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Houston Matters

County Animal Shelter Sheds Light on Overpopulation

Houston Matters’ Maggie Martin visits with the Harris County Animal Shelter to learn more about the challenges the agency faces.

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Some kittens up for adoption at the Harris County Animal Shelter.

When many Houstonians think about local animal shelters, they think of BARC — that’s the city’s animal shelter. But, Harris County Animal Shelter may not be as well known. Nevertheless, we've received a few emails recently saying the shelter is underfunded, understaffed, and overcrowded. It’s an example of a larger problem in Greater Houston — overpopulation of stray animals.

Maggie Martin visits the Harris County Animal Shelter and Dr. Michael White, DVM, MS Director – Veterinary Public Health Division, to learn more about their operation and the challenges they face.

  • Harris County Pets is temporarily waiving adoption fees and suspending some animal intake services amidst over-crowding and a staffing shortage at its shelter. (Photo Credit: Harris County Pets)
    Harris County Pets is temporarily waiving adoption fees and suspending some animal intake services amidst over-crowding and a staffing shortage at its shelter. (Photo Credit: Harris County Pets)
  • Some kittens up for adoption at the Harris County Animal Shelter. (Photo Credit: Harris County Animal Shelter)
    Some kittens up for adoption at the Harris County Animal Shelter. (Photo Credit: Harris County Animal Shelter)
  • A volunteer spends some quality time with a dog at the Harris County Animal Shelter. (Photo Credit: Harris County Animal Shelter)
    A volunteer spends some quality time with a dog at the Harris County Animal Shelter. (Photo Credit: Harris County Animal Shelter)
  • Volunteers at the Harris County Animal Shelter spend time with a couple dogs up for adoption. (Photo Credit: Harris County Animal Shelter)
    Volunteers at the Harris County Animal Shelter spend time with a couple dogs up for adoption. (Photo Credit: Harris County Animal Shelter)
  • Volunteers at the Harris County Animal Shelter bathe puppies. (Photo Credit: Harris County Animal Shelter)
    Volunteers at the Harris County Animal Shelter bathe puppies. (Photo Credit: Harris County Animal Shelter)
  • A young girl holds a puppy at the Harris County Animal Shelter. (Photo Credit: Harris County Animal Shelter)
    A young girl holds a puppy at the Harris County Animal Shelter. (Photo Credit: Harris County Animal Shelter)
  • Houston Matters producer Maggie Martin talks with Dr. Michael White at the Harris County Animal Shelter. (Photo Credit: Harris County Public Health Dept.)
    Houston Matters producer Maggie Martin talks with Dr. Michael White at the Harris County Animal Shelter. (Photo Credit: Harris County Public Health Dept.)