Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make a donation to help the animals at the Houston SPCA?
Click here to make an online donation. You can also mail a check to:
Houston SPCA
900 Portway Drive
Houston, Texas 77024 

What is the Houston SPCA and what do you do?
We are Houston's oldest and largest animal protection organization. For information on all of life saving programs, click here.

How do I find you and when can I come?
Click here to visit our hours and directions page.

How do I adopt a pet from the Houston SPCA?
We have a "first come, first adopt" policy. We ask that you come to our shelter and meet with one of our adoption counselors.  We are open for adoptions daily, from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Please bring your current TX driver's license or ID and proof of current address if not on the license/ID. Your approval for adoption is good for six months in case you do not immediately see your perfect new companion.  Our adoption fees are payable by cash or check and include the animal, spay/neuter surgery, first set of shots and more. Click here for all of our adoption information.

I can no longer keep my pet and need to put my pet up for adoption. Can I bring it to you?
Yes. Click here for information about bringing your pet to us. 

Do you have a certain type of dog or cat? Our adoption staff is not able to research requests regarding particular animals.   However, we keep a current listing of all adoptable animals on our adoptions page.

How do I adopt a farm animal?
In order to adopt a farm animal, we need to have your completed and approved Farm Animal Adoption application on file. Visit our farm animal adoption page for details and a downloadable application

How do I become a Houston SPCA Volunteer?
The Houston SPCA has more than 500 dedicated volunteers helping us.  Without these compassionate, caring people, we couldn't continue our efforts on behalf of the animals. For more information, or to become a Houston SPCA volunteer visit our Volunteer Page.

How do I become a Houston SPCA Employee?
Visit our Employment page for  our downloadable employment application and current job listings. 

How do I file a cruelty report?
Please go to the Cruelty Investigations and Rescue page of our site.  You can submit a Cruelty Report online or call 713-869-7722 to speak to an operator.  We need as much detail as possible about the suspected abuse. 

What do I do if I found an animal?  When can I bring him to you?
Visit our admissions page for all the details on how to admit an animal to the Houston SPCA 

Can you come pick up an animal that I saw running the streets?
Because we are a private shelter, unfortunately we are not able to pick up animals running loose and considered strays. You will need to contact either Harris County Animal Control (HCAC) at 281.999.3191 or Houston Animal Control (BARC) at 713-238-9600.

How long do you keep strays?
We will hold a stray animal for the mandatory 3 day stray holding period.  If they are not claimed after that time, our clinic staff will evaluate the animal for adoption.  

When will a "lost dog/cat" become available for adoption?
We are not able to discuss disposition of lost and found animals because the animal may be claimed by their owner, need to go into foster care to gain health or strength, or have certain health or behavioral problems that make them unsuitable for adoption.

What do I do if I think my lost pet is at the Houston SPCA?
Come to the Houston SPCA as soon as possible.  At the Adoption Desk ask to go through the Lost / Found department and fill out a Lost Report.  We only keep animals in Lost / Found for a maximum of three days.  If your animal is not at our shelter, please check with one of the other Animal Controls or check our Lost and Found page.

I have a behavior issue with my pet, who can I talk to about this?
We have a certified Animal Behavior Specialist on staff. Check out our Behavior Page for many great tips. 

Do you offer spay/neuter services?
The Houston SPCA's Public Spay and Neuter Clinic provides free vaccinations and spaying / neutering surgery for pets of income qualified families. Qualifications include Medicaid, AFDC, Food Stamps, Social Security Disability, WIC, AIDS Foundation, and major disability / VA.  Visit our Spay and Neuter page for all the details.

Is the Houston SPCA a “no kill” shelter?
The Houston SPCA is what is termed an "open door" shelter, meaning that we accept every animal that is brought to us.  We feel that we serve the animals of our community best this way. Although the idea of becoming a no-kill shelter is certainly appealing, current reality in Houston is not that simple. 

How long do you keep the animals at your shelters before they are euthanized?
There is no set "time limit" for animals in our care. 

The Houston SPCA respects the privacy of its donors. We do not sell or exchange any individual donor information. For details on our privacy policy, click here.