HOUSTON — Harris County Pets Animal Shelter is cutting down on how much time an animal has before being put down.
Harris County Pets services the county's unincorporated areas and said the new euthanasia policy is because the shelter has a critically high dog population. The agency recently shortened its euthanasia policy time from 30 to 15 days. Pets may now be eligible for euthanasia after 15 days.
Harris County Pets says they notify rescue and volunteer groups when animals near their 15th day at the shelter.
"It takes everyone in the community to have the mindset that a pet is best in a home. And a pet shouldn't have to lose its life just due to lack of time or resources," said Sophia Proler.
Proler covers the south-central region for Best Friends Animal Society. It's a national animal welfare agency. She said the shift in policy is a sad reality that could be helped with more support and education.
"It takes a village. It's not just up to the shelter to feed house care for and find homes for all of these animals. It takes me it takes you. It takes our friends," she said.
According to data listed on Harris County Pets, the shelter has been at double capacity for dogs this entire year. Proler said in addition to better programs to assist with capacity issues, the average pet lover can take a few steps.
"Whatever animal you're interested in you're going to find it at the shelter," she said.
First, you can adopt. Fees are often waived and animals should already come microchipped and spayed or neutered.
Second, you can foster. Proler said fostering is a great choice for people not quite ready to commit to long-term pet ownership.
Third, you can volunteer. Shelters are often short-staffed year-round and especially during holidays.
And finally, keep track of your pets and spread the word about the growing needs of our animal population.
"By adopting you're helping not just the animal you're bringing into your home you're helping make space for another pet in need," she said.
Statement from Harris County Pets regarding new euthanasia policy:
Harris County Public Health’s (HCPH) Harris County Pets (HCP) is committed to saving all adoptable homeless animals that come to our shelter, giving them the best chance for a loving, forever home. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, it is not always possible to save every animal. HCP’s updated euthanasia policy, which can be found at this link, prioritizes compassion and transparency. It provides a consistent process that gives every healthy and adoptable animal the chance to find a home while fostering collaborative efforts with rescue partners and community members. Key updates to the policy include weekly notifications on Fridays to rescue and volunteer groups about animals nearing 15 days at the shelter and daily reports detailing adoptions, fosters, and euthanasia outcomes. HCP encourages the community to get involved through adoption, fostering, and volunteering by visiting https://www.countypets.com/ or calling 281-999-3191 for more information.