Mission Statement

Henderson Animal Center’s mission is to provide temporary shelter and excellent care for stray, unwanted and homeless animals for the City. Each day we strive to:  

• Promote responsible pet ownership,
• Protect Citizens by housing public nuisance animals brought by local law enforcement, and
• Prevent unnecessary euthanasia by diligently locating homes for every animal possible within our care. 

All activities shall be in compliance with State, Federal, and local laws and regulations; and duties shall be performed by a humane and professional staff.

Animal Intake Procedure

The Henderson Animal Center Facility is open admission for animals within the City of Henderson, and accepts animals from within Rusk County for a fee. No animals from outside Rusk County are accepted by the facility. 

We evaluate each animal individually and make decisions regarding adoption, transfer, or foster based upon the animal and their ability to be safely re-homed. 

If the Center is at capacity, staff will obtain an individual’s contact information and call them back as soon as a spot becomes available. Donated food may be sent home if the individual is unable to provide for the animal. Our logs are maintained and updated on a daily basis.

Report Animal Concerns

Reporting concerns correctly can get animals the assistance they need in a timely manner. To report an animal concern inside the city limits of Henderson such as stray/nuisance/injured/sick animals, welfare checks, or cruelly treated animals, submit the concern in one of these ways:

• Call our offices at (903) 657-7651. Our phone rings 10am-4pm. If you reach our voicemail from calling outside of 10am-4pm or during that time because we are on the other line, leave a message. We check them frequently. For outside business hours animal emergencies, contact the Henderson Police Department at 903-657-3512.

• Report VIA City Website by clicking here. 

• Email shelter@hendersontx.us but please keep in mind this method typically requires a follow up phone call to obtain necessary information for our officers. Please include current contact information and as many relevant details as possible. (Who, What, Where, How, Why, and When)