ABC13 Pick Your Pet Adoption Drive: 216 dogs and cats find new homes, breaking record
On the first day of the drive alone, 107 pets were adopted, beating the shelter's goal of reaching 100 adoptions in one day.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Thank you, Houston! Because of adopters like those who came out during the 9th annual Pick Your Pet Adoption Drive at BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions, 216 dogs and cats found new homes, breaking the previous year's record.
On Friday alone, 107 pets were adopted, beating the shelter's goal of reaching 100 adoptions in one day.
The drive, sponsored by Gillman Subaru and Gallery Furniture, continued Saturday and Sunday, with 63 and 46 adoptions, respectively.
In fact, all three days beat out 2025's adoption numbers.
The annual three-day drive is an opportunity to adopt an animal for a special discounted fee of $13 for all available pets at the shelter located at 3300 Carr St. in northeast Houston.
"We're trying to bring awareness for animals at the shelter. Help them find homes," said Cory Stottlemyer, Deputy Shelter Director at BARC, ahead of this year's event. "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."
Thankfully, the number of adoptions has only continued to grow.
2023 - 111 pets adopted
2024 - 153 pets adopted
2025 - 168 pets adopted
2026 - 216 pets adopted
For future adopters, 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."
Click here to see available pets at BARC Animal Shelter.
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.
When ABC13's Pick Your Pet Adoption Drive happens each year, it's 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.
See you in 2027!
Missed last year's adoption drive? Here are some highlights.
