Christmas in July Adoption Event Offers Reduced Fees at Harris County Pets Amid Shelter Overcrowding
Harris County Pets (HCP) is celebrating “Christmas in July” with reduced adoption fees from July 24 through July 31, offering dogs for $25 and cats for $10. Each adoption includes spay and neuter services, rabies vaccination, a one-year Harris County pet license, and microchipping—critical steps in responsible pet ownership.
Located at 612 Canino Rd, Houston, TX 77076, Harris County Pets is an open-intake municipal shelter serving unincorporated Harris County. As such, it is required to accept every animal, regardless of breed, health condition, or circumstances. This responsibility has led to a substantial intake, with 381 cats and 441 dogs arriving at the facility in June 2025 alone. Shelter leadership acknowledges that overcrowding is a growing challenge, and your decision to adopt can make a tangible difference right now.
Why Adopting From a Shelter Matters
According to the Humane World for Animals, adopting from a shelter not only saves lives but also helps reduce the demand for mass-breeding facilities often referred to as “puppy mills,” which prioritize profit over animal welfare . Shelter pets also cost less, are usually spayed or neutered, and have received medical screening prior to adoption.
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In addition to reducing shelter overcrowding, adoption can have health and emotional benefits for pet owners. Studies cited by the ASPCA show that pet ownership is linked to lower stress levels, improved heart health, and increased social interaction .
Why Shelter Populations Are Surging in 2025
Shelters nationwide are reporting record intakes in 2025. The ASPCA attributes this increase to multiple factors, including economic pressures, housing insecurity, and a shortage of veterinary services, all of which have contributed to pet relinquishment and delayed spay/neuter appointments .
Harris County Pets is experiencing these same pressures. The organization stresses that adoptions, foster homes, and community involvement are critical to alleviating overcrowding and preventing euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals.
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How You Can Help
The Harris County Pets “Christmas in July” event offers residents an opportunity to make an immediate impact. The shelter is open Monday through Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. More information can be found at Countypets.com.
For those unable to adopt, volunteering, fostering, or donating to support animal welfare programs can also play a vital role in addressing this growing crisis.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for updates on local pet adoption events and resources.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.