I had an excellent experience adopting my cat Macaroni from AHS. Very easy to get signed in, look at cats, and find the perfect friend for you! The staff was super helpful and extremely giving (we forgot a carrier and they gave us one for free + a blanket). I'd highly recommend for adoptions/fostering. These cuties need a good home! It was $85 for my 3 year old cat read more

See all

I volunteer here once a week and I love it. This organization relies heavily on volunteers. The staff is helpful and seem to really care for the animals. They also host some fun events. I can't wait to go to the Puppy Bowl coming up next week! read more

See all

Stopped in to drop off food, litter and other cat items with the recent passing of my own. Easy to do, just bring inside and drop off. I went in first to inquire and dis have to walk over to someone for verification. Upon leaving the staff said the renal food is great as there is a 19 yr old that can use it. read more

Austin Humane Society - Animal Shelters Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

We stopped by in the hopes of taking a friend home but alas, it wasn't our day. However, there are so many deserving dogs and cats available for adoption. I wish I had a huge house to take them all in. The staff were extremely helpful and kind. read more

Austin Humane Society - Animal Shelters Near Me - Austin, Texas

We came as a walk-in. We were greeted pretty quickly on a busy weekend. Parking - free; right outside the business; right off the freeway Service - friendly, quick, knowledgeable. We were able to quickly meet our new kitten in a private room. He was a bit stinky as he was literally just added into the shelter and was hiding in the litterbox. We were able to adopt him by filling out some paperwork and a fee, and we picked him up a few days later once they completed his shots. Everything was organized and easy. Communication was clear as well. We tried a different shelter, I won't name it, but the other one was a mess. I was surprised at the cleanliness and efficiency here. The employees also genuinely love these fur babies and it makes a difference throughout everything. read more

See all

I had such a great experience with the Austin Humane Society adopting my first rescue pup! When my senior dog, Oreo passed away 6 months ago, I always knew my husband and I would adopt a rescue when the time was right. Prior to coming to AHS, I went online to see which puppies were available and luckily this puppy I had my eye on was still there when I came in person. Both him and the girl puppies were all so adorable and I couldn't make up my mind, so I got to spend a few minutes with each one, and the boy pup that I had my eye on from the start ending up being the one we adopted, so it worked out so well and I knew it was meant to be. The process from start to finish was fairly easy, and the staff were friendly and welcoming which made the process so easy for us. (Shout-out to Kat and another employee that helped us out) We also paid a small fee of $125 which is so worth the value (and more) since you get the following included: Current vaccinations spay /neuter surgery microchip and chip registration deworming heartworm test basic life skills training for dogs socialization a bag of goodies of dog food sample, snacks, vitamins, leash, vitamins, etc local pet store & service discounts We've had our pup for 2 weeks now, and our hearts are full! Adopting is the way to go :) read more

Austin Humane Society - Animal Shelters Near Me - Austin, Texas

I brought in some of my dad's community cats he takes care of to get fixed since he had noticed some older male cats hanging out in his little colony of cats. Unfortunately upon bringing them one of them (the one my dad was the closest with and we wanted to keep) was put up for adoption and adopted out. We never gave them permission to have them adopted out and repeatedly told them we wanted the cats back. After going back and forth a few times we were told they would reach out to the family that adopted our cat and see if we could have her back but have yet to hear back. Understand our desperation, we want our cat back. If anyone knows where she is we just want her back. She was given the name Winter at the shelter. We were told a family adopted her but no other information was given. Attached is a picture of when she first showed up to our property. She was a feral kitten, and we were told they put her up for adoption because she was friendly and she was (only with my dad) but we would of loved to keep her and transition her inside but again were never given the option. We have tried posting everywhere and don't know what else to do, please if you happen to have this cat please contact that shelter to put us in contact we want her back! She was bonded with other cats and unfortunately her pair is not eating and goes days without coming. I know the family she is with must be nice but she had a life with us too. If anyone knows anything I've posted all over social media looking for her please contact the shelter or me. read more

Austin Humane Society - Animal Shelters Near Me - Austin, Texas

I have had 2 bad experiences at this place with nasty employee that attempt to make people feel uncomfortable trying to lecture people about their ridiculous rules and regulations! Typical Austin jackasses! Today I drove from very far away to drop off 3 large trash bags full of blankets and towels for the animals but because it wasn't during their visiting hours they proceeded to lecture me about their visiting times. When I told the young woman I wasn't visiting or looking for a pet and just dropping off she became more determine to lecture me about their rules and how I was able to get into the building. I was let in by an employee that apparently didn't seem to mind me dropping off supplies. Customer service and image should be very important to The Humane Society because I just left angry and shocked to be treated like this in an organization that begs for money and volunteers. I would never come here again and I do not have good vibes from these persnickety people that would probably not be able to work in the corporate world because they probably won't belong working along normal, rational people. If you want to donate to this place don't allow anyone to mistreat you. You are better than that and should be treated better. Try another organization that will reward your desire to work with animals. Try the SPCA! read more

This place has some pretty shady adopting practices. I got three different explanations on how they don't hold animals for people. But sure is funny when I was in there yesterday and wanted to purchase a kitten you had. All of a sudden the kitten has 2 holds on it. When I was just told it's a first come, first serve basis. So that statement right there was a lie. It seems like to me that you save cats and or kittens for certain people. Then you just tell people someone has already put this animal on hold. None of you know what's going on and I would never step foot in that location again period. I'll drive out the city if I have to next time but I would never recommend this location to anyone. read more

Staff: Very friendly and helpful staff. Location: If it's your first time here, the entrance is along W Anderson Lane. There's also an entrance on Georgian Drive, but if you're there for inquiries or need the reception area, use the front entrance. Service: They assisted me with renting traps for SNR, making the process smooth and easy. Overall: A positive experience with knowledgeable and supportive staff. read more

One of the best spots in Austin to come and adopt a forever friend. They have plenty of parking in the front and in the back. read more

Austin Humane Society - Entrance - Animal Shelters Near Me - Austin, Texas

I like to come here and donate old dog clothes and blankets. Afterward, I usually walk to the back and visit the puppies. The puppies are pretty cute and the floors are usually clean to walk around. read more

Staff is very kind and helpful! I adopted two sweet kittens from this shelter and received a lot of support and free goodies to help with their acclimation. I strongly recommend this shelter if you want to adopt! A lot more personable than some other shelters with a staff who clearly loves the animals they care for :) read more

Austin Humane Society - Soko and Simi, the torties! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Austin, Texas

I got my sweet boy Duke here (formally known as kinkos)... my best friend. I'm so happy I found my dog-soulmate. He came neutered, chipped, and up to date with his shots,as well as already gone through heart worm treatment (even though he wasn't showing any signs of heart worn! They did it just in case) he was trained so easy! And refuses to run away from me. He's by my side 24/7. He's my true best friend. read more

See all

They murdered my rescue kitten. I really regret taking the kitten to the Austin Humane society. It has resulted in her death in a heartbreaking episode. I nursed her back to health from having 3 types of worms. I contacted Austin Humane society and they said bring her in, to see when she'd be ready for adoption. She'd only been healthy 3 days. They said she was ready to be adopted. I told them I was happy to foster at least another week. They told me she met the weight requirements for adoption and I needed to leave her. I found out they spayed her 2 days later, and failed to give her enough oxygen in the aftercare. She had brain damage and was blind. I offered to adopt her immediately. And changed all my plans in order to. The surgery was on Friday. On Monday they told told me she was having seizures. Tuesday, they euthanized her. I went to the vet in order to see her. The vet wouldn't speak to me as I wasn't the owner. I saw the kitten briefly and was told by the nurse to leave. I wanted to be with her when they euthanized her but the humane society didn't pick up the phone in order to give permission to do that. The nurse then called the police on me and I was escorted off the premises by the police. I regret ever stepping foot in Austin humane society. I dropped off a gorgeous tiny kitten, too young for spay and only just healthy. Go with Austin Pets Alive if you can. Don't trust these organizations. I'm trying to understand why Austin humane society are considered a no kill shelter. When their own statistics show they euthanize cats all the time. http://www.austinhumanesociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2016%20Animal%20Statistics.pdf 78 cats are euthanized a year. 74 cats died or lost in shelter care. Only 17 cats enter Unhealthy & Untreatable. The rest are healthy or treatable. So they kill 135 cats her year through euthanasia because of their negligence or they just die. While saying they are a no kill shelter. read more

See all

I adopted my baby kitty from Austin Humane Society in December 2022. I saw her and knew she was the one! She is so sweet and perfect. I am obsessed lol! The woman who was helping me was great, and let me know Autumn (previously Aspire) needed to be spayed. I picked her up the next day and we've been attached to each other since. read more

Austin Humane Society - My sweet baby kitty. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Austin Humane Society is a very special place to me and some of my favorite pawed pals from my friends. I adopted my sweet Oreo the cat and Felix the dog in 2016 and 2020, respectively. They have lit up my life, and I'm so glad AHS brought us together. read more

See all

They were helpful and very nice. I'll never forget the rep who helped me. Her name was Cat, maybe spelled Kat? She was so courteous and helped me call Uber and helped me get into my ride with them. Austin Animal Center didn't go out of their way at all to help me except to give me heartache that I'm still suffering from. Thank you Kat. Your kindness will always be remembered. REMEMBERED... There should be more people like you in the world . I appreciate you. Linda Szymanski & my dog ***** read more

REVIEW UPDATE: sarah hammel from ahs sent me an email today explaining everything that happened. it's a lot of information that i don't need to include here, but know the pup is in safe hands with her owner. i never expected to receive the level of kindness and thoughtfulness. it truly turned my day around and while im still heartbroken, i am thankful she is somewhere safe. read more

First of all they wouldn't let us adopt 2 Animals at once Then they wouldn't let us adopt this super adorable doggo because we have a cat at home. She said it'd be detrimental to him if we brought him back, even though he has been returned twice already. To mention, he didn't have any food in his bowl or water either. Go somewhere else, support another company. Terrible people with terrible energy. read more

Talked crap about me behind a window while I was surrendering my cats because of a painful life situation. They were like my children.

I adopted Spencer 3-4 years ago, the process was quick and easy. I didn't mind to pay $100 fee or donation. my baby is beautiful and healthy read more

See all

Came here to look for a new forever pet but left disappointed. The cat location is very clean if a bit sparse on cats to check out. There are some rooms to visit with the cats. Unfortunately the dog section was not clean. When walking in the door we were met with the stench of dirty cages. Animals defecating on blankets that hadn't been washed for a while. We turned around and left. Good to look for cars here but dogs not so much. Parking was crowded. read more

Austin Humane saved my life! Who rescued who, you know? Leo; the sweetest, bestest, smiliest, sensitivist, loviest puppo on the planet found us here. He had been unadopted or fostered for almost 6 months! He was a Hurricane Harvey survivor and ended up without a home like so many thousands of other animals. "He looks a little mean," says my wife, trying to convince me... "but I know it, I just know it, he's the one!" I've never questioned my wife's intuition before, so why start now? "Alright, let's go see him!" She jumped in my arms, kissed me on the cheek, and we hopped in the car. When we arrived, Cameron greeted us and made us feel so worthy and welcome. You can always tell when someone is working because they want to or have to. She wants to and it shows in all of her efforts. We entered the back room to a roar of growls and barks. This is a mad-house, I thought. All the chaos and amplified energy ricocheted off the stone walls and pulled my vision toward one lowly kennel. Leo. There he was. I didn't need to see a name or catch my wife's pointing finger; we connected immediately. Now, I'm a cat guy; I prefer the indifferent treatment you get from a feline. Nothing too needy, never any sign that you're appreciated openly. It's a soul connection with a cat. You feel their appreciation on a deep level. I always saw dogs as pushovers, I suppose, readily throwing their love around like a stick at the park. There's no challenge there. This big, little boy sat there. Looking up at me, showing no sign of anything except confusion and sadness. He pierced me. I looked at him, he at me, and we exchanged only glances and energy. I felt his presence as I would a cat; skeptical, yet curious. Afraid of the ledge, but willing to peek over. "Let's take him for a walk." I said to one of the volunteers. "Oh, you're just gonna love him. I can't wait for you to love him!" my wife cheered. She has a knack for these things. We got him outside, he rolled in the grass, lifted his leg and let a little pee fly, and pulled the corners of his mouth up and back toward his eyes in a manner of saying "hey, maybe this can work!" I didn't want to postpone our progress. My wife and I sat down, discussed the obvious, and not so obvious, challenges that come with having not only a dog, but a rescue pup. We looked at each other, knew we were game, and got the process underway. He got his forever home that day, and we never looked back. It was tough for a few weeks, but his rehabilitation is going fantastically and it looks like he's going to have a rewarding and epic life traveling with us. Our souls have collided and made apparent in each of us that which was hidden before; we've dismantled the portrait and witness ourselves through the eyes of pure unconditionality. Thank you Austin Humane for taking such great care of our boy and providing this world with a most necessary service. read more

See all

Got my sweet girl from here who I love dearly, most adorable cat ever. However the humans at this business are awful. Poor customer service and were little to no help at all during the adoption process or foster week. Really unfortunate that these are the people at the face of an important cause. I would not give up my cat for anything and I'm glad to have her, but anyone looking to adopt should just go to APA. Much better process there along with great workers. read more

Austin Humane Society - My sweet cuddly girl - Animal Shelters Near Me - Austin, Texas

Today I went to the austin humane society and had AMAZING customer service. I adopted the pet I was searching for today! The ladies in there we're absolutely amazing and helpful towards me! Ten out of ten I do recommend this place they we're very welcoming and informed me of everything I need to know. A big thank you to these staff members!!!! read more

Austin Humane Society - Animal Shelters Near Me - Austin, Texas

I adopted a dog from Austin Humane Society when they made the big adoption promotion and partnership with Austin Pets Alive and the Austin Animal Center. Beware that they probably inflated their numbers because I haven't even been able to take my dog home yet. I adopted last Friday, and I'm still waiting for a call on her status. No updates, no communication. When we adopted the dog on Friday, I was told by two adoption counselors that she would be available to pick up on Monday because she still needed to be spayed. I stopped in on Monday to inquire on my dog's status, and she had not even been spayed yet. I asked when she would have the spay surgery and they apparently don't schedule them. They "get to them when they can." I was told my dog "might be available Friday, or it could be any day in between." It is now the next Friday and I haven't heard a word. I knew I couldn't take her home until she was spayed, but this is getting ridiculous. I don't know how a working adult is supposed to try and keep their schedule available to pick up their animal with such a non-existent timeline. I am also pretty upset because this promotion was supposed to get the animals out of the shelters by the 4th of July. Well my dog, and who knows how many others, were stuck in the shelter during the fireworks, and we all know how much dogs love that. I stand by the mission of the humane society. I believe in this work, and I understand that this is a non-profit. But non-profit work does not have to be without any organization or any communication. read more

Found a beautiful dog that came home with me a German Shepherd brown and black has become my best friend he's gorgeous I just love him I was very lucky to find him already spoilt but who cares he's my boy read more

Austin Humane Society - Thor in his man cave - Animal Shelters Near Me - Austin, Texas

When my boyfriend agreed that we could get a third cat, I was not too keen to return to Austin Pets Alive, where our experience adopting a dog left a lot to be desired. Luckily, Austin Humane Society is a lot closer to us, so it was an easy choice to come here to adopt our new furry friend. I had been sending John links to cats I thought would be a good fit with our preexisting pets and one day we decided to go just to look. John really liked this one little black kitten named Sansa. We asked if we could play with her and that was no problem, all we had to do was fill out an application first. THANK YOU, Austin Humane Society, for having us fill out an application to make sure we would be responsible pet owners BEFORE letting us play with any cats. Unlike at Austin Pets Alive, where no one even looked at our application, I'm glad that you guys take it seriously and you want to make sure we would be responsible enough to have a pet. If you don't want to fill out an application just yet, they do have a few "cat rooms" that anyone is welcome to enter and play with the cats in the room. If you want to play with a cat that is not in one of these cat rooms, then you will have to fill out an application first. It doesn't take very long and they just want to ensure that any cat is being placed in a good home. I fully support that decision. (And even if you don't adopt that day, it doesn't hurt to have the application filled out if you change your mind in the future!) After going through the application, we were taken to a private little room where we could play with Sansa. Remember how we came just to look? Yeah, John fell in love with that goofy little kitten. I begged John to let us take home an older cat, because kittens always get snatched up, but his mind was made up. Sansa was coming home with us. Mind you, I'm not complaining. That rambunctious little kitten has a wild personality all her own. She loves to play, she gets along with the dog, she loves to cuddle, and her silly antics are a delight to all who witness them. Did I mention she loves to cuddle? That silly little cat likes to sleep on your head and neck and, no matter how many times you move her, she will not be deterred. What a goof. She is an absolute delight and a wonderful addition to our home. I'm so glad we adopted her and that we get to love and spoil her for the rest of her life. I'm thankful that the Humane Society made the process of adopting her easy and straightforward. I am so relieved that they actually went over our application - not that I had any concerns about not being allowed to adopt, but because that means that they really do look at them and discuss having pets with each potential adopter. It helps to ensure that pets really do go to the best homes and that everyone, including the pet, is happy with the decision. I couldn't have been happier with our decision to adopt from the Humane Society and I am so thrilled that I get to see little Luna beans grow up and become the adoring cat she is. (We named her Luna and somehow beans became her nickname. It's silly, but she responds to both!) If you're looking for a furry addition to your family, I can't recommend the Austin Humane Society highly enough. If you're feeling charitable, I know they would be forever grateful if you donated to help them help more pets. Thank you, Humane Society, from our family and little Luna. All of your hard work is greatly appreciated and you are all doing a wonderful job! read more

Austin Humane Society - The newest member of my furry family! Meet Luna! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Austin, Texas

The kitten in my photo was given away when we had a 24 hour hold on her. We didn't take her the night we met her because we were told they were closing and there wasn't time. But they said she was ours, guaranteed. We showed up the next day and she was gone. Awful. read more

Austin Humane Society - This kitten was given away when we had a 24 hour hold on her. See the review for more... Awful. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Austin, Texas

I have two kids at home. That is, two rescued felines that have been with us for over two years and whenever I'm away from home I need my furry child fix any way I can get it. We drove by Austin Humane Society and had to stop in. It was really great! All of the staff are very welcoming, loving to all of the kids, and visitors. They allowed us to visit with all of the cats and dogs for as long as we wanted. They answered all of our questions and let us talk to them about our little ones waiting for us at home. Most of these guys and dolls have been rescued from homes or surrendered by their owners for whatever reason. They work hard to rescue from another shelter that has a kill policy and both have really high adoption rates. You can tell when visiting that these felines are domestic. They are extra loving, looking for that human affection, and very playful. The pooches are awesome, too! We met with all of them and each has a really great personality. I was surprised to see how many pups were still waiting to be adopted. They're usually the first to go, but here I was looking at about a dozen maybe even more. All of the kids seemed very happy and enjoying their time here. It's surrounded by green area and we sat and watched while many of the dogs were on their daily walks. They have plenty of space here to run around and enjoy the sun! read more

Austin Humane Society - black lab pups! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Austin, Texas

I want to start by thanking the family that fostered Cali (formerly Callie). Five stars to you. She is great with my four year old son, my pit bull/coonhound mix, and my twelve year old cat. She is the perfect addition to our family and I'm positive that her foster family played a key role in her quirky yet calm and sweet personality. Big thanks to you- whoever you are. We will continue to take great care of her, just like you did. Also thank you to the Human Society for taking care of sweet animals like Cali that are just looking for someone to love them. Even Patches the cat needs lovin' too. Go up there and see her and all the other animals and you'll see what I mean. read more

See all

Deceiving staff members lying before adapting the cat, then, at time to got the cat and after signing the contract and paying them the fee, and making generous ($100 Donation) I found everything they said they have done to the cat about her NECESSARY vaccines or the IMPORTANT health test information are false and fraud. on March 2020, Before adopting the cat (that they said she is 6 month old her name Vixen) I asked the Adoption Supervisor, is this cat tested NEGATIVE for FIV? She strongly confirmed: (YES OF- COURSE). I said: (because I have healthy cat at home and I must be sure the new cat or kitten is already tested Negative for FIV and leukemia) she responded: (We - ALWAYS -test them before giving them to adoption). I said is she given The the necessary Shots such FVRCP, and FeLV Shots?) again she confirmed: (YES ALL THOSE Tests and Shots were given to her; Vixen the cat you will adopt had already received FeLV leukemia shot, FVRCP shot, given Revolution flea prevention shots and tested NEGATIVE for FIV and FeLV Leukemia, so she is ready to go for Adoption.) and set time for me to pick her up. Believing and honoring what this (Adoption Supervisor at Austin Humane Society in Austin Texas) saying is true, I gave two donations of ($50 twice for total $100.00) to Austin Humane Society) in addition to what I would have to pay them for Cat adoption fee; But when I arrived to got the cat, from my car, and over the phone, she took the payment for the Adoption fees and said your cat will be in a cartoon box outside our building.) I said I need her vaccination information, as you said, (she was tested Negative for FIV and Negative for leukemia and given her necessary shots for FVRCP, and leukemia; those informations should be stated with their Date she received them.) her response, (I will email them to you once I receive her adoption fee and you sign the contract.) so I did. But after signing the contract and making the payment over the phone, all what I received is the rabies shot! And NOTHING else whatsoever - NOTHING about the cat FIV/FELV leukemia tests; NOTHING about FVRCP Vaccine Or FeLV Vaccine Not even Flea shot to prevent fleas contamination into my home and to my cat that I have already had in my home!! Again I called from my car, reminding her that The health information shots that she sent me has nothing more than the Rabies shot, why?) she said I will place her health Vaccines and tests with the cat outside the door and she got outside AHS's door, with insulting aggressive gestures pointing to the floor where she placed the cat in cartoon box 15 feet away from AHS door, and quickly left locking the door behind her. Of course, nothing was placed with the cat about her health vaccines or test, but ONLY small bag of 99 cents Cat dry food left on floor out beside the cat!!! Those rude unprofessional paid staff members at Austin human society Adoption Supervisor do concern first about lies to impress you to get your generous donation, and, honesty or faith, has no value to them. read more

I got my little Ricky Bobby from this spot and it was a quick, hassle free adoption. They have a web page with pictures of most of the animals that are there for adoption and that makes it super easy to decide. You can choose to go look at any from the website and even have some alone time in a private type of little booth. Once you decide on the new member of your family, you will fill out the paperwork, pay your fee and donation if you decide to give more and off you go. They will give you a new adoption packet with good info including a voucher for a free $25 (up to) of food from a local pet place in Hyde Park. You also get a free check up at the local VCA which is pretty cool. Of course, you will end up paying for shots and other stuff they suggest if you want, but a free check-up is a free check-up and they almost all charge at the lowest about $35 for that. If you are looking for a new pet, this is the place to do it. read more

Be careful about or avoid adopting from this place (or any other with similar dysfunctional practices). They discourage fostering to adopt (to make sure it's a good fit before lifetime commitment) and do not disclose sordid details about the pet's history. And they do not take into consideration any emotional needs you and/or your current pet have as important. Furthermore, I have successfully adopted two dogs from this location, but had to return one (who was also returned by its two previous owners for the same or similar reasons - unconsidered by the staff/"policies"). I decided to go back to adopt a kitten since I know that would be beneficial to the household and manageable (compared to any other dog). Everyone who knows me knows that I am the best most accommodating fur-kid parent one can be. But of course, the Humane Society staff do not know me or any of the other adopters or what we experience with the animals we adopt, but they like to think and assume so, and for the worst against the adopter if having to return. So, when I returned to adopt again, they immediately recognized me and said "you are on our 'do not adopt' list". That is very petty and vindictive, a slap in the face; and their malicious projection that if you find yourself with an adopted pet that turns out to be a very difficult unmanageable case, "then you're not ready for ANY pet" - according to their policy. Also, they along with the Austin Animal Shelter - belittle, shame and make it a very difficult (if not a completely denied) process to return a pet. That is what I (and others) got for trying to do the right thing. read more

You humans owe me gas money. I was really looking forward to this event's discounted adoption fees, in case I found a kitty I liked, and I went to your website to look at the kitties in advance. Saw one tortoiseshell that I maybe wanted to interact with, but there weren't many other pictures of other cats to look at. Therefore, I decided I'd get a much better idea of what sort of kitties you have if I just went to the damn event. I had a plan: Get there by noon, when you open. That, however, proved to be pointless. Every single solitary parking spot in your miniscule lot was taken, so I parked in some random lot across the street, after having to drive the wrong way on said street for ten feet to get over there (otherwise I would have had to drive at least a mile down the road, u-turn, wait in traffic, etc). I walked over, and there were inconsiderate tots running into me, oblivious adults stopping in my way, etc. My mood was slowly turning from sunny to overcast. A storm was sure to follow. So I got to the area by the door, which was still locked at noon when you supposedly open. Way to go. I saw volunteers at tables handing out adoption paperwork, but there were no signs nor instructions around, other than "Cat Line" and "Dog Line". I didn't see any point in filling out adoption paperwork at that point, since I was only there to look. If I found a kitty I liked, THEN I could fill out paperwork and push forward in the process. Right? WRONG! When the doors finally opened and some random volunteer started ushering people in, she asked for my paperwork. And she was really catty, too. ME: Why would I need to fill out adoption paperwork when I'm only looking at this point? VOLUNTEER: That's just the way it is. ME: But that ISN'T the way it is any other day that you're open. I have been here before, a few times. Speaking of which, I adopted a cat from you people last year, AND ten years ago, so why should I have to fill out MORE paperwork when I'm already in the system?! VOLUNTEER: That's just the way it is today. ME: Well, that's just bullshit, is what that is. Thanks for wasting my gas and time. I'll go to TLAC now. Seriously, you already have my fucking info. I really don't see it as being necessary to fill out paperwork all over again to simply go inside and LOOK at the animals, especially when that isn't your normal procedure. You could have easily said on the event listing on your website that people would need to fill out paperwork first, or at least have had some fucking signs at the event informing people of this, but no, that's too damn easy and sensible for you to accomplish. And where were the Jalopy and Cutie Pies trailers? Did you scare them off with your stupidity, too? Didn't hear any live music, either. Way to go, geniuses. Paying the normal $85 adoption fee is worth being able to come to your establishment on a normal day and have the time, ability, and PERMISSION to look at the cats before I commit to anything. And if you think I'm going to apologize for all this caterwauling, think again. Absolute bullshit. If you guys were a cat litter, you'd be called Dupe Away, 'cause you duped me into thinking I could SEE some cats without signing over my first-born kid first. Double Snooty and Hidy Cats would also work to describe you today. read more

These are some of the most sanctimonious assholes I've ever had the misfortune of dealing with. Do not for a second buy into their "no kill shelter" BS. They very carefully screen which animals they will even admit. Cute and cuddly? Great. Older, not so sweet animals? They will be immediately shuffled off to Town Lake, the city sponsored facility that has no choice but to euthanize animals that aren't adopted. These bastards have blood on their hands but they never know it because they spend too much time polishing their halos and patting themselves on the back. Also, even getting into this place is akin to breaking into Fort Knox. You get screened before you can even see the animals. Ultimately, people are trying to save animal's lives, right? Seems to me that places like this should do everything in their power to make that easier and NOT spend their energy adhering to their own ridiculous standards that give them a false sense of accomplishment about themselves. I would give this place negative stars if I could. read more

I'm pissed. Oh yeah. I go to the Humane Society to rescue a 'fat, old kitty'. That's right. An old cat that's less likely to get adopted when put up next to cute little kittens. I show up around 2pm today with Marcel, my 10 lb toy poodle. A man comes out of the facility and asks how he can help me (a door man?). I tell him that we're there to meet some cats. He asked what I meant. I told him that i wanted to adopt a cat. he said that Marcel couldn't come in. I asked him how I will know if the cat likes dogs, or at least Marcel--the cat's would-be roommate. The guy told me that was a good question, but insisted that marcel could not come inside. I then asked if he would rather I adopt a cat only to bring her back because she doesn't like my dog? Marcel has had cats in the past so it wasn't his feelings I was considering. Sorry, no deal. You know what the problem with bureaucracy is? When something doesn't work it takes too long for a couple knuckleheads to set it right. They couldn't carve out a corner? Put us in someone's office so that the cat could meet Marcel? Now there's a fat, nearly geriatric cat out there who could have been sleeping in a warm bed tonight but will remain homeless because some moron at the Austin Humane Society did not have enough sense to think outside of the cage. read more

Coming from a long line of anti-breeders, my family has always had cats that were either strays or from humane societies. I got my own first cat at the humane society in my hometown and when my boyfriend and I decided it was time to add another member to our furry family, we ventured on over to the Austin Humane Society. I cannot say enough good things about this group. We went in a couple different times before we found the cat we really connected with, the whole adoption process was very easy and they seemed to really watch out for who they adopted animals to. Our little kitten did have an intestinal parasite that he got from the kennel (but this is really common, along with upper respiratory infections, otherwise known as kennel cough, it's just hard to avoid), which was pretty stressful to deal with... but I could not be happier with our new kitty. :o) PLEASE check them out if you're considering adopting an animal- DO NOT BUY FROM A BREEDER. Adopt from them now because until the end of August, their adoption fees for cats/kittens under 5 years old is only $35! And all adopted kitties come with "mouse toys, wand toys, cat 'tents' (so your new friend can play safely outside), food samples, training DVD, grooming coupons, health kits and a cat carrier. All of our cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, dewormed and up to date on their shots before you take them home!" And the fees for kitties over the age of 5 has been waived completely! That is seriously ridiculously cheap. Please help give one of these kitties a home! Only bad thing is that I wanted to volunteer for them but they charge volunteers a fee.. isn't that the point of volunteering? That I give up my time in order to provide to you free work? Why do I have to pay you to give up my time for free? read more

NO KILL??? NO WAY. **This review written from the perspective of someone surrendering an animal, not adopting one.** Last fall i 'rescued' a greyhound mix off of Craigslist (rescued in quotes, because the owner claimed she was taking the dog to Town Lake Animal Shelter--for likely euthanasia--if no one adopted her, but who knows, maybe she was bluffing). I'd promised the owner i'd do my best to get her into a breed-specific rescue, and if that wasn't possible then a no-kill shelter, but could NOT keep the dog myself. The dog was totally untrained but sweet and gentle and eager to please; however, after several weeks of contacting every greyhound rescue and many fosterers in Texas, none of whom were able or willing to take her, i turned to the Humane Society, where the original owner had adopted her from. I was given a time to bring the greyhound-mix in on a Sat. afternoon, and they immediately scanned her microchip...only to discover she hadn't been adopted from THAT Humane Society, and refused to accept her, stating she had to be returned to her original adoption site (i had no idea where that was). Further, because her owner had signed a contract requiring her to be surrendered back ONLY to the Humane Society, they were upset at me for adopting her. After several hours of investigation, we found she'd be adopted from a Dallas-area Humane Society and i was told "You'll have to drive up there to surrender her." Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight. Finally, after speaking to the original owner to confirm my story, they agreed to accept the dog. They performed a temperament test, which the dog aced, and processed paperwork to admit her. The saving grace for me was a kind volunteer at the front desk, who upon seeing the dog exclaimed "My parents have retired racing greyhounds!", and who repeatedly assured me "If no one adopts this dog in the next week, i'm sure my parents will take her." The whole surrender process took an entire afternoon (about 4 hours), but i was so relieved and pleased that this sweet dog was in good hands that i donated the dog's large, expensive crate and all her food and toys to the Humane Society, and walked out thinking i should make a monetary donation to support their good work. Cut to one week later, when the original owner called me to let me know she was re-adopting the dog, because the Humane Society had been calling her and warning her that the dog was due to be turned over to Town Lake as no one wanted her. "No, check with the girl at the front desk, her parents want to adopt this dog" i said. She called me back a few minutes later to let me know that "the girl at the front desk said she tells that sort of thing to everyone, so they won't feel so bad about giving up their animals". So, is the Humane Society a no-kill shelter? Yes. But only because they turn the animals over to Town Lake and let others do the sad, dirty work for them. Needless to say, i won't ever be making that donation. CONCLUSION: No good deed goes unpunished, and be verrrrrrrrrrry cautious about surrendering an animal here. read more