Pets

Harris County, Texas, is home to a vibrant community of pet lovers who care deeply for their furry companions. With a large population of residents and pets alike, the county provides a wealth of resources to help pet owners and animal lovers alike. Whether you’re looking to adopt a new pet, find lost pets, or ensure your pet’s health with low-cost services, Harris County offers comprehensive support through its various pet-related programs. This article will provide an in-depth look at pet adoption, resources, animal control, and services available to the residents of Harris County, TX.

Harris County Pets Adoption Program

Adoption Opportunities in Harris County

Harris County Pets provides an open-intake shelter that serves the residents of unincorporated Harris County. With thousands of animals coming through its doors each year, this shelter is a crucial part of the local animal welfare system. Harris County offers a diverse selection of pets for adoption, from dogs and cats to smaller animals like rabbits.

Adopting a pet from Harris County Pets comes with many benefits. Not only do you get a new family member, but your adoption fee also includes important services such as spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchipping, and a one-year Harris County pet license. This comprehensive adoption package ensures that pets are ready to enter their new homes healthy and well cared for.

What You Need to Know About Adopting

Adoptions are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and the process must be completed in person at the shelter. Adoption hours are Monday through Friday from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM and weekends from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Pets that are already spayed or neutered can leave the shelter the same day. However, if the animal still needs surgery, it will remain at the shelter until the procedure is completed.

Adopters are encouraged to bring a collar and leash for dogs or a pet carrier for cats. All animals are evaluated for health and temperament, and counseling services are available to help you choose the right pet for your lifestyle. Adoption fees vary based on the type of pet, with discounts for seniors and military personnel.

For more information, you can explore Harris County Pets Adoption.

Volunteering and Fostering Opportunities

Volunteer Programs for Animal Lovers

If you’re passionate about animals but not ready to adopt, Harris County Pets offers several volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are essential in providing care, socialization, and enrichment for shelter animals, assisting with administrative tasks, and promoting animal adoption.

To become a volunteer, you must be at least 16 years old. The shelter offers various volunteer roles, including assisting with pet care, managing animal adoptions, and supporting the shelter's educational outreach efforts. Volunteering is a fulfilling way to make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

Fostering Pets in Harris County

Fostering a pet is another great way to support Harris County Pets. Foster families provide temporary homes for pets, giving them a chance to relax in a more comfortable environment while they await adoption. Fostering helps relieve the shelter’s overcrowding, ensuring that more pets have a place to stay.

Foster homes are needed for a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, and even small animals like rabbits. If you live in Harris County or one of the surrounding counties (Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Liberty, Montgomery, or Waller), you can become a foster parent. This program is ideal for individuals or families who want to help but may not be able to commit to permanent adoption.

To learn more about volunteering or fostering, visit Volunteer or Foster.

Harris County Pet Clinic: Affordable Care for Your Pet

Low-Cost Veterinary Services

Harris County Pets also runs a pet wellness clinic, offering low-cost veterinary services to help pet owners care for their animals. The clinic is staffed by licensed veterinarians and provides essential services such as spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchipping, and treatments for common pet health issues like heartworm.

The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a lunch break from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Appointments are necessary for most services, and you can book an appointment online or by calling the clinic directly.

Services Provided at the Pet Clinic

The pet clinic offers a wide range of services to ensure the health and well-being of your pets, including:

Spay/Neuter Surgery: Prevent unwanted litters and contribute to pet overpopulation control.

Vaccinations: Core vaccinations, including rabies, DA2PP, Bordetella, and more.

Microchipping: A permanent identification solution to reunite lost pets with their owners.

Heartworm Testing and Treatment: Ensure your pets are protected from heartworm disease.

Flea and Tick Prevention: Keep your pets comfortable and healthy with preventive treatments.

Routine Wellness Exams: Regular check-ups to monitor the health of your pet.

For more information about clinic services, visit Harris County Pet Clinic.

Pet Licensing in Harris County

Why Pet Licensing is Important

All cats and dogs over the age of three months living in unincorporated Harris County must be licensed. Pet licensing helps to ensure that pets are vaccinated against rabies and provides a means of identification should a pet go missing. A valid pet license helps reunite lost pets with their owners more quickly and helps maintain public health.

Harris County pet licenses are available for one-year and three-year terms. If you have a pet that is spayed or neutered, the cost is minimal, and seniors (age 60 and over) can enjoy additional discounts.

How to License Your Pet

To license your pet, you will need to provide proof of rabies vaccination, microchip information, and spay/neuter status (if applicable). You can apply for a pet license online or in person at designated locations. Harris County also offers convenient reminders when it’s time to renew your pet’s license, ensuring that your pet’s registration is always up to date.

For more details, visit Pet Licensing.

Harris County Animal Control and Animal Cruelty

Reporting Animal Cruelty

Animal cruelty is a serious issue in every community, and Harris County is dedicated to fighting it. The Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce is responsible for investigating allegations of abuse and neglect. If you witness or suspect animal cruelty, it’s essential to report it to the proper authorities.

You can report animal cruelty online or by calling the dedicated hotline. The taskforce works closely with local law enforcement and animal control agencies to investigate and take appropriate action.

For more information, visit the Animal Cruelty Taskforce.

Local Animal Control Agencies

Local animal control agencies are crucial in maintaining public health and safety by responding to incidents involving stray animals, dangerous pets, and animal-related nuisances. Harris County works closely with various animal control agencies to ensure the well-being of both pets and residents.

If you have concerns or issues regarding stray animals or other animal-related incidents, you can contact your local animal control agency. These agencies provide services such as animal rescue, rehoming, and the management of stray animal populations.

Find more information about local animal control agencies on the Harris County Public Health website.

Lost and Found Pets

What to Do if You Lose a Pet

Losing a pet can be a stressful experience, but there are steps you can take to increase the chances of a safe return. Harris County Pets provides resources for pet owners to search for lost pets, including a dedicated lost and found section on their website.

If you’ve lost a pet, you should:

Visit the shelter: Stray pets are often brought to the shelter. You can check their online database or visit in person.

Ensure your microchip information is up to date: A microchip is a permanent form of identification, and it increases the chances of your pet being returned.

Use community resources: Social media, local animal groups, and websites like PawBoost can help you locate a lost pet.

For more information on lost pets, visit the Lost and Found section.

Harris County TX Pet Resources and Contacts

Here is a list of important pet-related departments and services in Harris County:

Harris County Veterinary Public Health (VPH)
Address: 612 Canino Rd, Houston, TX 77076
Phone: (832) 927-1901
Website: www.countypets.com

Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce
Phone: 832-927-PAWS (7297)
Website: apps.harriscountytx.gov/AnimalCruelty/

Harris County Pet Clinic
Address: 612 Canino Rd, Houston, TX 77076
Phone: (281) 999-3191
Website: www.countypets.com/Pet-Clinic

Harris County Customer Service Call Center
Phone: (713) 755-5000
Website: www.harriscountytx.gov/Services-Portal

This guide highlights the many pet-related resources and programs that Harris County offers its residents, ensuring the health, safety, and happiness of both pets and their owners. Whether you’re adopting, fostering, or simply caring for your pet, Harris County provides a wealth of services to help you every step of the way.

Harris County Pets FAQs

How do I adopt a pet from Harris County?

Adopting a pet from Harris County Pets is a straightforward process. The shelter operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and adoptions must be done in person. Adoption hours are Monday to Friday from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM, and weekends from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM. When adopting, be sure to bring a collar and leash for dogs, or a pet carrier for cats. The adoption fee includes a spay or neuter procedure, rabies vaccination, a microchip, and a one-year Harris County pet license. Senior citizens (60+) and military personnel are eligible for discounted fees. Visit the Harris County adoption page to learn more and explore available pets.

What is the process for licensing my pet in Harris County?

All cats and dogs over three months old in unincorporated Harris County must have a current rabies vaccination and a pet license. To license your pet, you will need proof of rabies vaccination, microchip information, and spay/neuter status (if applicable). Licensing can be completed online or in person. There are different fees depending on whether your pet is altered, and seniors can benefit from discounted rates. For more information on the licensing process, visit the Harris County Pet Licensing page.

How do I report animal cruelty in Harris County?

Harris County is committed to addressing animal cruelty, and residents are encouraged to report any incidents of abuse or neglect. The Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce is responsible for investigating these cases. If you suspect animal cruelty, report it through the official channels to ensure the appropriate action is taken.

Can I volunteer or foster a pet in Harris County?

Yes! Harris County Pets offers both volunteer and fostering opportunities. Volunteers assist with animal care, adoption events, and outreach, and must be at least 16 years old. Foster homes provide temporary care for pets awaiting adoption, helping to alleviate overcrowding in the shelter. For more details on how to get involved, check out the Volunteer and Foster page.

What should I do if I lose my pet in Harris County?

Losing a pet can be stressful, but Harris County Pets provides resources to help. If your pet is lost, you can visit the shelter at 612 Canino Rd to search for them, as stray animals are frequently brought in. Additionally, ensure your pet's microchip information is up to date. For more advice and resources on locating lost pets, visit the Lost & Found page.