City’s Animal Shelter Temporarily Not Accepting Owner-Surrendered Pets

Published on June 17, 2025

Despite generous pet adoption specials and strong partnerships with local dog and cat rescue organizations, the kennels at Arlington Animal Services have unfortunately been over capacity since mid-May.

Arlington Animal Services staff provide care for dozens of dogs and cats daily as they wait for adoption, rescue or reunification with their owners. Full capacity is 159 animals, but the shelter is currently averaging more than 200 animals each day, severely constraining our capacity to provide care. Due to the influx, starting June 17 and until further notice, Animal Services will temporarily pause the acceptance of owner-surrendered pets. This is a difficult decision, which is made in the best interests of the dozens of stray animals and lost pets already being cared for. The primary goals are to reduce unnecessary euthanasia and manage intake effectively to ensure animal welfare and operational sustainability.

“Our shelter is currently operating significantly beyond its capacity, making it challenging to accommodate new intakes. While we are proud to serve our community, surrendering animals to the shelter should be a last resort, as our limited space can unfortunately lead to negative outcomes for healthy, friendly animals,” Director of Parks and Recreation James Orloski said.

Arlington Animal Services will keep the community updated on shelter capacity and resume acceptance of owner-surrendered pets once shelter capacity dips below critical levels.

Pet owners with previously scheduled surrender appointments will be given priority once Arlington Animal Services resumes accepting owner-surrendered pets.

Alternative Rehoming Options

Arlington Animal Services strongly encourage exploring alternative rehoming options first, as they often provide a less stressful transition for the animals. Here are some resources that may be helpful:

• Rehome by Adopt a Pet: This platform allows you to create a profile for your kittens and connect with potential adopters directly: https://rehome.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

• Arlington Animal Services Rehoming Packet: We have compiled a comprehensive guide with suggestions and resources for successfully rehoming pets: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/animal-services/documents/aas_rehoming_packet.pdf

• Local Rescue Organizations: Consider contacting other non-profit shelters and rescue groups such as DFW Humane Society, Operation Kindness, and SPCA of Texas, as they may have different availability.

• Social Media Networking: Utilizing your personal social media platforms to spread the word about your kittens can often lead to successful rehoming within your network.

Pet Adoptions

As a reminder, Animal Services is offering a $5 pet adoption special.

Cat adoption fees are typically $90 and dog adoption fees are $100. All adoption fees, even the $5 pet adoption special, include pet vaccinations, spaying or neutering, a microchip, a city license for Arlington residents, and heartworm testing for dogs or FIV/FELV testing for cats. Be sure to follow the Arlington Animal Services Facebook page to learn about adoption specials.

See All Adoptable Dogs

See All Adoptable Cats

Arlington Animal Services Hours of Operation

1000 SE Green Oaks Blvd.

• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
• 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2nd Tuesday each month  
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
• Closed Sunday