Questions, answered

Visit & apply: come by the shelter, meet our animals, and fill out an adoption application. Review our guidelines (including the 3-3-3 Rule for pet adjustment), pay the adoption fee, and — upon approval — take your new friend home, often the same day.

Dogs and cats are $80, which includes age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, rabies vaccination, microchip, and spay/neuter. Seniors get $10 off, and Operation Save a Life waives the fee entirely for qualifying first responders and military personnel.

All adopted pets must be spayed or neutered (if too young at adoption, you agree to return for the procedure). Renters need landlord permission documentation. You must provide humane care — adequate water, food, shelter, sanitation, exercise, and veterinary care. And if you can no longer care for the pet, you must return it to GJAS rather than giving it away or selling it.

Free adoptions honoring service to our country and community: military personnel (current or retired), firefighters, nurses, EMT/paramedics, law enforcement, and all first responders. Bring proof of service to qualify.

Apply through Civic Champs (see our Volunteer page), or visit the shelter during business hours and speak with our staff. Complete any required orientation, then start making a difference.

Animal care (dog walking, cat playtime, feeding, grooming assistance) and support services (administrative tasks, facility maintenance, event help, community outreach). Professional skills — legal, technical, marketing, medical, craftsmanship — are always welcome too.

Yes — for court-ordered community service, school service requirements, organization projects, and general community involvement. Contact us to discuss your needs.

Yes! Our youth program offers safe, supervised, age-appropriate activities that teach compassion and animal care while making a real difference.

Yes. GJAS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. We provide receipts for all donations.

Online through our Give page; by mail (checks to GJAS, 240 Svoboda Lane, La Grange, Texas 78945); in person during business hours; or by phone at 979-966-0021. In-kind donations — pet supplies, food, cleaning supplies, professional services — are welcome too.

General Fund (most pressing needs, incl. Operation Save a Life), Medical Fund (veterinary care), Cat Nip/Dog Snip Fund (spay/neuter vouchers), Capital Improvement Fund (facilities), and Legacy Giving through the Fayette Community Foundation.

The adjustment timeline for a newly adopted pet: 3 days of decompression (overwhelmed, maybe scared), 3 weeks of settling in (true personality emerging), and 3 months of trust-building (fully at home). See our What to Expect guide for details.

We're here for you — general pet care questions, behavioral concerns, adjustment support, and referrals to local veterinarians and trainers. Call 979-966-0021.

Contact us immediately. Per the adoption agreement, the pet must come back to GJAS — never given away or sold. There is no shame in returning a pet; we understand circumstances change, and we'll work with you on the best solution.

Tue–Sat, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday, with animal reclaims available Monday by appointment.

Phone 979-966-0021 · Email info@janssenanimalshelter.org · Visit 240 Svoboda Lane, La Grange, Texas 78945.

To provide care and shelter for abandoned, neglected, and stray dogs and cats in Fayette County while finding them loving forever homes — through compassionate care, responsible pet ownership education, community outreach, and our 97% live outcome rate.