HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — On Friday alone, over 100 pets were adopted during the 9th annual Pick Your Pet Adoption Drive at BARC, but we’re not done yet!
The drive continues Saturday and Sunday with the discounted fee of $13 for all available pets at the shelter located at 3300 Carr St. in northeast Houston.
Saturday, March 28 | 12 PM – 5 PM
Adoption event day
– Local pet-related vendors and food trucks
– Reduced adoption fees
Sunday, March 29 | 12 PM – 5 PM
Adoption event day
– Reduced adoption fees
Click here to see available pets at BARC Animal Shelter.
According to BARC, adoptions hit 106 on Friday, the first day of the drive.
That’s all thanks to Houstonians, including ABC13 viewers.
Many of you helped us set a record by adopting 168 pets during the event in 2025.
ABC13’s three-day drive is sponsored by Gillman Subaru and Gallery Furniture.
“We’re trying to bring awareness for animals at the shelter. Help them find homes,” said Cory Stottlemyer, Deputy Shelter Director at BARC. “As the warmer months start this time of year, we start seeing a lot of puppies, a lot of kittens coming into the shelter, so it’s perfect timing to start pushing that message of adoption to the public.”
In 2023, 111 pets were adopted. The following year, that number shot up to 153.
Then, we set the record in 2025.
“Our foster partners, some of them will be bringing those animals in as well, so you’ll see animals both in their kennels and then those fosters will be walking around the event, wearing special vests that will identify them as a foster,” Stottlemyer explained to ABC13.
For those looking to adopt, BARC asks that you be mindful of your own circumstances, and if you’re unsure about what pet might be the right fit, Stottlemyer says the shelter can help.
“There’s essentially an animal for everybody, every family. Whether you’re somebody who lives on your own, some families have existing pets, we want them to let our staff know,” he said. “‘OK, this one might get a little excited around another dog, but this one we’ve seen does well, loves other animals,’ so those things are going to be what you need to tell our staff, what your unique circumstances are.”
But one of the most important things to remember is that the pet will be a member of your family.
“The pet is going to be with you for their entire life so you become their world,” Stottlemyer said, smiling. “It’s just this unconditional love that they offer you.”
Ready to pick your pet? Here’s what you should know!
What is BARC?
BARC is the City of Houston’s municipal animal shelter, and it cares for more than 22,000 animals each year.
Adoptions are completed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The shelter is unable to place holds on animals.
How do I adopt?
All adoptions must be in person, but no appointment is needed.
Here are other requirements to adopt:
– Must be 18 years of age or older.
– Must have a valid, government issued photo ID.
– If the address on your ID doesn’t match your current address, be prepared to provide an alternate proof of address such as a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or car insurance. Digital or hard copies will be accepted.
The pet adoption process can take anywhere from 60-90 minutes.
How much are adoption fees?
It depends! This page has the full list of fees, but they can range from $20 for kittens and cats to $50 for dogs and $75 for puppies.
There are discounted rates for seniors, depending on the age of the pet.
ABC13’s Pick Your Pet Adoption Drive is a great opportunity to take advantage of the $13 discounted adoptions.
All pet adoptions include spay or neuter surgery, dewormer, age-appropriate vaccinations, rabies vaccination, flea prevention, a pet microchip, and a one-year registration with the City of Houston.
Check out BARC’s website for more information.
This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.