Harris County Pets to Offer Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Events This Month
Harris County Pets Resource Center (HCP), the open-admission animal shelter for unincorporated Harris County, will offer five low-cost spay and neuter events in February in observance of Spay and Neuter Awareness Month and Responsible Pet Owners Month. These events aim to promote responsible pet ownership and address the ongoing pet overpopulation issue.
“Spaying and neutering your pet is one of the most important things you can do as a responsible pet owner,” said Corey Steele, the Veterinary Public Health Division Director for Harris County Public Health (HCPH), which operates HCP. “Harris County continues to face a high stray animal population. Spaying and neutering your pet addresses these challenges head-on. By preventing unwanted litter, we also minimize the risk of stray animals contributing to spreading disease and posing potential threats to public safety. These events make it easier and more affordable for pet owners in our community to spay or neuter their pets.”
Each event will provide spay and neuter surgeries for $25 each for a total of 35 owned pets in unincorporated Harris County (outside the City of Houston). Licensed veterinarians conduct the surgeries.
Pet owners must:
- Call 281-999-3191 to schedule an appointment. (Walk-ins will not be accepted.)
- Show proof of residency in unincorporated Harris County (e.g., driver’s license or any other valid ID indicating the current address)
The Harris County Pets Resource Center, located at 612 Canino Road in Houston, will host all events on the dates below:
- Tuesday, Feb 6
- Saturday, Feb. 10
- Saturday, Feb. 17
- Tuesday, Feb 20
- Saturday, Feb. 24
Benefits of Spaying and Neutering
In observance of Spay and Neuter Awareness Month and Responsible Pet Owners Month, HCP and HCPH encourage pet owners to make the responsible choice of spaying or neutering their furry companions. This simple, safe procedure offers numerous benefits for pets and our community.
Benefits for Your Pet
- Improved health: Spaying and neutering can significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers and infections in dogs and cats.
- Longer lifespan: According to the Humane Society of the United States, studies show that spayed and neutered pets live longer, healthier lives.
- Reduced behavioral issues: Spaying and neutering can help to calm aggressive behavior, make pets more trainable, and reduce the urge to roam.
Benefits for Our Community
- Reduced pet overpopulation: Unwanted litters contribute to the overcrowding of animal shelters, leading to euthanasia. Spaying or neutering helps to prevent this heartbreaking reality.
- Fewer stray animals: Stray animals can pose health risks to the community and often face harsh lives on the streets. Spaying or neutering helps to keep pets in loving homes and reduce the number of strays.
- Lower costs: Controlling the pet population reduces the burden on animal shelters and rescues, leading to lower costs for taxpayer-funded animal control services.
Harris County Pets understands that cost can be a barrier for some pet owners. If you cannot sign up your pet for any of the spay and neuter events in February, you can visit CountyPets.com for a list of low-cost spay and neuter services offered by various organizations across the county.
For more information about the spay and neuter events or other HCP programs, please visit CountyPets.com, follow HCP on Facebook and Instagram, or call 281-999-3191.
Source: Harris County Pets
