Austin Animal Center

We had such a wonderful experience at the Austin Animal Center! The facilities are clean and very nice. You can tell that the people who work there truly love their job and the animals they work with. I highly recommend going there! You won’t be disappointed!

If I could give a zero I would. They take in cats hold them 3 days and then send them over to the Humane Society that neuters them and then takes them back to the address of the person that took the cat to the animal center and dump it out with a cut ear and evidence of being neutered still apparent. This happened to me for those of you that do not want to believe it. This is how they call themselves a no kill facility. We adopted 2 such animals last year that showed up in our neighborhood and neither were remotely feral and could have been adopted out. No testing, no shots nothing is done just cut them and dump them. They do this with our tax dollars. Oh and by the way one of the cats that we adopted, mentioned above, is FIV positive. Animals without owners have no one to give them health care and when they get sick most will die a slow agonizing death alone without any comfort from the Austin Animal Center or the Humane Society. We give serial killers better treatment than that. This must stop.

This place is impressive just on size alone. I’ve volunteered at many animal shelters back in Illinois but they are nothing compared to the magnitude of this. The play/​meet areas are so big. They house so many animals and the best part «no kill» !!! Austin must really love their animals. Safe heavens like these are hard to come by. I also like how they keep the adoption cost low and offer microchipping for your new pet. Although the wait time is daunting the rewards are great. The animals seem calm and alert. They are let out of their cages several times a day. Give this place a try whether you want to adopt or volunteer. WARNING: under new management!!! very awful customer service and a major headache when trying to find a forever friend

We adopted the most amazing puppy at the Austin Animal Center. It took a while for him to turn up and it took some commitment, and a predawn wait to get him, but a healthy, happy puppy is now keeping us company. I am so proud to be an Austinite. The Center is a really nice resource, clean, tidy, humane and staffed with knowledgeable professionals and friendly volunteers. I don’t mind paying taxes to support this wonderful service.

I recently had to use the Austin Animal Center to quarantine my senior dog for rabies observation because he bit my kid. The whole situation was a cluster, and I felt like a criminal because I knew when animal control called, I’d have to explain that the old man hadn’t gotten vaccinated in years on the advice of his vet, due to his advanced age.
Fortunately, the animal control officer (who works at the shelter) was very caring and sympathetic. I did not feel like she was an animal cop coming after me for being a bad dog parent. She did what she could to get me to feel comfortable about leaving the pup for ten days. Although I could have left him with a vet for much more money, I left him with the Austin animal center, mostly because the officer was so helpful during the bite report process. I was pleasantly surprised at how friendly all their staff was. At the shelter, I imagined they’d be like, «ooooh, rabies risk» and keep my dog at arms length, but when we checked in the staff treated him like any vet tech treats a dog, and he got plenty of pats on the head and attention.

Great place to find a kitty.
These folks are great. Friendly and organized. They want what is best for the pets, and to get them adopted out. They don’t evangelize foolish ideas such as keeping cats strictly inside the house. We came away with a beautiful orange kitten.
Much superior to the pit bull warehouse (Austin Pets Alive) by the lake on Cesar Chavez. That is a great place if you need to work on your animal karma by taking an unwanted dog for a walk. It is a good place to get some strong attitude from an animal rescuer, and bond with them if that’s your thing. But if you want to adopt a cat, especially a kitten, the selection and atmosphere is a lot better at Levander Loop!

Austin’s NO KILL SHELTER is a LIE!
I just learned that Austin Animal Center (the «No Kill» shelter for Travis County) is pulling the wool over our eyes.
They advertise themselves & boast that they are a NO KILL shelter.
In actuality for CATS, what they do is:
Take in stray CATS, hold them for 3 days & if no one claims the cat, AAC TRANSFERS the animal to Austin Humane Society who have a TRAP, NEUTER/​SPAY, RELEASE policy for these transferees .
So no, AAC doesn’t KILL them, they transfer these *HOUSECATS* out to be RELEASED BACK INTO the STREETS to FEND FOR THEMSELVES!!!
Please tell me how this is OK!?!
Please SHARE THIS with EVERYONE in AUSTIN!!! This cannot continue!
PROOF!
***This is DIRECTLY FROM THE AAC WEBSITE!: PRIORITY LIST :
Stray Cat Relocation
Relocate stray cats back in to the community
from where they came, after spaying or
neutering them. The City will work with
community stakeholders to develop related
procedures and protocols to address this item.
Need MORE PROOF? Follow the LINKS in the «NO KILL PLAN» under Reports & Documents. (It won’t allow a copy/​paste)

Terrible Customer Service and an all-​around negative experience.
I’ve been here several times to adopt a dog (still not dog). I did not want to go through a breeder or a puppy meal and made a conscience effort to adopt from a rescue despite knowing that it would not be as convenient. The customer service skills of the employees leaves a lot to be desired. I understand it is probably not the most pleasant occupation but it doesn’t hurt to fake a smile and a good mood.
After checking online daily to find the perfect dog I finally found the one. I called several times and was waiting on hold, then having to leave a message. When I finally got a call back the woman I spoke to told me the dog that I was interested in was available but that they could not hold the dog because they have a first come first serve policy. She told me that several people had called and were interested. She insinuated that if I didn’t come soon that the dog would be adopted to someone else. So I left work early to get to the shelter to get this precious dog. When I get there the woman, who was generally unpleasant, then tells me that this dog is only adoptable with another dog that she was bonded with. «WHAT?!?» No one told me prior to this that if I wanted this dog I would have to adopt two dogs. That is a big deal and something someone probably should have mentioned on the phone before I left work early and drove across town.
Still I get soft and I think about it and I ask to see both of these dogs. The customer service woman then tells me that I wont be able to see them until 5pm. This is about 4:30, so that is a little frustrating because she didn’t mention that a half hour before on the phone when she was all but telling me to jump in my car and get there as fast as I could. But wait, she then tells me that for some reason the shelter is closing at 5pm that day instead of at 7pm when it should. Sensing my unhappiness she radioed somebody and they said I could go back and see the dogs, So another worker comes and tells me to follow her which I did through some kennels and then she tells me that she has to do something else but points to a building and tells me the dogs are in one of the kennels in that building. So I walk by myself through these kennels to the place where these dogs are suppose to be and they’re not there. The dogs are no where around. I turn around to walk back to the lobby, not really knowing the way, and on my way back I run into someone else who is working at the shelter and he has the two dogs. So I get to spend a few minutes with them and decide I would take the one but I cant take them both.
I walk back to the now deserted lobby and the customer service woman is still there. She literally give me this look like «Why are you still here?» I talk to her about the adoption process and she cuts me off saying that there is no way I would be able to do that today because they’re closing early and that if I did want the dogs that I would have to come early the next morning because there is no way they could hold them for me. I thanked her for her time, turned around, and left (It’s not like I have a job that prevents met from being there when their doors open the next day).
All of this after other attempts at adopting when the website said a dog was available but when getting to the shelter the dog had already been adopted and the site wasn’t updated. Or seeing a dog but that dog not being available even though its listed online.

I just acquired the best alarm clock about 1 month ago from here.
The boyfriend felt that we were in a situation to get a dog: I could be home to get the dog acclimated and train it — all the fun stuff. I started scouring the Austin pet webs for cattle dogs. There was one at AAC and when I finally decided that it was a good day to see the dog, he had already been adopted and left that day — bummer. I went around to look at some other dogs and then I came across this handsome fella who was not available for adoption yet. I took down his pet ID number and monitored until he was available.
First day he was available, I came and his kennel area was corded off. I was able to talk to the front desk and they told me that he should be available — they gave me a sticker with permission to see him. Well, I was smitten, but the boyfriend had to meet the dog before we went forward with anything.
To put a hold on a dog, you have to fill out the adoption application first, then they have a hold on them until the end of the day. Unfortunately, we couldn’t see the dog later that day, but at the suggestion of one of the people I talked to, I came at the beginning of the next day and placed another hold — and yep, I got mildly scolded for it, but the lady also did tell me that I had until 7pm to decide that day and no more holds after that. Well, this time we were able to come back and we got our boy!
That aside, the facility itself is lovely. The only other time I adopted a dog was from AAC when they were at TLAC. The kennels are a decent size with indoor areas that protect the dogs from the elements.
When it comes to browsing dogs, definitely take note of their animal ID# — it makes it easier to monitor the animal, like when they’re off stray hold.
It’s easiest to talk to someone, like an adoption counselor, if you go on a weekday morning. I know that’s not possible for everyone, but that is their down time.
Their dial in wait line is convenient, but if you’re there and you see a lot of people, call in immediately. Our estimated 23 minute wait turned into 45 minutes. Even when you’re coming in just to pick up a dog — call way in advance since I thought calling 15 minutes in advance of arriving at AAC was enough time — nope, we got there around 6pm and stayed for an hour waiting to pick up our dog. It’s easier to call in advance and «step out of line» than it is to find a dog you like and then call and wait 1.5 hours.
Overall, for me, great working facility and the cons are more minor annoyances than major grievances.

I’ll start with saying that we have adopted a wonderful kitty that has made our lives all the more special. He really is a necessary glue that holds us together and I can’t imagine life before him.
I also want to give the officers that work out of the east Austin location are seriously awesome. I was bitten in the face during the beginning of this summer by a Saint Bernard and I felt so much help and support from all of the employees in the building. Dave Ackerman was especially helpful, and I hope he knows how much I appreciate him.
The volunteers are helpful, dedicated, loving and very sweet. I do wish they would be better about answering the phones though.
My boyfriend and I like to go here for free dates to play with the animals and walk around the grounds because it is basically a really great park as well! Who knows, maybe we’ll find the next addition to our home sometime soon.

«No Holds» they said. Every person you talk to will give you a different answer.
I drove down to look at animals, and found 3 that we were interested in. All 3 were in their initial intake period-​which the website makes no mention of. The lost dogs are unavailable until they reach day 4, to give owner’s the chance to find them. That is wonderful, no issue there.
I do think they could have put something on those dog’s kennels indicating that they weren’t available. This way, time wouldn’t be wasted in line to talk to a «customer service rep.» The dog we wanted would be available Friday. We weren’t able to interact with him until Friday for liability purposes.
The story gets worse. I was told NO HOLDS. I called Thursday evening to see if he was still there and was going to go first thing Friday to meet/​adopt him, as I was told to do…
They already had confirmed placement. They HOLD the dogs for their affiliated rescue centers to get first dibs. I was told this directly by the rep who answered the phone. The owner wasn’t found, but it didn’t matter if I showed up at opening on the day he would be available– because they already put a hold on him. Another words pure-​bred, young, healthy dogs are promised to rescue centers to sell for more money, before the owner’s initial period is even over.
Shady, and absurd.

Overall, I think this is a good city service that is doing the best they can with the resources they have. Unfortunately, I had an insensitive and brusque employee that brought me to tears in an already emotionally stressful situation.

In the arms of the angel…
Nope! It’s not that depressing here! AAC is a remarkable facility that’s well maintained and has a great staff! It’s always busy on the weekends. A few hours after my allergy medicine kicks in, I can’t wait to go let some puppies and kittens! I also like to take some of the dogs out to play. I can’t adopt an animal yet, but I do love going to pay these little dudes some attention.
If you’re wanting to help keep Austin no kill, hit it up here and get some wonderful animals.

There are pros and cons to all these types of places. The «line» process is a bit dated and depending on the day, some experiences are more successful than others. Overall, I think the shelter does a better job than most.
One thing I feel like I have to clarify (based on the reviews below) is the misconception of a «no-​kill» shelter. I, for one, didn’t fully understand it in the beginning either.
«No-​kill shelter» DOES NOT mean that they don’t not euthanize any animals. What the label really means is that it euthanizes 10% or less of their population. Bringing an animal to a «no-​kill» shelter will not guarantee their life.
Though I cannot speak for the process and decision, I do think (and hope) that Austin is doing its best to keep all the healthy and/​or adoptable pets alive. A staggering 3 in 4 animals are still getting euthanized in shelters around the U.S. every year and an estimated 2.7 million of them are healthy and adoptable. If those numbers upset you, I encourage everyone here channel those feelings into something positive. Volunteer, donate (monetary or items), or if your able, adopt and rescue! We can’t save them all — but together we can try!

Unfortunately these people are incompetent and unorganized. I was ready to adopt but needed to do rent agreement with landlord. They told me no i cannot reserve the dog.
I came back first thing next day and they told me she had been reserved for another family yesterday. I told them I was told reservations weren’t provided. I was offered no recourse for their incompetency.
Just be careful with who you talk to and what you are told as they aren’t the brightest crayons.

I went to an informational meeting about walking AAC dogs, and I’ve made weekly visits to walk a couple of dogs. It’s great that they allow the public to come in and walk the dogs. I find it very relaxing after a day at work. My next step is to register as a volunteer.

I am a very very very picky person. Call me selfish, but I made sure that any potential dog that I adopt are not sick. The people in AAC Were nice and informative. I was so close to adopting a dog that really wasn’t for me, but the staff told me that they didn’t think he was suitable for a college student like me and boy was I glad that I listen to them. I ended up finding a very calm and lovable dog who really was like a cat. I am glad I came here and he was $ 25. I am fortunate enough to care for a dog yet alone spoil him, but I am pretty cheap. I do love AAC annual free rabies and I tend to go to that as well. Overall I think the people who complain just got unlucky with their dog and it ended up dying or was sick. I don’t think it’s all AAC fault, just be careful when picking these dogs out. It’s really a gamble and I got lucky.

This place SUCKS. What should be a very simple process (APA seems to have gotten it right), is convoluted and down right infuriating.
If you’re lucky enough to find an employee, they’ll just tell you to call a phone number where you will have to sit through an automated system. The system will estimate a 15min wait time but realistically you will wait 45min to an hour. When your appointment finally arrives, you will go to a numbered desk at the front where they will ask you for the animal ID numbers. Although the slip with the phone number lists 4 slots for animal ID’s, you will be told you are only allowed to visit 2 animals at a time. If your meet and greet with said animals does not result in an immediate connection and you would like to check out other possible pets, you must then CALL THE AUTOMATED SYSTEM AGAIN AND SCHEDULE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT.
So basically, in the 1.5hrs I was there, I spent about 5 – 7 minutes meeting 2 animals. At Austin Pets Alive, I pet and played with 20 animals in an hour.
Hey Austin Animal Shelter, 1999 called and they want their outdated system back. How can you sit there and say you’re trying to help animals find homes when you’re drowning your customers in bureaucratic BS? Do everyone a favor and learn how to streamline your business. There are lives at stake here.

I wish like hell they were a no-​kill shelter, but lots of very nice people here all doing the best they can with the resources they have. Beautiful, well-​staffed facility that is, sadly, almost always at or over capacity.
The foster process is incredibly quick and easy, typically a little easier and less time consuming than a formal adoption, and easier than APA’s foster process. If you’re not ready for or not in a position to make a life-​time commitment to a pet but you want to help, please consider fostering. Even a couple of weeks can save an animal’s life and give them a second chance.
A society may be judged by the way they treat their poor, their elderly, and their pets. Let us be judged kindly.

I came here for a sweet, white Havanese dog, but she had already been adopted by the time I got there. Dogs here move surprisingly quickly, which is a good thing!
All the animals I saw were well taken care of– many volunteers were selflessly and wonderfully helping them. In fact, one volunteer asked us what kind of dog we were looking for and gave us helpful information on the dogs she had walked. When I had questions, the staff were incredibly helpful. Ultimately, I adopted my sweet little Norfolk/​Yorkie Terrier Mix and I’ve never been happier! I got Dolly on the day she had gotten her spaying surgery, and it healed up just fine.