Frequently Asked Questions

Q : Does the AHS receive funding from local, state, or other government agencies ?
A : There is no city, state or national funding for AHS. We are funded solely by individuals and businesses in the community.

Q : How long has the AHS been serving Austin ?
A : More than 55 years.

Q : Is the AHS associated with Town Lake Animal Center (TLAC) ?
A : No, the TLAC is our city's municipal shelter, it is run by the City of Austin.


Q : Does the AHS work with other animal organizations ?
A : Yes, we have strong partnerships with TLAC and other local animal shelters (Williamson County, Bastrop, Elgin, Taylor, etc.). We 'transfer' pets from these overcrowded shelters into our adoption program.

In addition, AHS is a partner with Animal Trustees of Austin, Emancipet, Town Lake Animal Center as part of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Mission Orange movement. ASPCA Mission Orange brings resources to the these animal welfare and service organizations of Austin, the end goal being ending unnecessary euthanasia in our community.

Q : What does a “No-Kill” Shelter mean ?
A : The AHS is a selective intake shelter, focused on saving as many “adoptable” animals as possible. We will keep an adoptable animal as long as it takes to get him/her adopted. Animals accepted into the AHS must pass a medical and temperament test.

Q : How many animals does the AHS save / adopt each year?
A : AHS adopts between 2600 – 3000 animals each year.

Q : Does the AHS spay/ neuter their animals ?
A : Yes, all cats and dogs are s/n before they leave the AHS.

Q : Does the AHS intake/care for animals other than cats and dogs ?
A : No, we intake and adopt cats and dogs only.

Q : What is the average stay for an animal at the AHS ?
A : The average stay is 2 – 3 weeks (The adult cats and dogs typically take longer time to adopt).

Q : How many animals does the City of Austin euthanize annually ?
A : The City of Austin euthanizes 11,000 – 12,000 animals every year, their average intake is roughly 25,000 animals each year.

Q : Does the AHS have a paid staff ?
A : Yes, the AHS has permanent and part time employees and has over 450 volunteers.

Q : Where do the AHS animals come from ?
A : Owner surrenders, transfers from other shelters and abandoned animals.

Q : Do the local veterinarian's provide services to assist the AHS ?
A : The AHS has a variety of partnerships with veterinarian's, emergency and specialty clinics to assist with medical needs. We also have a partnership with Texas A&M Veterinarian School University

Q : What is the ratio of cats to dogs the AHS adopts ?
A : Every year, it is normally 50 / 50 .

Q : Does the AHS have an adoption criteria ?
A : Yes, every adopter is required to complete an application and pass an interview.

Q : Does the AHS accept any / all cats and dogs into the adoption program?
A : AHS accepts dogs and cats by appointment, and they must pass a medical and temperament evaluation prior to being accepted into the AHS adoption program.

All stray animals must be taken to TLAC to give their owners a chance to reclaim them.