HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — ABC13 viewers helped us set a record by adopting 168 pets during our annual Pick Your Pet Adoption Drive at BARC Animal Shelter in 2025.

This year, we want to take that to the next level.

Join us in 2026! ABC13’s Pick Your Pet Adoption Drive is Friday, March 27, 2026, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at BARC

ABC13’s three-day event, now in its ninth year, is sponsored by Gillman Subaru and Gallery Furniture.

The annual drive offers $13 discounted adoptions for all available pets, and Pick Your Pet only continues to grow.

In 2023, 111 pets were adopted. The following year, that number shot up to 153.

Then, we set the record in 2025.

As in past years, in addition to the adoption specials available throughout the weekend, BARC is offering visitors a small pet vendor market featuring local pet-related businesses, along with demonstrations and activities for adopters and their pets.

Anyone who stops by can also enjoy several food vendors on site at the shelter.

Click here to see available pets at BARC Animal Shelter.

BARC is located at 3300 Carr St., in northeast Houston.

What is BARC?

BARC is the City of Houston’s municipal animal shelter, and it cares for more than 22,000 animals each year.

Adoptions are completed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The shelter is unable to place holds on animals.

How do I adopt?

All adoptions must be in person, but no appointment is needed.

Here are other requirements to adopt:

– Must be 18 years of age or older.
– Must have a valid, government issued photo ID.
– If the address on your ID doesn’t match your current address, be prepared to provide an alternate proof of address such as a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or car insurance. Digital or hard copies will be accepted.

The pet adoption process can take anywhere from 60-90 minutes.

How much are adoption fees?

It depends! This page has the full list of fees, but they can range from $20 for kittens and cats to $50 for dogs and $75 for puppies.

There are discounted rates for seniors, depending on the age of the pet.

ABC13’s Pick Your Pet Adoption Drive is a great opportunity to take advantage of the $13 discounted adoptions.

Check out BARC’s website for more information.

Missed last year’s adoption drive? Here are some highlights.

Hundreds of ABC13 viewers showed up and opened their hearts during our 8th annual Pick Your Pet adoption drive at BARC, setting a new record while showing big love to animals in need!

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