Pet adoption in DFW: Where to adopt and what to expect

Adopting a pet in DFW is one of the best things you can do. Here's the complete guide.

Shelters (adopt, don't shop):

Dallas:

• SPCA of Texas — 2400 Lone Star Dr. Dogs, cats, horses, small animals. Adoption includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip. $75-150. Source: spca.org
• Dallas Animal Services (DAS) — 1818 N Westmoreland Rd. City shelter. They are often at capacity. Adoption fees: $25-85. Source: dallasanimalservices.org
• Operation Kindness — 3201 Earhart Dr, Carrollton. No-kill since 1976. $100-200. Source: operationkindness.org

Fort Worth:

• Humane Society of North Texas — 1840 E Lancaster Ave. Dogs and cats. $75-150. Source: hsnt.org
• Fort Worth Animal Shelter — 4900 Martin St. City shelter. Adoption: $25-50. Source: fortworthtexas.gov/animals

Breed-specific rescues:

• Dallas Pets Alive! — pulls at-risk animals from DAS. Source: dallaspetsalive.org
• BRIT (Big Rescue in Texas) — large breeds. Source: bigrescuetx.org
• Texas Pit Bull Rescue — pit bulls and mixes. Source: txpbr.com
• Lone Star Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apso Rescue — small breeds. Source: lonestarshihtzurescue.org

What adoption includes (at most DFW shelters):

• Spay/neuter surgery
• Age-appropriate vaccinations
• Microchip
• Initial vet exam
• Sometimes: first month of flea/heartworm prevention

Cost comparison:

• Shelter adoption: $25-200 (includes above)
• Buying from a breeder: $500-3,000+ (vet costs separate)

Sources:

• Shelter websites for current adoptable animals and fees
• Petfinder.com — search DFW adoptable pets
• Adopt-a-Pet.com — similar search tool

Every adopted pet saves a life. And probably saves your heart too.

Is it just me?