Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Austin Pets Alive!

    3.3 (315 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 6:00 PM

    Services - Austin Pets Alive!

    Animal shelters

    Pet adoption

    Austin Pets Alive! Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Austin Pets Alive!

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Karla D.

    Made a visit hoping to take home a new friend. Sadly, all of them were too big for our apartment. We made friends with every fur pal we came across. It's a well-run rescue and the animals receive outstanding care.

    Moose-tache , Austin's most dapper cat
    Catherine M.

    We adopted our kitty, Moose-tache, from APA. The experience was amazing from start to finish. Their website is easy to use to find your next fur baby. They are a no-kill shelter. Consider supporting them through a donation, shopping at the APA thrift shop or donating the neuter/spay cost back to the shelter.

    This charlie A Chihuahua  female

    I got a pure bred and I didn't get scam. My money was well spent, I got a female Chihuahua,spayed ,chip,and her shots,housebroken,leash train,well manner

    Ending my volunteer shift!
    Karen R.

    The staff at Austin Pets Alive are unbelievable. The attention and care for all the fur babies cannot be matched. I started volunteering here a couple months ago and it was the best decision I made. If you have time, please come volunteer. It's needed!

    Dawn H.

    I love everything about APA! They are a "no kill" facility and do everything they can to assist our community, for both humans and our other than companions. Full disclosure, I have never adopted from APA. I sadly put my almost 17 year old, 55lb lil big guy to sleep just over three weeks ago (I had a team come to my home and it was very tranquil). My buddy's mind was still there and he had more love to give. His poor body just gave out and I promised him I would never let him suffer. Elvis was spoiled - not rotten - and he had A LOT of belongings. A bed in every room in my house (except the bathrooms and kitchen), his own toy box filled to the rim, a dresser with all of his clothes and blankets, special treats and so much more. When thinking of a place to donate - Elvis would've definitely wanted to share with others - Austin Pets Alive was my first choice. I have been a big supporter since moving to Austin over eight years ago, attending charity efforts, contributing to drives, etc. because I admire all of their efforts to heel and not kill animals. I called APA and inquired about what they would/would not accept and explained my situation to them. Every staff/volunteer I spoke to was so kind and empathetic. I knew I chose the right org to give my beloved's things to. After over two weeks of gradually boxing things up (some will never leave my home), and three full car drop offs later, I received an out of the blue condolence call. A few happy tears helped relief some of the pain, if only a bit. Thank you APA for everything you do. You care and it shows. I don't think I will ever get another furbaby, but if I did I know where I would head. xo

    Our new APA potential adoption dog
    Morgann G.

    Update: we have officially welcomed our new friend to our home. An unexpected bonus- they had a Memorial Day special so he was free!! I'm feeling truly blessed all the way around.

    Beautiful boy
    Meggie W.

    I'm dismayed by the negative reviews, when there are hundreds of people who will tell you what an incredible organization this is but it is usually an occasional negative experience that ends up being voiced here versus the many positive experiences. No rescue is ever going to be completely idyllic, because it takes a lot out of a person to devote themselves to animal rescue & keep things organized when all rescue groups experience limitations and unpredictability at some point. It's an emotionally taxing & exhausting line of work so it is important not to take things too personally. Ultimately, everyone wants to see rescued animals saved and into loving homes - often that means setting ones feelings aside. With that said, I want to emphasize what a truly amazing rescue organization APA has been for me and many lone rescuers I know. I live in Dallas and when I had trouble finding a home for cats, APA came to my rescue and offered to help me. I especially want to highlight the lovely coordinator woman in cat intake! She is a truly sweet and caring individual. She is professional, organized and incredible knowledgeable. She offered me guidance and support that I couldn't find locally. I truly appreciate everything APA does and cannot understand how anyone would bash them. Thank you to all the staff & volunteers who work so hard to keep things running. You deserve some praise!

    Sadie S.

    We were fostering two kittens from APA and during a late night/early morning emergency involving potential toxin exposure, we called the emergency line they give you at 10 p.m. We informed the person on-call about what happened and they did not seem to care or acknowledge any urgency even though we told them that the ASPCA toxicity hotline told us it was urgent to go to an emergency vet right away. Because of this we acted out of an abundance of caution and took the foster and the other kitten who we recently adopted to an emergency vet. We tried to communicate with APA through this emergency line for hours, each time we spoke to somebody they seemed indifferent and burdened by the wellbeing of the kittens. We had to explain what happened multiple times and were repeatedly told that it "wasn't an emergency and we could wait until the morning for a check up" even though the ASPCA told us the kitten could die. We went to the emergency vet with both kittens and had them checked in and were informing APA the entire time and it wasn't until 1 AM that we were informed we would not be reimbursed for medical services rendered by the emergency vet. They never disclose this whenever you are trying to foster. They did not offer until 2:30 AM the option to have the "on-call vet" meet us at the town lake location. They told us it would be 30 minutes to an hour until they could see the foster kitten. After hours of stress and worry and endless communication with the shelter, we finally got to APA and the people who met us there were upset, irritated, and did not know the details of what was going on despite us being in communication with them for the past several hours. We left the foster kitten there overnight by himself and in the morning we called to check on him and they told us, "I don't know what you want me to say. He's the same as he has been. You can pick him up after six". When we did pick him up, he was terrified, shaking, and covered in matted urine, feces, and litter. He had a bruise on his left leg presumably from the IV. It did not look like it had been cleaned and it was not bandaged. The kittens ended up being OK, but it was a horrible experience and we are incredibly grateful that he is safe and adopted. I sincerely hope that APA recognizes their shortcomings and failures so that they can work towards the goals they initially set out to achieve.

    James B.

    My wife and I had a 4-5 month old puppy who's name was Aloha, She tested positive for Parvo at this facility and the veterinarians and staff were so loving to us that they gave us $150 worth of medications for free to nurse her back to health. Unfortunately on the drive home and on the way upstairs to our apartment Aloha passed away from her Parvo Virus infection before we could administer the first round of meds and I.V. We thank this facility and it's staff for everything they did for her even though we lacked the funds to pay for treatment. God surely lives in this place.

    Rosa & Leia
    Suzi O.

    Great, great experience!! We've never had a cat b4 (we're dog ppl) and prob asked a millllion questions! But they were very patient w/ my adult sons an I and we honestly couldn't have asked for a better experience. We ended up adopting Leia-a 2 month old shorthair domestic kitten that had ringworm. Actually, listen to them about treatment bc it really is contagious-loll But this little Princess is TOTALLY worth it!!!

    See all

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sarah C.

    Sarah C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    25 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of A B.
    0
    1
    0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sarah C.

    Sarah C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sarah C.

    Sarah C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sarah C.

    Sarah C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sarah C.

    Sarah C.

    Hello Susan! We are happy that you found you companion from us!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sarah C.

    Sarah C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sarah C.

    Sarah C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dawn H.
    1246
    974
    10211

    5 years ago

    Helpful 17
    Thanks 0
    Love this 14
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Juan N.

    Juan N.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1
    Photo of M H.
    0
    124
    34

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 14
    Thanks 5
    Love this 3
    Oh no 4

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 19
    Thanks 5
    Love this 6
    Oh no 4

    6 years ago

    Helpful 16
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    A great place to get your furrever friend. These volunteers work hard to get these worthy animals placed in the best homes possible.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sarah C.

    Sarah C.

    Hey Patricia, thank you for your kind words and 5 stars!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Suzi O.
    203
    44
    18

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Juan N.

    Juan N.

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 3
    Love this 0
    Oh no 6

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    4 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 4
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 3
    Love this 0
    Oh no 5

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sarah C.

    Sarah C.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 4
    Love this 1
    Oh no 3

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Juan N.

    Juan N.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 3
    Love this 0
    Oh no 3

    3 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 6
    Love this 2
    Oh no 3

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Juan N.

    Juan N.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Krista B.
    14
    41
    10

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Allie M.
    188
    18
    8

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Colleen K.

    Colleen K.

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joseph S.
    72
    72
    60

    6 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Diem W.
    6
    55
    20

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - Austin Pets Alive!

    Do they accept unopened bag of dog food? I'm switching my dog to another brand and I have a 50 lb bag of Valu-Pak 28-20.

    Yes! You can drop off donations any day of the week in front of our clinic at 1156 W Cesar Chavez St.

    How long does it take to get your spay/neuter deposit back?

    Hi Kelby! It usually takes about a week maximum after the surgery to receive your spay/neuter deposit back.

    Is all money raised go directly to this organization?

    According to Charity Navigator 80% of their revenue (donations, grants etc.) goes to the program. Looks like about 12% for fundraising and maybe 8% or less for administrative costs. It's rated 3 out of 4 stars. That's the breakdown. I use Charity… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Austin Pets Alive!

    My boyfriend and I stopped by ABGB to grab some beer and pizza and Austin Pets Alive happened to be having an adoption event...

    Mentioned in 55 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Austin Animal Center

    Austin Animal Center

    3.5
    (246 reviews)

    I recently attended one of the free spay and neuter clinics hosted by Austin Animal Free Spay and…read moreNeuter Clinic and greater good charities for my puppy, and overall, I had a great experience with just a few things to keep in mind if you're planning to attend. The clinic was scheduled from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM. I arrived around 8:30, and as expected for a free event, the lines were long--but honestly, that's understandable when such valuable services are offered at no cost. One of the great things was that there was no limit to the number of animals you could bring. Once I got there, I was greeted by friendly staff who gave me paperwork to complete. A staff member kindly informed me that the process could take a while, which I appreciated. I ended up waiting in line for about four hours. If I had known ahead of time, I definitely would have brought snacks and water to help pass the time--but I was fine overall. Before they took my puppy back, they thoroughly explained the procedure and all the services included: the spay/neuter surgery, vaccines, microchipping, and preventative medications. Talk about saving money! They promised to take great care of him, and I felt reassured as they carried him back. Around 4:30 PM, I received a call to pick him up. He looked good at first, but as I drove down the highway, I noticed some bleeding. I turned around and rushed back to the clinic. The staff explained that male dogs can be a little more sensitive due to the number of blood vessels involved, and it wasn't unusual. They immediately took him back, cleaned him up, and made sure he was okay. One of the amazing volunteers even helped me clean the blood off my car and blankets--who knew peroxide worked so well? Once home, I noticed his microchip had started to migrate out. I texted the number they provided, and they told me to bring him back in for a check-up. I did just that two days later, and he was given a clean bill of health. They were quick, responsive, and made sure everything was taken care of. They also mentioned that they host these events frequently. If you're considering getting your pets spayed or neutered, I absolutely recommend bringing them here. The wait can be long, but the care and services are worth it. They treat your fur babies with love and compassion, and you leave knowing your pet got the attention they needed. Thank you to the entire team for your patience, hard work, and dedication. Look out for more free spay and neuter clinics it will save you tons

    They do horrible things to their animals. They throw animals with illnesses on you and REFUSE to…read morehelp you out or give your new baby medicine in the meantime while waiting for their first vet appointment. My baby had worms that they just "didn't notice" from March... it's MAY and they REFUSE to give him $20 dewormer. They're stingy and horrible people that don't care for the health of their animals. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS SHELTER FOR ADOPTING, THEY WILL NOT HELP YOU CURE THINGS THEY GOT IN THE SHELTER. THEIR 311 NUMBER KNOWS NOTHING. IDIOTS. Thank god I rescued my angel from that horrible place. 1/10. Only not 0 because I found my angel there.

    Gold Ribbon Rescue

    Gold Ribbon Rescue

    4.4
    (26 reviews)

    I just recently adopted my new dog through GRR and it was an incredible experience start to finish…read more Yes, it's thorough and yes it takes time, but I definitely feel like that is by design and ultimately matched me with a pretty incredible pup - you shouldn't be in a hurry to find your next family member! The care and passion for each dog is apparent, and I had a whole support team throughout the process to ensure I had all the information and resources I needed to bring my Cooper home.

    My experience with this rescue left me feeling disappointed due to a lack of transparency and…read morecommunication regarding the adoption process. I fully support the need for rescues to carefully screen potential adopters and ensure dogs are placed in safe, appropriate homes. However, I was not informed in advance that the home would be expected to be fully "dog-ready" on the day of the site visit. During the visit, concerns were raised about items such as shoes and visible cords, despite the fact that practical solutions were already available and could easily be implemented before a dog was brought into the home. Had the rescue clearly communicated its expectations beforehand, I would have gladly prepared accordingly. Instead, the process felt more focused on identifying deficiencies than on understanding whether I had a thoughtful plan to safely integrate a dog into my home. I also found the overall experience to be more adversarial than collaborative. I expected the visit to be a conversation about responsible dog ownership, daily routines, enrichment, training, and safety plans. While those topics were discussed, I left feeling judged rather than supported. I appreciate the important work that breed rescues do and respect their commitment to their dogs. My hope is that the organization will consider providing clearer guidance to applicants about home visit expectations so that prospective adopters can prepare appropriately and have a more positive experience.

    Lil' Paws Maltese Rescue and other Petite Paws

    Lil' Paws Maltese Rescue and other Petite Paws

    3.6
    (19 reviews)

    Lil Paws Maltese Rescue is responsible for bringing joy into our home. We recently adopted an…read moreadorable little maltipoo. She came to us housebroken and full of love. I contribute that to the amazing and compassionate volunteers who run this rescue. Their puppies are raised in the homes of these caring individuals so they have been trained and socialized with love and care. If you are interested in adopting a dog needing a forever home, Lil Paws Maltese Rescue is where you need to go. They have meet and greets every month to find good matches for their puppies. We are so in love with our new fur baby.

    I'm sharing this as a genuine concern for animal welfare and transparency…read more I've noticed this individual adopting animals from local shelters while simultaneously requesting donations and then selling the animals at retail-level prices. That raises serious ethical questions. Animal shelters exist to place pets into safe, permanent homes--not to supply inventory for resale. If money is being exchanged beyond standard adoption fees, the public deserves clarity on where funds are going and whether shelters are aware. Donations should support care, vetting, and rescue efforts--not personal profit. If this is a legitimate rescue operation, transparency, nonprofit status, and itemized use of funds should be clearly provided. Otherwise, this feels misleading to donors and unfair to families who adopt in good faith. I hope proper oversight is in place to protect the animals and the community.Donations solicited under the appearance of animal rescue while animals are sold at retail prices.

    Purr-fecto Cat Lounge

    Purr-fecto Cat Lounge

    4.5
    (99 reviews)

    Everything about this place is a yes. The kitties. The colors. The sereneness…read more Living in Massachusetts it makes me sad I can't come here often...or get a job here! You have to make a reservation online to see the cats, that part was easy but it took a moment when we actually got there. They lock the doors and I had to call to get let in but once we were in, it was great! So many kitties of all sizes and ages. It's nice and quiet in the facility as well, so it's easy to zen and lock in with the babies. Loved this place so much that it's made me want to start my own facility like this back up here at home

    A friend of mine talked me into going with her to Purr-fecoto Cat Lounge. She loves cats and I…read morelove coffee. I was lured in by the coffee aspect of the visit because I am allergic to cats. I can go about a couple of hours before my throat closes in and my eyes turn bloodshot red from an allergic reaction. Please note that they have drip coffee only. Their mission.."Purrfecto partners with Texas rescues to give adoptable cats an opportunity to find new homes. Just like humans, all cats have different purrsonalities, but they all need love. We have created the perfect environment for them to relax and meow around while they wait to discover their perfect match. We are hoping to reduce euthanasia in animal shelters and increase adoptions. We want to provide homeless cats with 9 lives full of love." Cool concept...you pay $15 for 30 minutes or $30 for 70 minutes to play with a cat in the lounge to determine whether you want to adopt a cat. The space is bright, welcoming and open. It is like a group cat love fest. The lounge has been in business for about 4 years and have had about 1,900 adoptions. My friend did not adopt a cat but she will return. You must make an appointment to visit with the cats.

    Austin Pets Alive! - animalshelters - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...