Central Texas SPCA

I adopted my second cat from Central Texas SPCA. When I first went to visit their shelter, I could tell all of their animals were loved and treated well. They really care about all of their animals, and treat them as if they were their own pets. And they take extra care into making sure that their animals are adopted into loving homes where they will not be mistreated or abused. I loved how the cats were not in tiny cages, but they had ample room to play, and cat-​trees and shelves to perch on. When I decided to adopt my third cat, my fiancé and I knew Central Texas SPCA was the place we wanted to adopt from. All of the staff are very friendly and pleasant, and it is always a good experience when we visit. I am very thankful for the two cats that I adopted from them, and for the fact that they were treated with love during the time at the shelter.

Staff isn’t very friendly, my wife and I were very interested in seeing one of the puppies and the lady said no, they really need their sleep? I get it if there was 20 million people there but it was just my wife and I and it was about 20 min to close! Pretty sad considering one of those puppies could have had a home! We drove in from Austin and won’t know when we will be back.

I volunteer here, so my review may be a bit biased, but I have adopted a dog from here as well.
I decided to volunteer here because a) they were one of the closest shelters to me and b) they are no-​kill so I thought I wouldn’t be tempted to rescue any animals. So much for that.
My adoption experience here was much better than any I have ever had. They actually review the applications and will call your vet and references. They make sure your current pets are up to date on vaccinations and that you will be a good fit for the animal you are adopting. They schedule an exit interview (and meet and greet with your current dog if applicable) and go over all the animal’s vet records with you. I was even given a small bag of dog food for my new pup.
They were very honest about my dog’s past illnesses and treatments. The volunteers that were there (particularly Desiree) knew quite a bit about all of the dogs’ different personalities, which really helped me find a dog that my current dog would get along with.
It’s been a few months and my 2 dogs are still getting along well. I’m so happy to have another four-​legged family member.

After saying good-​bye to our sweet 16-​year old girl last summer and fostering kitties for another organization this winter, we finally felt ready to make a permanent addition to our family this spring. I was casually looking through
to see who was available in the Austin area and stumbled upon the most precious ginger and white fellow at Central Texas SPCA. I forwarded the listing to my husband, got the go-​ahead, and we drove up to Leander to see how he was in person.
The super-​friendly and laid-​back shelter manager Desiree welcomed us, had us sign-​in, and then directed us to the kitty side of the building. All of the cats are in surprisingly large enclosures on their own or with a buddy. They encourage you to enter the enclosures and spend time with the cat you have in mind to see if there’s a fit. We were never rushed or pressured in the slightest. Plus, while the shelter space may be a little older, it is very clean with zero smell.
Needless to say, we won the lottery of online (cat) dating and were immediately smitten with our little guy. Desiree told us all about him (they take many strays from more rural shelters that get little foot traffic), we returned the next day with completed application in hand, and then we got the call the following day — after they reviewed our application, interviewed us, and checked references (at least one neighbor and a non-​family member) — that we were approved to bring him home. He is now purring by my feet as I write this review.
We may add another feline or possibly a dog to our brood over the coming months. If so, our first stop will be Central Texas SPCA. The animals are so well-​socialized and obviously loved by the volunteers and staff. Plus, for those of you who are looking for pups, they may not have a huge selection of dogs, but they have a wide range of breeds. While we were there, we met a sweet border collie, several cute dachshund mixes, and a beautiful black lab.

This place is a great example of how a shelter/​kennel should work. This place actually takes the time out to interview you and make sure that you are «compatible» with the new family member you are taking home.
The process took about two weeks, and the staff was very nice to us. The reason why I say this place is a great example is because they take the time to do a background check on you. Whether the friend you want to take home will be able to adjust and be comfortable. I’ve noticed certain places just want to get rid of as much of their animals as possible regardless of whether or not the animal is going to a nice and fitting environment. For example: adopting out a high energy doggy/​kitty that will only get maybe thirty minutes of exercise a day, and stays home in an apartment all day while his/​her mommy/​daddy work 9−5…
Their process would help reduce numerous animals from heartbreak and having to be abandoned yet again because the person adopting has not been evaluated or been notified of what they will be handling/​responsible for.
I LOVE this place… I just wish more places would operate like this.
Oh, and they are no-​kill :)

The caring folks and CTSPCA will help match you with a dog or kitty that is the perfect fit for you and your family! They let you know as much about the pets background as they can and the staff is knowledgeable about animal behavior and very helpful with their observations. Visitors can visit with dogs on leash or in a playpen and the cats have walk in enclosures the size of small rooms! A wonderful shelter!