Q: What is the cost to adopt?
A: Our adoption fee is $60. All animals adopted from us are microchipped, vaccinated, and sterilized.

Q: What do I need to adopt a pet?
A: You must be 18 years or older with a valid I.D. You also must be able to provide the pet with a safe home, proper food, veterinary care, and companionship. Adopters must also follow all state and local animal laws and pay any applicable fees.

Q: I saw an animal online, how can I show that I'm interested in adopting it?
A: Please visit the shelter in person to check the animal’s availability, as their status can change quickly. If the animal is still on a 72-hour stray hold, you can place an adoption tag, but you will need to wait until the hold ends to proceed further. This hold is placed in case an owner comes forward.

Q: What does "tagging" mean? The animal I’m interested in is already tagged.
A: If an animal is tagged, it means an individual or rescue group has already committed to adopting or transporting the animal out of the shelter. The animal may still be at our facility while waiting for sterilization, vaccinations, or a scheduled transport date.

Q: Are adopted animals spayed or neutered?
A: Yes. All cats and dogs adopted from our shelter are spayed or neutered.

Q: Do adopted animals come with vaccinations?
A: Yes. All adopted pets are vaccinated. Dogs get flea and tick prevention, deworming, rabies vaccine, Bordetella, and DAPP. Cats get flea and tick prevention, deworming, rabies vaccine, and Feline Intra 3.

Q: Can I adopt the animal I am fostering?
A: Yes. If the animal is not already tagged for rescue or if the animal is not waiting for a transport date and you decide you would like to adopt your foster pet, we have a simple foster to adopt process.

Q: Is this pet still available?
A: Animal availability can change quickly. We recommend visiting us in person for the most up-to-date information. You can also visit our website or call our front office at (956) 625-1860.

Q: How does fostering work?
A: You must be 18 years or older with a valid ID. We can provide supplies such as food, and you help care for the animal for as long as you are able to. If interested in becoming a foster, please call (956) 625-1860 or visit our website under the “Foster” tab.

Q: How long can I foster a pet?
A: There is no set time limit for fostering. You can foster for as long as you are able to. The average time is from 2 weeks to 30 days. We have short-term and long-term foster placements available. If you decide you would like to adopt your foster pet, we have a simple foster to adopt process.

Q: What is the difference between foster-to-adopt and a full adoption?
A: Foster to adopt allows you to temporarily care for a pet before deciding to adopt.
A Full adoption is a permanent commitment where you officially take ownership of the animal.

Q: Are animals from your shelter microchipped?
A: Yes, every animal adopted, fostered, or rescued from our shelter is microchipped before leaving.

Q: How does microchipping work?
A: A small chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is placed under the skin similar to a vaccine shot. The microchip is then registered with the owner’s contact information. Please remember to update your contact information if it changes.

Q: Do you offer microchipping services to the public?
A: Yes, we do. A valid ID and a fee are required.

Q: Does a microchip work like a GPS? Can it track my pet?
A: No, microchips do not have GPS or tracking abilities. Microchips store a unique ID number that can be scanned by a veterinarian or our shelter. This ID number links an animal’s owner contact information in a secure database.

Q: Are there volunteer opportunities?
A: Yes. You can learn more and sign up on our website under the “Volunteer” tab.

Q: Do you offer spay/neuter vouchers?
A: Voucher availability may vary. Please call our front office at (956) 625-1860 for current information.

Q: When is your next event (vaccine drive, adoption event, etc.)?
A: Please follow our Facebook page for the latest updates on upcoming events and community activities.

Q: Do you lend out traps for animals?
A: No. At this time, we do not provide traps for lending.

Q: What kind of animal permits do you issue, and how do I apply?
A: We issue a variety of animal-related permits, including, but not limited to: 4H & FFA Programs, Livestock, Litter Permits, Pet Stores, Grooming Shops, Circuses, Rodeos, Animal Shows, Petting Zoos, Animal Exhibits, Temporary Zoos, Dangerous Dog, and Dangerous Wild Animal Permits. You can request and pay for any of these permits at our office. No appointment is needed to pick up or submit an application.

Q: Do you offer veterinary services to the public? Can I bring my pet to your clinic?
A: No. Our veterinary clinic is only for the animals in our care. We do not provide that service to the public.

Q: What is TNVR?
A: TNVR stands for Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return. With our TNVR program, stray cats are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and then returned to their original location. This program is free for public and helps control the community cat population.

Q: Is there a fee to join the TNVR program?
A: No, our TNVR program is free. Just call our office at (956) 625-1860 to be added to the waitlist

Q: How does the TNVR program work?
A: After joining our waitlist, we will contact you when it’s your turn. You will need to: Provide a valid ID, fill out an application at our office, and bring each cat in a separate carrier on the assigned sterilization date. Once they are sterilized, we will call you to pick up the cats and return them to their neighborhood.

Q: Do you pick up or trap wildlife such as opossums, raccoons, javelinas, snakes, etc.?
A: No. Laredo Animal Care Services specializes in domestic animals such as cats and dogs. For wildlife concerns, please contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden.

Q: How do I report animal cruelty?
A: To report animal cruelty, call (956) 625-1855. For non-emergencies, you can also call 311.

Q: How do I report a stray animal?
A: Please call (956) 625-1855 to report a stray. You can also contact our office at (956) 625-1860.

Q: Where do I report a dead animal?
A: Please call 311 to report deceased animals.

Q: What is the process for surrendering a pet?
A: To surrender a pet, you must schedule an appointment and pay a fee. We require proof that you tried to rehome your pet, and if your pet has medical issues, you must also provide veterinary records.

Q: What does it mean when an animal is on a 72-hour stray hold?
A: A 72-hour stray hold gives lost pets a chance to be claimed by their owners. If no one comes forward after 72 hours, the animal becomes available for adoption or rescue. If an animal comes in with identification, such as a tag or microchip, the animal is held for an additional time frame.

Q: Do you pick up stray cats?
A: No, we do not pick up healthy stray cats. However, if a cat is injured or sick, please contact 311 or 911 if necessary.

As of August 1, 2024, we follow a Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) program. Stray cats are trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, ear-tipped, and returned to their original location free of cost. TNR helps safely manage the stray cat population.

Q: I found a kitten, what do I do?
A: First, check if the kitten looks healthy and safe. If they are healthy and safe, leave it with its mother. If the mother is gone, she might have left to find food and should return within 12–24 hours. If the kitten is in danger, sick, or the mother does not return, please call 311 to report.

Q: I found a pet that may be lost. What should I do?
A: You can take the animal to a local veterinarian to check for a microchip. If it’s microchipped, the owner may be able to be contacted. Ask around your neighborhood as it may belong to a someone nearby. You can also post on social media in local lost and found pet groups. You can also report a found pet by calling 311.

Q: I lost my pet, what can I do?
A: If you’re looking for a missing pet, you can search the animals in our custody on our website and Facebook page. Intakes are posted daily. We highly recommend visiting the shelter in person to verify if your pet is here.

Q: Do you accept donations? What kind?
A: Yes. We accept items like dry food, towels, blankets, and toys. For monetary donations, please call our office at (956) 625-1860 for more details

Q: Where can I find the city ordinances on animals?
A: Animal ordinances are listed in “Chapter 6 – Animals and Fowl” of the City Code of Ordinances. You can view the City Code of Ordinances on the City of Laredo’s website.

Q: What areas fall under Laredo Animal Care Services’ jurisdiction?
A: Laredo Animal Care Services (LACS) serves within the 106.8 square miles of the City of Laredo. We are not authorized to respond outside of the city limits. If you are located outside of Laredo, please contact Webb County Animal Control or the Sheriff’s Office for assistance in your area.