That problem is the huge homeless pet population. Because it is such a huge problem, it requires people in the community to be educated on the issue and what they can do to help or at least not contribute to the problem.
Always Spay and Neuter - By not spaying or neutering, pet parents are giving the animal a biological imperative to escape and procreate. Even with just a single escape, a male animal could impregnate multiple females. Each of those litters can be 10+ homeless animals. The animals will suffer and those that make it off the streets are the burden of the city or the countless rescue groups.
Fostering - Some cities, like San Antonio, are what you call "no kill", Houston is not. That means that county/city shelters must take in all animals that the community brings in but has limited kennel space. That means when the kennels are full, they have to start making space by euthanizing. By fostering, you can make space in the kennels and give the pet a chance to find their forever home. You can foster directly through the shelter or work with local rescues who prioritize the at-risk pets.
BARC - You can foster through them directly and participate in the adoption events and services they offer. It can also be a great opportunity to foster with the possibility of adopting.
Rescued Pets Movement - Saved over 40,000 lives since it was founded in 2013 all from BARC. They work with partners in Colorado who agree to take the pets and fosters in Houston to keep them until ready for transport.
They are only limited by the number of foster families they can get in Houston, not Colorado. So they could be saving even more lives if more people here at home get involved. They provide medical care and supplies and the animals are generally transported within a week or two. Neighbors Lin Chamberlin, Alaina Hebert, and Kim Fesler among many others work with this group.
Animal Justice League, Houston Pets Alive, and Friends for Life are also local rescues that our neighbors love volunteering, fostering, and adopting with.
Lonestar Boxer Rescue - The dog pictured above is Layla who is currently being fostered by neighbor Stacy Rushton.
- Alaina Hebert, Animal Advocate