Texas law states 72 hours, so on the 4th day of their stay, they become city property and can be adopted. Now if we have a line of communication with the owners, we will extend that hold for up to ten days, and sometimes beyond that if need be, but that's only under special circumstances.
I could be mistaken, but I think only like three days. That's why, aside from poor pets wondering what has happened to them, it is imperative for people to check shelters as soon as their pet is missing, and to keep checking back. Their objective is to find them a home as quickly as possible. It is so sad to see some that have been there for months. Their eyes look like they've just given up.
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