Santa Paws Drive Delivers Hope to Harris County Pets Shelter with Over 1,000 Donations
The holiday spirit came alive in a big way this season as the Santa Paws Christmas Drive brought in truckloads of donations for Harris County Pets, a vital lifeline for stray and abandoned animals in the Greater Houston Area. Thanks to the efforts of Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey and a generous community, more than 1,000 items—ranging from pet food and toys to cozy beds and blankets—were delivered to the shelter on December 15.
The donation marked one of the largest single deliveries ever received by Harris County Pets, the open-admission animal shelter serving unincorporated Harris County. With over 9,000 animals entering their doors each year, the shelter is always in need of community support.
“What makes Santa Paws so special is seeing the generosity of our community and their commitment to helping animals,” said Commissioner Tom Ramsey. “We thank Harris County Pets, Friends of Harris Pets, Mystic Mutts Groomers, Sheffield Liquidators of Crosby, our local rescue groups, fosters, and volunteers for their work to make this Christmas drive a success.”
Supporting a Shelter That Serves Thousands
The need is immense. Harris County is home to an estimated 1 million stray animals, and every year thousands of them arrive at Harris County Pets in need of food, shelter, medical care, and—most importantly—a second chance. Despite the volume, the shelter maintains an impressive live release rate, with 80% of the animals eventually finding loving homes through adoption or foster programs.
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To support this ongoing mission, Commissioner Ramsey has championed significant investment in the shelter’s infrastructure and operations. His office contributes $1 million annually to Harris County Pets, aimed at expanding spay/neuter services, educating residents about responsible pet ownership, and promoting low-cost veterinary care.
Part of that funding also supports an upcoming remodel of a new facility in the Spring area. This site will host pet adoption events and serve as a more accessible community resource for potential adopters. Details about the opening are expected soon.
How You Can Help Harris County Pets
Residents looking to make a difference can get involved in several meaningful ways:
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Adopt or Foster a Pet: Browse available pets at CountyPets.com and give an animal a second chance at life.
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Volunteer at the Shelter: Volunteers help with everything from dog walking and cat socialization to off-site adoption events.
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Donate Supplies: The shelter is always in need of food, toys, crates, towels, and cleaning supplies. Donations can be dropped off or purchased through the shelter’s Amazon wishlist.
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Promote Spay/Neuter Services: In 2025 alone, Harris County Pets facilitated 6,000 spay/neuter surgeries. One spay/neuter can prevent the birth of up to 67,000 puppies or 370,000 cats over six years.
These efforts not only reduce pet overpopulation but also lighten the burden on local shelters and rescue groups working tirelessly to save lives.
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Want to Get Involved?
Visit countypets.com for information on adoption, fostering, low-cost services, and volunteering opportunities. Community members can also follow Harris County Pets on social media to stay updated on adoption events, shelter needs, and rescue stories that will warm your heart year-round.
This season, the Santa Paws Christmas Drive served as a reminder that even small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect—and for the animals at Harris County Pets, those ripples are changing lives.
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.
