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Adopting A Pet in Waco: Beyond the Humane Society of Central Texas

Do you want to give a dog or cat a second chance at life? If so, adopting a pet rather than buying one is a great way to do so. Shelters and rescues are at full capacity nearly all the time. By adopting, you are opening up a space in that organization for another animal in need. You are also breaking the cycle of overbreeding by not purchasing from a breeder (legitimate or otherwise) or pet store.


The first place you probably think of when adopting is the Humane Society of Central Texas. However, there are a bunch of other places in the area to find an adoptable pet. Below I will highlight several area organizations with animals for adoption. I will also write a little about their adoption process so you know what to expect. This is by no means an exhaustive list and I will probably do a second part in the Fall. If you know of an organization that should be highlighted, drop them in the comments.


Austin Boxer Rescue: As the name suggests, Austin Boxer Rescue (ABR) has boxer dogs in need of a forever home. Last year they adopted out 411 boxers! To start the adoption process you first need to fill out an online adoption application. For people located in Waco, the Austin Area Adoption Application should be completed. Next, a volunteer will conduct a home visit, either in person of virtually. After the home visit you will be able to meet the dogs that are currently available for adoption.


Bosque Animal Rescue Kennels: Located in Bosque County, Bosque Animal Rescue Kennels, or BARK for short, has dogs of various breeds available for adoption. To meet with a specific dog or to walk through their kennels you need to email or call to set up an appointment.


Brazos River Rescue Ranch: Brazos River Rescue Ranch is one of two area rescues that specializes in cats. In addition to adopting out homeless cats, Brazos River Rescue Ranch also has an active Trap, Neuter, Return program that fixes outdoor cats. The adoption process starts with an adoption application that must be completed. Brazos River Ranch Rescue requires both veterinary references and personal references and will do a home visit in some cases.


CTLAFP Adoptables: CTLAFP Adoptables is a sister page to Central Texas Lost and Found Pets. CTLAFP is the only organization on this list that is not a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. All of the dogs and cats listed for adoption on CTLAFP Adoptables are animals that were found and everything was done to find the owner. When the owner is not found, they are fully vetted, spayed or neutered, microchipped and put up for adoption. All the pets are in a foster home, so to meet a pet you are interested in adopting, you fill out an adoption application or you contact the foster directly. The adoption process is totally up to the foster, so it will vary slightly from pet to pet.


Fuzzy Friends Rescue: Fuzzy Friends Rescue has kennels located in Waco with both dogs and cats available to adopt. Like many other area organizations, the adoption process begins when you complete an online adoption application. For Fuzzy Friends Rescue, you must be 21 years of age or older, have a legal ID card, and show that you have paid a pet deposit, if applicable. Veterinary references are required and will be verified. If you do not have veterinary references, Fuzzy Friends Rescue recommends a pet over 1 year of age.

Gray Mutts Rescue and Sanctuary: Gray Mutts Rescue and Sanctuary is an all-breed rescue located in Central Texas. This means that they will take in any type of dog, no matter the breed. To adopt a dog from Gray Mutts Rescue and Sanctuary you must first fill out an adoption application. The rescue team will use the application to help determine what pet is best for your family. For examples, to adopt most puppies, you must show two years of veterinary references that includes core vaccines and heartworm prevention for pets you currently own. After completing an application, someone from the rescue will be in touch with you about next steps.


L.A.R.A.S House: L.A.R.A.S. House is a no-kill shelter located in Limestone County. The adoption process starts with an application that can be found on their website. Once approved, you can meet the pet in their shelter, at a designated meeting site, or virtually. If all goes well, you sign the adoption contract and pay the fee and leave with your new furry friend.


Pyrs, Pits & Pastures Rescue and Sanctuary: This newer rescue to the area specializes in pit bulls, great pyrenees, and other livestock breeds. In order to adopt you must be over the age of 18 and have a valid government ID. To start the adoption process, fill out an application on their website. A team member will review the application and contact you for a 30 minute phone call interview. After that they will schedule a meet and greet and home check. If all goes well, you will get a 7 to 10 day trial period with your new pet before the adoption is finalized.


Save A Tiny Adoptables: As the name suggests, Save A Tiny specializes in dogs under 15 pounds. If you see a dog you are interested in on their Facebook page, you can PM the group admin for an adoption application. If you do not see a pet you are interested in listed on the page, you can still fill out an adoption application to get pre-approved for adoption. The person who runs the rescue will then contact you directly if a pet that meets your needs becomes available.

Wonky Whiskers Rescues: Wonky Whiskers Rescue is another cat specific rescue in the area, although they occasionally can’t say no to a dog in need. The adoption process begins with an application and is followed up with a conversation to find the best match. They do meet-and-greets and offer foster to adopt or trial adoptions to make sure everything is going to be a good fit for the cat and the humans.


Personal Rehoming Pages: You can also adopt a new pet directly from a person rehoming their pet. You can find these pets online on pages like Adopt-A-Pet and Waco Craigslist and on social media pages like PAW Rehoming Group, Central Texas Pet Connect Group, and Pets of McLennan County Group.


When you adopt a pet from any of these sources, you are making a difference in the lives of animals. Adopting from a rescue allows that rescue to help another pet in need, often one from the City of Waco Shelter. When you adopt from an individual, you are preventing that animal from taking up a space at the shelter that is needed for a stray animal. However you decide to adopt, please remember that it takes time for you new pet to decompress at your home. That’s a topic for another time.

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