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There are certain things you should already have on hand before you bring home a cat or dog. Please read our Pet Care page before filling out an adoption application. Any one may adopt from our shelter, but we do not ship animals and we require that you come down to the shelter and spend some time with the pet you like before formally adopting. Pets will be spayed or neutered before being released to the new owners.

We frequently get calls asking if a specific breed of pet is available. We have so many pets coming in daily, that we do not have staff time to keep track of special requests. Our suggestion is to check our website daily, since the animal listings are updated daily. Please do not call us asking for a specific type of pet. Check the website often, or just come down and look.

To adopt a pet, you must be an adult and have a legal form of ID (a driver's license will do) and fill out an adoption form in person. For certain animals (e.g. pitbulls), you must consent to a premises inspection, wo we can make sure the pet will be going to an appropriate place.

The City of Brownwood permits a maximum of four dogs and catsper home, with few exceptions. We do not adopt to people who own four or more pets because it is illegal to do so. If you have more pets than this on your premise, be prepared to face legal consequences. We will not be held responsible for those who adopt more pets than they are legally allowed to have. If you rent, you must have your landlord's permission and a proof of pet-deposit to adopt from our shelter! It is heartbreaking to see a pet leave only to be brought back days later because "my landlord caught me." This will not be tolerated.

Families with small children must get approval from the Animal Services Managerbefore adopting small pets, and are not generally permitted to adopt kittens or puppies under four months of age with few exceptions.

After finding a pet that you would like to adopt, you will fill out an adoption application and staff will discuss questions, concerns, and what you should expect with your new pet. After you are approved, you can take your new pet home the same day if it is fixed, or within (usually) two business days if it needs to go to the veterinarian. You can choose your own veterinarian here in Brownwood, TX, or we can help you pick a vet that's right for you.

If your new pet doesn't work out, don't despair. Finding a pet that's right for you isn't always easy. While we don't offer refunds, we encourage pre-adoption trials, and we are happy to help you find ways to resolve any issues you have with your new pet.

Trial periods are encouraged before formal adoptions. A trial period lets you take your pet for a "try-out" at your home to see how it gets along in your house, with your other pets, and with your family members. Trials usually last twenty-four hours, but exceptions can be made in some circumstances. If you are hesitant at all about whether the pet you've chosen is the right one for you, ask for a trial!

Animals may not be adopted as gifts, no exceptions. It has been our experience that animals given as gifts to children, spouses, or friends have a nearly-100% return rate, and if you note on your application that the adoption is a gift, your application will be denied. If you adopt a pet for a child, you must do so with the understanding that you, the adult, are responsible for taking care of the animal! Please do not use a living creature that is not yourself to teach your child "life lessons."

Understand that no matter what, approval for adoptions is at the sole discretion of the staff. Thus, please ask staff your questions, tell them your concerns, and above all else, be honest on your application.