What is the live outcome rate in Houston?

81.4–83.3% in 2025, calculated from 17,465 live outcomes and 3,500–4,000 euthanasias. This rate uses some preliminary figures and is subject to verification.

Is Houston a no-kill shelter?

Not by the common 90% benchmark. Its 2025 live outcome rate was 81.4–83.3%.

How many animals were euthanized in Houston?

3,500–4,000 in 2025, about 15.6–17.8% of intake. This figure is preliminary.

Where does this data come from?

City of Houston BARC — Data. SaveAPaw last verified these figures on November 3, 2026.

Houston Animal Shelter Statistics 2025

BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions · Texas · Reporting period 2025

Last updated: November 3, 2026

Source: City of Houston BARC — Data ↗✓ Last verified November 3, 2026

Figures are based on the most recent publicly available reports and are subject to verification. Intake and adoptions are from City of Houston BARC 2025 reports. Euthanasia is a preliminary range (3,500–4,000); return-to-owner and transfer figures are preliminary.

Intake: 22,445
Adoptions: 5,765
Euthanasia: 3,500–4,000; 15.6–17.8% of intake
live outcome rate: 81.4–83.3%; National: 82%

Outcomes, 2025

BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions outcomes for 2025
Metric	Count	Share of intake
Total intakeVerified	22,445	100%
AdoptionsVerified	5,765	26%
Returned to ownerPreliminary	2,100	9%
Transferred to partnersPreliminary	9,600	43%
Total live outcomesPreliminary	17,465	78%
Euthanasia (range)Preliminary	3,500–4,000	15.6–17.8%
live outcome ratePreliminaryCalculated by SaveAPaw from the figures above	81.4–83.3%	State calc. (tracked): 87.2%

Additional outcome figures are preliminary and will be updated when official reports are confirmed.

Data period 2025 · Last verified November 3, 2026 · View official source ↗

What the numbers mean

BARC is Houston's municipal shelter. Dog intake is among the highest of any city shelter in the U.S., and euthanasia for space remains a recurring issue in summer months. In 2025, BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions reported 22,445 animal intakes and 17,465 live outcomes, for a calculated live outcome rate of 81.4–83.3% — roughly in line with the 82% national estimate.

The most common way animals left the shelter alive was transfer to rescue partners, accounting for 55% of live outcomes. Adoptions made up 33%, transfers 55% and returns to owner 12%.

3,500–4,000 animals were euthanized, equal to 15.6–17.8% of intake. Among the 10 shelters SaveAPaw tracks, Houston ranks #10 by headline outcome rate, below the commonly used 90% no-kill benchmark. Figures come from City of Houston BARC — Data and were last verified on November 3, 2026; see the source for Texas reporting definitions. Intake and adoptions are from City of Houston BARC 2025 reports. Euthanasia is a preliminary range (3,500–4,000); return-to-owner and transfer figures are preliminary.

Frequently asked questions

How many animals does BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions take in each year?: BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions reported 22,445 animal intakes in 2025.
What is the live outcome rate in Houston?: 81.4–83.3% in 2025, calculated from 17,465 live outcomes and 3,500–4,000 euthanasias. This rate uses some preliminary figures and is subject to verification.
Is Houston a no-kill shelter?: Not by the common 90% benchmark. Its 2025 live outcome rate was 81.4–83.3%.
How many animals were euthanized in Houston?: 3,500–4,000 in 2025, about 15.6–17.8% of intake. This figure is preliminary.
Where does this data come from?: City of Houston BARC — Data. SaveAPaw last verified these figures on November 3, 2026.