In 2024, Bastrop County Animal Services found families for 503 dogs. The number has since grown, with a current yearly adoption number of over 900 dogs.

While the adoption increase has helped the center, director Jill Gunn and animal services coordinator Wendy Ballard said the team is working hard to find more furry friends permanent homes in the Bastrop area.
Staples is a 9-month-old Black Mouth Cur mix who loves squeaky toys, cuddles and walks and is a bit selective with dog friends but warms up after a slow introduction. (Courtesy Bastrop County Animal Services)
Staples is a 9-month-old Black Mouth Cur mix who loves squeaky toys, cuddles and walks and is a bit selective with dog friends but warms up after a slow introduction. (Courtesy Bastrop County Animal Services)
What’s changing?

Over the past year, the shelter saw a 15.25% increase in intake, with 4,323 animals entering so far this year.

Gunn said one of the largest reasons for pets being dropped off at the shelter is financial troubles, including purchasing pet food, paying for vet bills and moving costs.

“Whatever their situation is, they're not able to take their animals with them for landlord issues, pet deposits,” Ballard said.


To alleviate these struggles, the shelter partners with Save An Angel, a program that offers low-cost spay and neuter services to the public.
Ace is potty trained, does well with dogs and people and knows a couple tricks. (Courtesy Bastrop County Animal Services)
Ace is potty trained, does well with dogs and people, and knows a couple tricks. (Courtesy Bastrop County Animal Services)
The impact

Ballard said nearly all of the shelter’s dogs are medium- to large-breed, which tend to be the hardest to adopt. The shelter’s longest resident has been there three to four months, not including a fostered dog that has been in the system for more than a year.
Salt is a Retriever mix who has been finished raising puppies and been spayed and is now looking for a home where she can find lots of attention and hangout with other dogs. (Courtesy Bastrop County Animal Services)
Salt is a Retriever mix who has been finished raising puppies and been spayed and is now looking for a home where she can find lots of attention and hangout with other dogs. (Courtesy Bastrop County Animal Services)
The team shared a handful of stories showcasing influential memories since their time at the center.

One adopter, who walks on a prosthetic leg and was born with no hands, formed a bond with a three-legged kitten named June Bug. Other stories included dogs that have become trained companions for veterans living with PTSD.

“Sometimes you get bogged down with the sadness part of it,” Ballard said. “Seeing the sadness, some of the dogs that come in are in really bad condition. But then to see them turn around and have the best life ever, it just makes all the work worthwhile.”
Shakira is a 10 pound furry friend who gets along with other dogs, loves people and instantly warms up to everyone she meets. (Courtesy Bastrop County Animal Services)
Shakira is a 10-pound furry friend who gets along with other dogs, loves people and instantly warms up to everyone she meets. (Courtesy Bastrop County Animal Services)
Get involved


The shelter is in the process of building a new kennel building to increase the number of animals they are able to take in. Community members can support the center's growth by making a monetary donation on the shelter's website or purchasing items from the shelter's Amazon wishlist.

Whether a cat lover or a dog fanatic, volunteers for all animals are welcome to help the shelter clean, socialize animals, walk dogs and operate adoption events.

“We're all the same right here, you know,” Ballard said, pointing to her heart. “It's just really heartfelt to see no matter who you are, you can foster and volunteer for an animal shelter.”
Whisper is a Labrador and Great Pyrenees mix who is a gentle friend with children, loves to play with other dogs and enjoys dressing up. (Courtesy Bastrop County Animal Services)
Whisper is a Labrador and Great Pyrenees mix who is a gentle friend with children, loves to play with other dogs and enjoys dressing up. (Courtesy Bastrop County Animal Services)
Ballard said the pantry is exceptionally empty and is in need of community donations. Individuals can also help out by dropping off cat and dog food at the shelter’s community food pantry, which supplies free pet food to local pet owners and fosters.