Smiling dog with upright ears and tongue out while on a leashed walk

Adopt a pet to help save lives

When you adopt a homeless dog or cat in Houston, you’re saving a life.

You’re also freeing up space in a shelter or rescue group for another homeless pet to be rescued. And that’s huge. By adopting, you’re helping to Save Them All.

Best Friends in Houston embraces community-based sheltering — the concept that the entire community needs to be involved in saving animals’ lives, not just the shelters. That means moving as many pets as possible into foster homes while they wait to find families, rather than having them stay in shelters.

Currently, all Best Friends animals in Houston are residing in foster homes. Adoptions take place remotely through an online meet-and-greet request form and video-conference meet-and-greets.

Silhouette of two dogs, cat and kitten

Looking to meet fabulous pets in Houston?

There are so many dogs and cats waiting for a best friend like you.

If you’re not sure where to start, we can help! Complete the dog adoption survey or the cat adoption survey, and we’ll guide you toward just the right pet for your home and lifestyle. An adoption specialist will be in touch with you within 48 hours by phone or email to talk about next steps.

Please email houstonadoption@bestfriends.org for questions about adopting a dog or cat from Best Friends in Houston.

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Adoption fees and current specials

Looking to bring home someone special? Now's the perfect time to do it!

Dog Adoption Fees
Adoption fees for puppies under six months old are $100, and $50 for dogs six months and older.

Cat Adoption Fees
Adoption fees for kittens under six months old are $50, and $25 for cats six months and older.

Adoption fees waived for pets with special needs (FeLV FIV, blind, deaf).

Gloved person holding pair of kitten with one meowing

Kitten adoption special

Adopt two kittens, and fees are waived on the second.
Brown dog with graying muzzle out on some grass

Adopt a senior pet

Adoption fees waived for pets eight years old and up.

Stories and “tails” from Houston

Feel all the feels with these stories of hope and healing.
Rowena the calico cat wearing a donut eCollar wlying next to Binx the black cat

Cats tackle life’s challenges together

When they came to Best Friends, Rowena and Binx had more than their fair share of issues. But a new home set them on a path toward healing and friendship.
Things looking up for them both
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Two dogs outside in the grass in a playgroup, one whose tong is hanging out

Magic of playgroups unveils dogs’ hidden sociability

A five-day seminar for 13 greater Houston shelters showed that even dogs who haven’t yet shown their best side can be adopted.
Learn about this lifesaving program
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Rexie the dog wearing a decorative protective cone embellished with blue and orange hearts

Rexie the ‘T. rex’ pup loves life in his new home

Found alone on the streets of Houston, a dog with heartworm disease helps a couple decide it’s time to adopt a new best friend.
He fits perfectly with their lifestyle
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