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RESCUE PROGRAM

INTAKE REQUESTS

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PLEASE NOTE: INTAKE IS LIMITED AT THIS TIME.  WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO HELP!
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Under our rescue program, we save homeless animals from the streets of Houston, Texas, and surrounding communities. We also help owners rehome pets they can no longer keep, and we offer aid to small shelters, animal control, and law enforcement entities in south Texas.

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Animals we agree to take do not need to be vaccinated, spayed/neutered, or have had any vetting prior to intake. All medical care is covered by Animal Aid Brigade and partner organizations. All animals will be spayed/neutered and fully vaccinated prior to adoption. Any injuries and illnesses will be treated. Dogs with minor behavioral problems will be provided with training and socialization. 

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Please note at this time we are not able to take feral animals or dogs that are aggressive with people or other dogs.

 

We don't seek adopters for our pets locally.  There is a surplus of animals needing homes in our area, so we work to move them to areas of the country where there is a shortage of adoptable pets.  Most dogs and cats are placed with rescue groups. All of our partner organizations are carefully screened and are “no-kill,” meaning no treatable animal will be euthanized.

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If you are seeking to rehome your pet, or have found a stray animal, please be prepared to keep it in your care during the process, which is generally short-term.  If you are unable to do so, and you don’t know someone who can help, we will try to find a foster home or arrange to board the pet.

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HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

Once we have all the information needed to assess the animal for intake into our program, we will do our best to respond within 48 hours. 

 

Once accepted into our program, it’s typically 10 days to three weeks before they are matched with a partner rescue and transport. It may take longer if they are sick, injured, or pregnant.  The clock doesn't start until we have received all of the information required, so please include all of the information we request on the intake forms to speed up the process.

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It is important to note that once an animal is accepted into our program, it cannot be given away to another person, placed with another rescue group, or taken to a shelter without approval from Animal Aid Brigade. We ask that you do not try to find an adopter for your foster/rescue/dog you are surrendering once we have agreed to accept them.  After we promise them to a partner group, we cannot change plans.  Please make absolutely sure you, your friends, or family do not want to adopt an animal you have rescued or wish to re-home before proceeding!

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HOW TO GET AN ANIMAL APPROVED FOR INTAKE

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Please read the following carefully and have everything ready to send before completing the form!

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  • Confirmation you have had the animal scanned for a microchip, and the chip number if they have one. 
     

  • At least 2 clear, bright and recent photos of the pet including

    • At least one photo of their face

    • At least one photo of their body

 

Tips for taking good photos:

For litters of puppies that look alike, please try to get photos of each that show identifying marks.

If you label photos with names or genders, please use small text down in one corner, avoid the middle of the photo.

Please don’t add emojis or other images, or alter the photo with filters.

Try to get clear, bright photos, shooting outdoors in daylight is best if possible.

Try to get down on the level of the animal for the best results rather than standing over them and shooting downward.

If the dog won’t hold still. Get a treat and hold it out of reach, usually, they will focus on the treat and you can get a good shoot. If not, try to get a video clip, we can usually pull a good still frame out of a good quality video.
 

  • A short video of the dog meeting a new dog nose-to-nose. It’s important that the video reflect the dog being dog-friendly. We MUST have this for all dogs over 15 lbs and 12 weeks of age.

 

Tips for getting a good video:

-If the dog is coming out of a kennel setting, let them out for a bit to potty and blow off extra energy, or take them for a short walk first for best results.

-Please, no commentary. Try not to talk to others helping, or the dogs.

-Both dogs can be on a leash; start with them a distance apart and slowly walk toward the other dog. 

-DO NOT force them together or try to make them smell the other dog.  Let them go at their own pace. 

-If the dog shows signs of fear, slow down.  If one dog is acting aggressively, stop.

-Shoot with your phone in landscape (turned to the side, horizontally) for better results

-It’s best to have a third person taking video if possible. Example of a good dog test.

 

  • A video showing the dog will walk on a leash easily. Pulling is fine, no alligator rolling, biting at the leash, screaming, or writhing.  This can be the same video as the dog test if a leash was used.
     

  • A short video showing the dog can be touched and handled by a new person they have just met.  ​

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  • ALL medical records for the dog if they have had vetting. If they have no vetting, that is fine.

    • If the dog has received a rabies vaccine that is still current, we need a “rabies certificate” signed by the veterinarian.

    • Photos of records are fine as long as they are clear and readable.

    • You may also have clinics email records to us at hello@animalaidbrigade.org, or fax to (855) 263-3001.
       

After you understand and are satisfied with the process, please select the link below for help with a stray or if you are surrendering your pet.  If you have questions before you begin, contact us!

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PLEASE UNDERSTAND that submitting an intake request form will not guarantee we can take an animal into our program but we'll do our best.  We generally respond within 48 hours.

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