Houston’s BARC Animal Shelter announces a new intake schedule to manage capacity and public safety, offering specific open-intake days and urging alternatives.
HOUSTON — Starting Saturday, May 16, the BARC Animal Shelter will roll out a new intake schedule aimed at expanding access for Houston residents while managing shelter capacity and maintaining public safety services.
According to BARC, the updated system responds to continued high demand for intake services across the city. Officials say the changes are intended to help balance available space at the shelter while still ensuring animals in need receive care.
New stray intake schedule
Under the revised plan, stray open-intake hours will now be limited to specific days and times:
- Monday: Stray intake for Houston residents from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (cats and dogs)
- Friday: Stray intake for Houston residents from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (cats only)
BARC emphasized there will be no stray open intake on Sunday, May 17, as the new schedule takes effect. The first available intake under the updated system will be Monday, May 18, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Appointment-only and closed intake days
The shelter will also shift several days to appointment-only or closed intake operations:
- Appointment-only intake: Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays
- Closed for intake: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Open intake will remain first-come, first-served, and officials warn it may close early if the shelter reaches capacity.
Sick or injured animals still accepted immediately
BARC said sick or injured animals will continue to be accepted immediately and do not require an appointment under any circumstances.
City of Houston residents only
The shelter also reiterated that intake services are available exclusively to City of Houston residents.
Encouraging alternatives when possible
Officials acknowledged that surrendering or bringing in a pet can be stressful and encouraged residents to explore alternatives when it is safe to do so. In many cases, healthy stray animals may be reunited with owners within the community before entering the shelter system.
More information, including appointment details and intake requirements, is available at BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions.
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