Adopt Your New Best Friend!

Thank You for Choosing Houston Pets Alive!

We measure success by the joy our animals bring into their forever families’ lives! When you adopt from us, you save two lives – the dog or cat you are adopting, and the next dog or cat we can save in their place.

Adoption Process

We strive to save as many lives as possible. Therefore, adoptable animals are available on a first-come, first-served basis to pre-approved applicants.

An approved application does not guarantee you a specific animal, and animals cannot be put on hold. We appreciate your understanding. If you have any questions about the adoption process, please contact us at adopt@houstonpetsalive.org.

Click on Adoptable Cats or Adoptable Dogs to view all available animals. You can click on each animal to learn more details about them.

When you find an animal you’re interested in, you can click the “apply for adoption” button on that animal’s individual page, or complete the general cat or dog application. We will contact you within 24-48 hours of receiving your application. Completing an application neither guarantees nor binds you to an animal.

Meet your potential new family member. Once your application is approved, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment to meet the cat or dog during our normal business hours. For cats, you can also visit one of our partner pet stores.

If it’s the right fit, you’ll sign the adoption contract and pay the adoption fee. Please note that outdated adoption fees found on other websites cannot be honored. HPA! relies solely on non-government donations. Your adoption fee helps us save more lives.

Have additional questions about the adoption process?

Our Promise to You

At Houston Pets Alive!, we rescue dogs and cats from local Houston shelters, providing them with the care they need to find a forever home. While medical and behavior histories may not always be available, we thoroughly assess each animal’s temperament and provide adopters with detailed information about their personality and behavior. However, please note that behavior can change when transitioning from a shelter to a new home, especially as pets adjust to new environments and routines.

We ask all adopters to practice the 3:3:3 Rule. It takes 3 days for a new pet to relax and decompress in a home. It takes 3 weeks for a new pet to learn the routine of a home. It takes 3 months for the new pet to learn it has found its forever home and be fully comfortable. With patience, positive training and love, your new pet should adjust very well.

Each pet you adopt from Houston Pets Alive! comes with:

Basic vaccinations (DHPP or FVRCP)
Rabies vaccination (if age appropriate)
Spayed or neutered
Initial deworming
Microchip
Flea and heartworm preventative (applied within the last 30 days)

Questions to consider before you adopt.

Am I ready to make a commitment to caring for a rescued cat or dog for its lifetime, including providing food, shelter, regular veterinary care, and possibly unexpected/emergency veterinary care?
Am I able to devote the time and patience required to transition a rescued pet into my home?
Do I acknowledge and understand that a rescued pet may need a concerted effort to learn how to behave in its new environment?
Is everyone in my household in agreement to adopt?
Does anyone in my household have known animal-related allergies?
Does my apartment complex or landlord have any pet quantity or breed restrictions?

Not Quite Ready to Adopt?

By fostering a pet, you will be providing a temporary, loving home, typically until they find their furever families. As a foster, you’ll offer a safe and nurturing environment, helping pets recover, socialize, and thrive.

This rewarding experience not only saves lives, but also gives you the joy of making a direct impact. When an animal is taken in by a foster, it frees up space for HPA! to save another animal in a shelter!

Whether you have room for a playful puppy, a calm senior cat, or a special-needs pet, we have the perfect match waiting for you. Join us in our lifesaving mission—become a foster today and give a pet the second chance they deserve.