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?