Petco Love Lost to help reunite pets with owners. BARC also says pet owners may visit the shelter at 3200 Carr St., Houston, TX 77026, from 10 AM–5 PM, seven days a week, to look for their pets.
Report and search on Petco Love Lost. Upload clear photos and check possible matches. Petco Love Lost is built for lost and found pet reporting and sharing.
Visit BARC in person. Go to 3200 Carr St. during lost-pet hours. BARC notes that a valid driver’s license or ID is required to enter the facility.
Bring proof of ownership. Bring photos, vet records, microchip registration, city registration, license records, and any adoption paperwork.
Search around the last-known area. Walk the area, ask neighbors, check garages, sheds, porches, under decks, and nearby hiding spots.
Create and share lost-pet flyers. BARC recommends signs and social sharing, including local lost-and-found pet groups.
Check more than once. Pets may arrive after you first search. Recheck BARC, Petco Love Lost, and local lost/found pages daily when possible.
Found a stray animal in Houston: what to do before taking it to BARC
BARC’s turn-in guidance recommends trying several owner-reunion steps before intake when it is safe. This can reduce shelter crowding and may get a pet home faster.
Check for tags or identificationLook for a collar, tag, phone number, or other ID before moving the pet far from where it was found.
Scan for a microchipA vet clinic or shelter may be able to scan the animal for a microchip.
Post locallyUse neighborhood lost-and-found groups, Petco Love Lost, and local social channels.
Temporarily hold safelyIf safe and legal for your situation, holding the pet while searching for the owner may help avoid unnecessary shelter intake.
Found-pet script: “Hi, I found a dog/cat near [street/intersection] in Houston. The pet is [description], has [tag/no tag], and I can send photos. Should I file through Petco Love Lost, 311, or BARC intake?”
Turning in a pet to BARC: open intake, appointments and Houston resident rules
BARC’s official turn-in page says limited open intake is available for Houston residents bringing in stray animals found within city limits. Open intake is first-come, first-served and may close once shelter capacity is reached. Owned pets are redirected to the appointment scheduling system.
Do not show up assuming intake is guaranteed. BARC says intake availability may be affected by shelter capacity, city holidays, emergencies, or other circumstances. Residents may line up before intake hours, but that does not guarantee acceptance.
Day
Open intake availability listed
Important note
Sunday
Appointment only
Check BARC’s scheduling route before going.
Monday
Open intake for strays: dogs & cats only, 1 PM–3 PM
Houston residents only; first-come, first-served.
Tuesday
Closed for intake
Do not rely on Tuesday for routine intake.
Wednesday
Appointment only
Use official scheduling information.
Thursday
Closed for intake
Use alternative official instructions if urgent.
Friday
Open intake for strays: cats only, 1 PM–3 PM
Dogs are not listed for Friday open intake.
Saturday
Appointment only
Confirm before traveling.
Open intake location: BARC lists intake at 2700 Evella St., Houston, TX 77026. Open intake is limited to one pet per vehicle/household unless surrendering a litter under four months old.
BARC animal control, 311, dangerous dogs and nuisance complaints
BARC is connected to Houston animal enforcement, but the correct reporting route matters. BARC’s location page says to call 311 for general information or to report a problem, and to call 311 to report a stray dog, dangerous dog, or other animal control complaint. It also lists Houston Police Animal Control at 713-884-3131.
Stray or dangerous dogCall 311 or use the official 311 route for BARC animal control service requests.
Animal abuse, fighting or distressBARC’s location page lists Houston Police Animal Control at 713-884-3131.
Life-threatening emergencyAlways dial 911 when people or animals are in immediate danger.
Nuisance dog note: BARC says nuisance-related complaints require clear descriptions of incidents, including dates and beginning-to-end times. Keep notes before filing a complaint.
Animal bite cases and quarantine questions
BARC lists bite cases at 2700 Evella St. with posted service hours of 9 AM–12 PM and 1 PM–4 PM, seven days a week. The location page also lists a bite case/quarantine phone number.
Bite case location2700 Evella St., Houston, TX 77026
Service hours9 AM–12 PM and 1 PM–4 PM, seven days a week
EmergencyCall 911 for immediate danger or serious injury.
BARC wellness, spay/neuter, registration, TNR, foster and volunteering
BARC is not only an adoption center. The official BARC pages describe wellness services, spay/neuter access, pet registration, Trap-Neuter-Return, fostering, rescue partners, volunteering, donations, and community education.
Wellness clinicBARC lists wellness services by appointment only at 3200 Carr St.
Pet registrationBARC includes one-year City of Houston registration with adoption fees.
Adoption script: “Hi, I’m interested in adopting a pet from BARC. I saw the pet online. Can you confirm current availability, adoption hours, fee, and what I should bring today?”
Lost pet script: “Hi, my pet is missing near [location]. I have photos, microchip information, and proof of ownership. Should I visit 3200 Carr St. today and also file through Petco Love Lost?”
Found stray script: “Hi, I found a dog/cat within Houston city limits. I checked for tags and can try for a microchip scan. What is the correct BARC intake or 311 step today?”
Animal control script: “Hi, I need to report [stray dog / dangerous dog / animal distress / nuisance issue] at [exact address]. I have dates, times, photos if needed, and a description.”
BARC Animal Shelter map and arrival planning
BARC’s main shelter information lists 3200 Carr Street, Houston, TX 77026, just minutes from downtown Houston off the Eastex Freeway and the Collingsworth/Cavalcade/Kelly exit. For adoption visits specifically, BARC lists the adoption center at 3300 Carr St. Use the official service page before leaving so you go to the correct building.
Arrival tip: bring photo ID for facility entry and adoption paperwork. If you are adopting, arrive early enough for animal interaction, staff review, possible medical-team discussion, payment, registration, and transport preparation.
Going to the wrong addressAdoptions, lost pets, intake, bite cases, foster, rescue, and donations may use different BARC campus addresses.
Arriving too late for adoptionBARC says the last adoption is processed at 5 PM and the process can take 60–90 minutes.
Expecting pet holdsBARC says pets are adopted first-come, first-served and cannot be placed on hold.
Forgetting proof of addressIf your ID address is outdated, bring alternate proof such as a utility bill, lease, or insurance document.
Assuming intake is always openOpen intake is limited, first-come, first-served, Houston residents only, and may close due to capacity.
Ignoring 311 routingFor stray dogs, dangerous dogs, and animal control complaints, BARC directs users to 311.
BARC Animal Shelter FAQs
BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions is the City of Houston’s municipal animal shelter and adoption facility. It handles pet adoption, sheltering, lost pet services, animal enforcement routing, registration, wellness services, and community programs.
BARC lists adoption hours as Tuesday through Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM. Adoptions are closed on Mondays, and the last adoption is processed at 5 PM.
BARC’s main shelter information lists 3200 Carr Street, Houston, TX 77026. The adoption center is listed at 3300 Carr St., and several service functions use 2700 Evella St.
BARC’s normal adoption fees are $50 for adult dogs, $20 for adult cats, $75 for puppies, and $20 for kittens. PURRFURRED pets may have reduced fees, and veterans and active military members may receive waived fees with proof.
BARC says all pet adoptions include spay or neuter surgery, dewormer, age-appropriate vaccinations, rabies vaccination, flea prevention, microchip, and one-year City of Houston registration.
No. BARC says appointments are not needed to adopt a pet. All adoptions must be completed in person.
No. BARC says adoptions are first-come, first-served and it is unable to place holds on animals.
Report and search through Petco Love Lost, visit BARC at 3200 Carr St. from 10 AM to 5 PM seven days a week, bring proof of ownership, and search the area where your pet was lost.
BARC offers limited open intake opportunities for Houston residents bringing in stray animals found within city limits. Intake is first-come, first-served, capacity-dependent, and located at 2700 Evella St. when available.
BARC directs users to call 311 for stray dogs, dangerous dogs, and animal control complaints. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
BARC lists Bite Case / Quarantine at 832-395-9049. Bite cases are listed at 2700 Evella St. with service hours of 9 AM–12 PM and 1 PM–4 PM, seven days a week.
No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent directory guide. Use the official City of Houston BARC website for current hours, fees, intake rules, animal availability, and emergency instructions.
Emergency routing and independent-site disclaimer
Life-threatening or in-progress cruelty: call 911. Pet poisoning: call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435; a fee may apply. Crisis for the handler or owner: call or text 988. For urgent wildlife or emergency animal help, use a qualified emergency veterinarian, municipal authority, or Animal Help Now where appropriate. For non-emergency Houston animal control concerns, use the official 311 route.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent animal shelter and animal control directory. We are not BARC, not the City of Houston, not animal control, not an emergency dispatcher, not a shelter, not a humane society, not an SPCA, not a veterinarian, not a wildlife rehabilitator, not a microchip registry, not a pet poison hotline, not police, and not an attorney. Always confirm current hours, fees, policies, animal availability, intake capacity, and emergency instructions with the official organization.
Final summary
For BARC Animal Shelter in Houston, use the official BARC website before visiting. Go to 3300 Carr St. for adoptions, 3200 Carr St. for lost pets and registration, and 2700 Evella St. for specific intake, rescue, foster, donation, or bite-case services when listed. Call 832-395-9084 for shelter team questions and use 311 for animal control service requests.
USA-wide shelter helper • adoption, lost pets, found pets, surrender and animal control
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Lost Pet PlanSearch, microchip, shelter checks, flyers
Found Pet HelpSafety, scanning, reporting, holding
Visit ChecklistDocuments, call script, official links
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Important: Shelter rules vary by city, county, agency, and animal type. Always confirm hours, intake rules, fees, appointment requirements, and proof-of-ownership rules with the official shelter or animal control agency before visiting.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
0% completed
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Safety first: Do not approach an aggressive, injured, trapped, or traffic-endangered animal if doing so could put you or others at risk. Contact animal control, emergency services, or a qualified professional when needed.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
0% readiness signals checked
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Helpful reminder: Ask the shelter about pet food pantries, low-cost vet care, behavior support, temporary foster options, and safe rehoming resources before making a final decision.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Emergency warning: If there is immediate danger to a person, a serious bite, traffic hazard, or active attack, contact local emergency services or animal control according to local rules.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
USA-wideShelter user intentOfficial-source focused
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.
