Adopt a Pet in Houston for Only $5: BARC’s Purrfurred Pets Program Makes It Easy to Adopt Your New Best Friend
With pet overpopulation being an issue in cities throughout the country, BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions is giving the citizens of Houston a chance to touch hearts and change lives with a deal to adopt a Purrfurred Pet for just $5.
$5 buys not only a new furry friend, but a complete vet package with spay/neuter surgery, age- and rabies-appropriate shots, flea prevention medication, deworming medication, heartworm testing in adult dogs, microchipping, and even a one-year pet registration with the City of Houston.
Why Houston Needs It More than Ever
Animal shelters throughout the nation are facing a crisis-level surge in abandoned and stray pets. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) indicates shelters have seen dramatic increases in intakes since the pet adoption surge during the pandemic period began to slow down. Many families with higher costs, evictions, or changes in life have abandoned pets or turned in pets to shelters.
No city is free from this issue. BARC, the city shelter in the City of Houston, regularly has high intake volumes—most notably during hot weather months when stray numbers surge and kitten and puppy litters flood into shelters.
Increased awareness, low-cost spay/neuter services and public participation in adoption and fostering will be key to reversing the situation.
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“By reducing the cost of adoption and specifically for those pets that need a little extra love to find a forever home, we're not only saving lives—we're building stronger, kinder communities,” a BARC official stated.
"Purrfurred pets" refer to Purrfurred Pets are adoptable dogs and cats handselected by BARC staff based on considerations such as length of stay or overall adoptability. The pets themselves are healthy and loving and in need of a second chance—but maybe have been overlooked because they were too old, too uncommon a breed, or had minimal medical needs.
Even at discounted prices, all Purrfurred Pets are fully vetted and ready to be part of a forever home.
To find these special companions, visitors to the 3300 Carr Street shelter can look for "Purrfurred Pet" signs or simply ask adoption staff to guide them. Adoptions take place 12:00 – 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday, and no appointment is needed.
Additional Support and Heartworm Treatment
All BARC adoptions include after-care medical care if needed. Canines six months and up get tested for heartworm disease, which is found in the Houston area due to mosquitoes. Adopters get counseling and discounted treatment if a dog tests positive and they purchase six months' worth of prevention.
The Heartworm Society emphasizes that while the disease is serious, it can be prevented—and treated. BARC’s open policy ensures that adopters will be notified and supported at every step along the way.
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Flexible Programs to Foster Lifelong Homes
In addition to the $5 Purrfurred Pets program, BARC offers discounted adoption rates to seniors through its Senior 4 Senior program and free adoption rates to military and veterans.
The BARC foster care program animals can be adopted too, and potential adopters can see listings at 24Petconnect.com/BARCFosters or contact barcfoster@houstontx.gov to inquire.
Whether you're looking to bring home a rambunctious kitten, a gentle old dog, or a long-term companion in need of a second chance, BARC offers a loving, affordable path to pet ownership—and an open invitation to be part of the solution.
How to Adopt
- To adopt a pet from BARC, residents must:
- Be 18+ with a government-issued photo ID
- Visit in person at 3300 Carr St. during adoption hours
- Prepare to take your pet home with you the same day (if already spayed/neutered)
- Review the policies regarding adoption and allow 60–90 minutes to finalize the process
For more information, contact BARCadoptions@houstontx.gov or call 832-395-9084 and visit the BARC website to view adoptable pets today. For the newest adoption specials, check BARC on social media. There has never been a better deal—nor a better time—to bring love home.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
