Texas Animal Shelters

People visit the animal shelter to either look for a missing pet, turn in an animal they can’t keep, or adopt an animal. 

Thanks to Texas drivers’ support of the Animal Friendly Fund, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has been able to distribute grant funds for spay/neuter surgeries for over 100,000 dogs and cats in Texas. This has potentially prevented the unwanted births of millions of cats and dogs! 

An additional public health benefit of the Animal Friendly Funds is that these animals are seen by a veterinarian, increasing the probability that they receive appropriate vaccinations.  DSHS has awarded millions of dollars in grants toward low-cost spays and neuters. 

• Current funding allocations 
• Frequently Asked Questions about the Animal Friendly Program 
• Spay/Neuter Myths and Facts 

• According to Chapter 823 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, animal shelters in a county in Texas with a population of 75,000 or greater must: Meet the minimum standards for housing and sanitation as provided through Chapter 826 of the Texas Health and Safety Code in Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 169, Rabies Control and Eradication (Rabies Control Act, Chapter 826). 

• Be inspected annually by a licensed veterinarian; the inspection forms (stock no. Z-3) are available from the regional Zoonosis Control Group offices or can be ordered directly at Registration Inspection – Rabies Quarantine Facility or Animal Shelter Facility (3 Page Form): HHSC Forms & Publications (mypinnaclecart.com) (Note that you will need to register/log in to be able to place an order). 

• Have an advisory committee to assist with compliance with the law.  

The Humane Society of the United States provides materials and workshops to help in the planning and design of an animal shelter. The regional Zoonosis Control offices are also information resources for shelter plans. 

Resources for Constructing an Animal Shelter

Visit the Humane Society of the United States' Animal Sheltering Online Section to discover more on how to build animal shelters. 

• Shelter Design: The Humane Society: "Programs & Services" 
• Shelter and Housing: Koret Shelter Medicine Program: "Impacts of Shelter & Housing Design on Shelter Animal Health" 
• Animal Shelter Standards: Association of Shelter Veterinarians: "Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters"  

Find information on how to locate a shelter in your area and frequently asked questions about shelters.

Learn more.