El Paso Animal Shelter provides safe housing, medical care, and adoption services for dogs, cats, and small animals in El Paso, Texas. The facility partners with local rescue groups and offers low-cost spay and neuter clinics to support community animals.
Through adoption events and foster programs, El Paso Animal Shelter helps reduce intake and increase live-release rates. Visitors are encouraged to review policies, volunteer, and prepare questions before visiting the shelter or website.
| Service | Details | Cost Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intake for stray animals | Owner-surrender and officer-intake with health screening | Varies by services | Hold period for reclaim applies |
| Adoption fee | Includes vaccinations, spay/neuter where eligible, and microchip | Cats $50–$150, Dogs $75–$200 | Promotions may reduce fees |
| Low-cost clinic services | Vaccines, flea/tick prevention, microchipping | $20–$60 per service | Appointments required, varies by event |
| Foster care | Temporary home support, food and supplies provided | No cost to foster | Application and home check required |
| Volunteer opportunities | Animal care, transport, event support | No fee, training provided | Background check and orientation needed |
Intake Procedures and Holding Periods
Stray Animal Intake
The El Paso Animal Shelter follows defined intake procedures for strays, including identification checks, microchip scanning, and basic health assessment. Officers document location, behavior, and ownership details before housing the animal.
Owner Surrender Requirements
For owner-surrendered animals, staff review vaccination records, behavioral notes, and surrender reason. A reservation period may apply if space is limited, and staff assist with transport options.
Adoption Process and Requirements
Eligibility and Application
Prospective adopters complete an application, provide references, and discuss their lifestyle with a counselor. Dogs may require fenced yard confirmation, while kittens under six months often stay with their littermates.
Meet-and-Greet Protocol
Shelter visits include a controlled meet-and-greet to gauge temperament and comfort with children or other pets. Successful matches result in same-day adoption following fee payment and documentation.
Medical Care and Vaccination Policies
Initial Health Evaluation
Upon arrival, animals receive a physical exam, fecal test, and age-appropriate vaccinations. Shelter veterinarians treat injuries, manage chronic conditions, and schedule spay or neuter when eligible.
Ongoing Medical Protocols
Quarantine areas isolate symptomatic animals, and staff monitor for signs of illness. Preventive care includes flea, tick, and heartworm prevention available at low-cost clinics.
Community Outreach and Education
School and Group Tours
The shelter hosts educational tours for students and civic groups, demonstrating responsible pet care and the adoption process. Presenters cover topics such as microchipping, licensing, and bite prevention.
Low-Cost Clinic Schedule
Monthly low-cost vaccine clinics serve residents in multiple neighborhoods. Appointments fill quickly, and staff communicate updates through social media and local partnerships.
Resources for Responsible Pet Ownership
- Schedule preventive vet visits and keep vaccines current
- Microchip pets and register the ID in a national database
- Spay or neuter to reduce unwanted litters and improve behavior
- Maintain a secure fence and leash when in public spaces
- Support the shelter through donations, volunteering, or fostering
- Share adoption events with neighbors and on social media
- Report strays promptly using the city’s reporting channels
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I reclaim a stray dog or cat from the El Paso Animal Shelter?
Visit the shelter with identification and proof of ownership, complete a reclaim form, pay any applicable fees, and schedule pickup during posted hours.
What should I bring for a low-cost vaccination clinic at the shelter?
Bring the animal’s previous vaccine records, a current rabies certificate if available, payment for services, and the animal on a leash or in a carrier for safety.
Can I foster a pet if I live outside El Paso city limits?
Foster applicants must reside within the service area and pass a home check. Transportation for animals and coordination with city partners may expand eligibility in some cases.
Is it possible to adopt two animals at once and receive a discount?
Adopting bonded pairs or two animals may qualify for a reduced combined fee, subject to counselor approval and space availability during the adoption event.