Harris County Pets Offers Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Services This February to Curb Pet Overpopulation
As Spay and Neuter Awareness Month and Responsible Pet Owners Month kick off, Harris County Pets (HCP) is doubling down on prevention with expanded low-cost spay and neuter services for pet owners in unincorporated Harris County. These services will be available throughout February, every Tuesday and Thursday, and on Monday, February 23, at the Harris County Pets Clinic on Canino Road.
With up to 20 pets served per clinic day, HCP is focused on helping families access critical care while supporting long-term solutions to shelter overcrowding and stray animal populations across Greater Houston.
“At Harris County Pets, prevention is one of the most powerful tools we have to save lives,” said Corey Steele, Director of HCP and the Veterinary Public Health Division at Harris County Public Health (HCPH). “By offering affordable spay and neuter services, we’re helping families keep their pets healthy while also reducing the number of unwanted litters that too often end up in shelters. These simple procedures make a lasting difference for pets and for our entire community.”
The Overcrowding Crisis in 2025
In 2025, Harris County Pets operated beyond capacity for much of the year. Shelter statistics reveal that dog populations consistently hovered around 440–460 animals per month—well above the shelter's designated dog capacity threshold of 240. Cat populations surged during the summer, with June and July seeing cat intakes of nearly 380—exceeding the shelter’s 225-cat capacity.
This level of overcrowding strains resources and compromises the level of care animals receive. It also highlights why prevention—like spaying and neutering—is vital to the health of both pets, shelters, and the community.
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Why Spay and Neuter Matters
Data from HCP’s 2025 spay and neuter efforts show strong community demand, especially in the final quarter of the year. The number of spay/neuter procedures peaked in December, reaching over 320 for both cats and dogs. That’s more than a 50% increase from January, when fewer than 250 pets were fixed.
This growing turnout shows that more pet owners are not only becoming aware of the issue—they’re feeling the importance of taking action. Each pet that’s spayed or neutered means fewer surprise litters and less strain on already crowded shelters. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Spay and neuter benefits include:
For Pets
- Improved health and reduced risk of cancers and infections
- Longer, healthier lifespan
- Reduced roaming, spraying, and aggressive behaviors
For the Community
- Fewer stray animals in neighborhoods
- Decreased intake at local animal shelters
- Reduced taxpayer burden for animal control and shelter services
How to Schedule an Appointment
Surgeries are performed by licensed veterinarians and cost just $40 per pet. Appointments are required and are first-come, first-served. With demand expected to remain high, residents are encouraged to schedule early at countypets.com/clinic.
Spay and Neuter Clinic Dates (February 2026):
- Tuesday, Feb. 3 | Thursday, Feb. 5
- Tuesday, Feb. 10 | Thursday, Feb. 12
- Tuesday, Feb. 17 | Thursday, Feb. 19
- Monday, Feb. 23 | Tuesday, Feb. 24 | Thursday, Feb. 26
Harris County Pets is located at 612 Canino Road, Houston, TX 77076.
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Additional Help Available
For families in need of financial support, HCP offers assistance connecting residents with other programs. Community members can email resources@countypets.com to explore low-cost or subsidized services for pet care.
In a region that sees more than 10,000 animals taken in annually, small preventive measures—like spaying and neutering—can have an outsized impact. This February, Harris County Pets is making it easier than ever to do the right thing for your pet, your neighborhood, and your shelter system.
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.
