Spring-area residents looking to add a four-legged family member can adopt a dog or puppy for $25 and a cat or kitten for $20 throughout August, as Harris County Pets joins the national Clear the Shelters campaign.
The reduced fees run Saturday, Aug. 1 through Monday, Aug. 31 at the Harris County Pets Resource Center, 612 Canino Road in Houston. Walk-ins are welcome.
The shelter, which serves unincorporated Harris County including Spring, has operated at times at least 175% above capacity while fielding more than 30,000 animal-control calls a year. It takes in between 10,000 and 18,000 animals annually. Public data showed the facility exceeded its critical dog capacity every month of 2024.
"Our goal is simple — to help every healthy, adoptable pet find a loving home," Corey Steele, director of the Harris County Public Health Veterinary Public Health Division, said in a July 30 announcement. "Whether you're looking for a playful puppy, a laid-back cat, or a loyal companion, you'll find amazing pets ready to become part of your family."
Every adoption includes spay or neuter surgery, microchip, deworming, age-appropriate vaccinations including rabies, and a one-year Harris County pet license.
Clear the Shelters, now in its 12th year, is led nationally by NBCUniversal Local and Telemundo. Since launching in 2015, the campaign has helped more than 1.2 million pets find homes across the country. Harris County Pets confirmed its participation in a Friday, July 31 Instagram post.
Despite the capacity crunch, the shelter has maintained a live-release rate of at least 90% for four consecutive years, according to its public data.
Steele urged potential adopters to make sure they have the time, resources, and space before bringing an animal home.
Residents who aren't ready for permanent ownership can still help by fostering, which frees kennel space and gives staff behavioral information about animals in a home setting. Volunteering, donating, and licensing pets are other ways to support the shelter.
Adoption hours are Monday through Friday, 1 to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Browse available animals with photos and bios at CountyPets.com or call 281-999-3191.
Upcoming community dates:
- Aug. 1–31: Clear the Shelters reduced adoption fees at Harris County Pets, 612 Canino Road
- Through Tuesday, Sept. 15: Clear the Shelters fundraising campaign continues nationally
